[CreativeMe]

Hello everyone,

I’ve been half-heartedly looking for a job for the past few months of so, but there have been some worries that are holding me back.

I’ve never really had a “real” part time job. I currently volunteer at a local animal shelter once a week. I don’t “hate” it there, but put simply, every time I go, I’m counting down the minutes from when I get there to when I leave. Leaving is literally the best time of the day for me. I just feel like I’m under a lot of stress when I’m there, which is strange, considering that it’s quite a laid back environment. There shouldn’t be any pressure, considering I’m not getting paid. But there is, and as I get closer to the day I have to volunteer, the stress starts to build up, and when I get there, it feels like I’m not doing a good enough job, but I have no energy or motivation to do better.

The reason I’m saying this is because I’ve been on and off about a part-time job search. If I can barely get through 4 hours of volunteer work, once a week, how exactly am I going to work 5-9 hours most days of the week, in a professional work environment? Every time I think about this, my motivation to get a job just sort of stops completely. I know I need to get a job, but I just feel like even if I manage to get a job, how will I succeed in the position? I would really appreciate thoughts from those who have been in a similar boat.

[healingme4me]

A paycheck can sometimes be motivating enough.

[CreativeMe]

Originally Posted by healingme4me

A paycheck can sometimes be motivating enough.

I suppose you're right, but I can't help but want a job that I actually enjoy doing, regardless of pay. I feel like even with the money, if I don't enjoy the job, I'm going to dread going every day.

Then again, having a job could give me something to do. It's possible working hard every day could be beneficial for my mental health in the long term. As of right now, though, it's very intimidating.

I find having a job (even part-time, 24-32 hours a week) helps me to have a routine and a sense of accomplishment. It isn't a glamorous job but I get to work alone for the most part and at my own pace (I do aisle maintenance and stocking shelves at a large store). Getting a paycheck certainly doesn't hurt either! It definitely helps with my mental health overall although it can be a challenge at times.

Without a degree of any sort you will likely find it hard to get a job that you truly enjoy, but maybe you can change your goal to finding a job that you can tolerate? You could also seek part-time hours and shorter shifts so you aren't as overwhelmed. When I began my job it was 5 hour shifts. When I felt ready, I asked for it to be increased to 8 hour shifts. Nothing wrong with recognizing your limitations and doing only what you are capable.

[CreativeMe]

Originally Posted by scaredandconfused

I find having a job (even part-time, 24-32 hours a week) helps me to have a routine and a sense of accomplishment. It isn't a glamorous job but I get to work alone for the most part and at my own pace (I do aisle maintenance and stocking shelves at a large store). Getting a paycheck certainly doesn't hurt either! It definitely helps with my mental health overall although it can be a challenge at times.

Without a degree of any sort you will likely find it hard to get a job that you truly enjoy, but maybe you can change your goal to finding a job that you can tolerate? You could also seek part-time hours and shorter shifts so you aren't as overwhelmed. When I began my job it was 5 hour shifts. When I felt ready, I asked for it to be increased to 8 hour shifts. Nothing wrong with recognizing your limitations and doing only what you are capable.

Thanks for the input! I can definitely see a part time job helping my mental health, something I hadn't thought about before. I think at this point I just need to find jobs I think I can deal with, apply there, and hope for the best. I'm going to keep searching.