Struggling with the 'grind' of work...I think I'm stuck

[jackliveshere]

Hey all,

Before anyone comments, yes I am 25 and haven't been working for as long as most of the other members of the board, but that's the very reason for this thread Just looking for some friendly advice etc.

I've been struggling a lot lately day in day out working and I think I am kind of stuck. Let me set the scene....I work in the domestic construction industry up here in Townsville, a desk job where I'm stuck all day basically. Well I could go out to visit sites, but never get time as I'm always mad busy. It's not a bad job, I am good at it and work hard (it's a small company and everyone needs to pull their weight) and to be honest I am well paid. The first baby is on the way and due in a bit over 9 weeks, the MRS has just completed her uni degree, but will be at home in the foreseeable future looking after the baby and any others that may come along later. So it's just my income and I obviously have a responsibility to my family to support them and keep the wheels turning. What to do....hmmmm....

Let me just clarify, I'll always stick to something to support my wife and growing family, I'm just throwing around options & ideas etc. I've done the education thing through various Unis and various degrees since I finished school at 16. I'm tired of that & don't want to do any of that again.

As far as I see it, this whole situation is trying to find a balance between earning an income in a job where it's enjoyable 'most' of the time (I say most because I'm sure that even dream jobs would have their down days) and not taking too much of a drop in income. The more I think about it, the more it seems like it's a very hard thing for me to do in the foreseeable future. I feel that I am stuck in this job or very similar jobs for a while, that the change train has moved on for now.

I was thinking the other day that if I had my time over and I knew what I do now, I would most probably start an apprenticeship at about 15 or so while finishing the year 12 certificate. That way I could have been finished the apprenticeship while still mainly living at home with no expenses plus get a high school certificate. Apprenticeships appeal to me as they are more of a hands on type job. I've sat at a computer since I finished school and it's killing me slowly - i'm sure some others who do a similar thing can appreciate it! I throw around the idea of doing a mature age apprenticeship, but man, the award rates are absolutely shocking and their is no way I could support a family and pay a mortgage on it.

The only thing that keeps me sane (apart from my awesome wife) is woodworking. Don't get a whole lot of time for it due to work commitments etc, but I try to make time for it. Even if it's just time to read up about more things and learn techniques. Oh it'd be great to have some sort of full time woodworking career - what a dream that'd be - an impossible dream I would say though.

Anyhoo, sorry for the long post! Hope someone is still reading. I am interested in hearing everyone's opinions on these topics. Has anyone been in similar situations? What did you do etc? Anyone got any ideas of thoughts? I'm betting someone will just say 'suck it up', but hey, that's not too helpful to my situation And I will just stick to the job if I have to. Thanks in advance

Cheers,

Will

[Harry72]

Dont worry to much most of us would be in the same situation(or probably have been), I hated my job since day 1 and Im silly enough to still be there 15yrs later!

Ask your boss if you can change duties to something different or physical for a while.
Also I find regular exercising is a good way to cope if your feeling a little down, supposed to be one of the best stress relievers around.

[Carry Pine]

Will,

This may not come out the right way but here goes.
Many of us have been through times like you are going through right now. it happens and it's not wrong for you to take a good long look at your optiona and what could have been.
reality is what you have now. You have a job (how many Forum members would die for that?) your youth, probably good looks and a partner who appreciates you- get my drift?
You also have an outlet- woodworking which, even though you may be so down you can still lay awake at night and contemplate how many dovetails should be in that hall table drawer (are you up to dovetails yet?)
Consider the sh&^$t jobs some people have done over the years and the hours they have worked. Think of coalmining in britain and what that would have done to your body.
You will find other outlets in your life. Maybe even a physical pursuit and others will call these an obsession but the thing is- you will love it and no one can take that love away.
I say stick in there. You are smart enought to see openings when they present themselves. Don't try to make your first million making and selling woodwork- you won't. Talk to someone in the business or who has his business or his panel saw for sale at the moment.
Hope this has been of some help.

Graham

[jackliveshere]

Thanks for the replies Harry & Graham, much appreciated.

Yes I am lucky to have a job full stop as there are plenty of people who don't. It's something I'll have to continually work on I think to stop going stir crazy sitting at work! haha. And I do appreciate everything I have, my particular work situation just gets to me quickly as it's such a time consuming component of life. Anyhoo, I'll keep on pushing through it for now, never know an opportunity may rear it's head over the coming time.

[mickelmaster]

My view, and im only 16 so i dont know much, but the way i see it, stick at what you do until you find an option that meets your standards, if such an oppotunity comes along in the near future or not isnt up to us. Once again, im only 16, but i have had lots of jobs, been working with friends and famliy since i was 8, then did a paperround, then went into retail, hated it, so now im back with friends, sure i dont get much work or pay, but im still at school and its just enough money to keep my car going, i think :S.