Give me a break
Question
I don't know what to do with my life. I'm in my mid-twenties and I've dedicated my life to skateboarding, even rejecting further education in its name. Years of skateboarding have left me with serious medical injuries and no real career to speak of. I have no car, no home and can't seem to get ahead in life.
Now I fear that my life has been wasted by the mistakes I've made. I feel lost and alone. All I want to do is make a living for myself and repair my body. I'm a fairly intelligent person but I have no education to back it up so no one will give me a chance.
I'm so scared that if I don't get a break soon I never will. What can I do?
Answer
Going through a difficult time like this and feeling lost and alone can be extremely upsetting and overwhelming. But there are still options for you to explore.
Feeling very lonely may lead to feelings of unhappiness and even depression. Emotions may seem overwhelming. It may feel difficult to see how to move forward, and it can be hard to express these feelings to others. But, it may be worth considering if there is someone you could talk to, for example, a friend or a family member. People often find that sharing their feelings can help. Talking to people you know about how you feel will help them to understand what you're going through, and may enable them to support you more effectively. But as you say, you feel you have nowhere to turn, and sometimes people find it easier to speak to someone they don't know.
If you'd like to talk to someone else about how you've been feeling in confidence, Careline has a telephone counselling helpline on 0845 122 8622 where you may be able to talk through your situation and your feelings and try to find ways of moving forward with your life.
Having medical problems can become a real burden, so it's understandable that this is making you feel low too. Have you spoken to your local doctor (GP) or a specialist to get their advice on whether you would be able to be treated on the NHS? If not, this would be a very positive first step for you to take.
It is possible for adults to take or re-take their GCSEs if they have not attained them through schooling. You can then progress on to A-levels or other equivalent qualifications and then on to university if this is the route you would like to take. There are a number of course options open to you such as NVQs or vocational training.
Vocational courses are more likely to lead directly into employment, teach you new skills and allow you to start making a living for yourself, as you have said you want to do. You still have time to complete new training and get into work that you will enjoy. Many people study as mature students and an apprenticeship or vocational course may allow you to earn as you train.
You may even be able to undertake some volunteering or unpaid work experience to improve on your self-esteem and get the experience that employers value. If this is something that appeals to you, visit TheSite.org's sister site, do-it.org.uk, where you can search for volunteering opportunities in your area and apply online.
If you feel that sport is what you love, then it is possible to get into sport-related activities in many ways. For example, would you enjoy training others in skateboarding? Could you see yourself working in a sport shop or for a specialist magazine? Or perhaps you could help set up a community skateboarding project with young people? If any of these ideas appeal there are many courses available to learn new skills in retail and journalism to get in to these jobs.
If you would like to get more careers or course advice, you can call learndirect, the national learning helpline, on 0800 100 900.
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