Getting back into environmental work... Advice?

[Monkey Orchid]

Hi, all.

I am currently in the position of moving back into work, after a 2-year period out of the workplace (due to health problems). Previously I worked for ten years as a countryside ranger (running environmental education sessions and a public events programme, as well as working with volunteers in an urban local nature reserve); I've also worked for a county wildlife trust for a couple of years, and lastly as a part-time school group tour guide at a local rainforest centre.

I've never done a degree although I have a university diploma and NVQ level 3 in environmental conservation/countryside skills. After being 'out of the game' for so long I feel decidedly rusty and not a little unconfident about my abilities. I've just started doing some volunteering (2 days a week at an organic gardening project; 1 day a week with local countryside rangers, and helping out a local environmental action group) which I'm thinking may be a good way to build up some skills and confidence.

I was thinking that doing the volunteering would be an important thing to keep up in terms of showing prospective environmental employers my commitment and recent experience. At some point in the near future I will need to find paid work of some sort as I've only got limited savings to live off, but I want to leave myself some time free to continue the voluntary work.

Unfortunately other circumstances (money and housing) are also tricky for me at the moment, I won't go into details but suffice it to say I'm pretty much having to rebuild my life up from scratch. I wondered if anyone could offer any helpful advice, suggestions, shared experiences or even just general encouragement! I would consider doing training or distance study if that would enhance my job prospects, although financially I'm pretty limited. I'd rather not have to relocate as I have some good friends whom I couldn't manage without at the moment.

All constructive feedback appreciated...

[shenk1]

No advice to give apart from enjoy yourself whatever you do and good luck

[Monkey Orchid]

Thank you, shenk1!

[posie]

...Hi Monkey Orchid,....I know somebody who was in a similar situation as you are now..and she said the same things that you are saying...however, she now says that she didn't actually need any more qualifications or experience than she had then, her problem was that her confidence in herself had diminished due to the situation she had been, and was, in. This knock to her confidence was caused by personal things, nothing to do with her previous employment.

Confidence can be the first thing to diminish during SOME difficult times, and diminished confidence causes fear, the trouble is that sometimes we do not realise it. I believe that your idea of improving your 'wantability' by employers, stems from this loss of confidence in yourself and your abilities, not at a conscious level, 'cos you will retort..'no, it's not that, cos I know I'm good' but it is a very subtle thing.

You are not recently familiar with being employed, so it's a bit like facing the unknown, not always easy...The things that you have been through since you were last employed have changed you...look at yourself and try to identify these changes, identify the emotions you feel when recalling these events, then you can deal with them, and until we do deal with them, they are there, within us, waiting to attatch themselves to any new things we attempt to do. ...

know if it was me, the emotion on contemplating return to employment would be fear..fear of not fulfilling the employer's expectations of me, fear of doing something I hadn't done for a long time..fear of once again having to adhere to a timetable set by others..etc..etc.

.The qualifications and experience you have are sufficiently impressive for now..you can add further qualifications at any time...be it now or later...Good Luck..and let us know what you decide...Posie..

[Monkey Orchid]

Thank you, Posie. Your feedback is pretty much spot on - lack of confidence is a big issue for me at the moment. I'm trying to address this by doing the volunteering; just being around people and doing practical and constructive things seems like a way forward. It's not easy though - I still have a lot of really bad days when even getting out of the house feels like a massive challenge. Hopefully things will get easier, the more I get active.

Thanks for your good wishes.

[posie]

..Hello Again, have you tried the 'Bach Flower Remedies' ?.....Find out the specific ones for your situation, and carry the 'Rescue Remedy' with you all the time...can work wonders..I've always found 'Hornbeam' very good for 'Getting me going' in the mornings, or any time of day for that matter.

Posie.

[Monkey Orchid]

Thanks, Posie. I do have a selection of Bach Flower Remedies which I use pretty regularly - sometimes they seem more effective than others!

Rescue Remedy is a good one for general difficulties. I must admit, I do sometimes wonder though how much of their effect is due to the brandy they use to make the flower tinctures...

[posie]

Yes I know what you are saying about the brandy, but it would take more than that little bit to get me going... I think the voluntary work is a good idea, sort of a stepping stone.....Posie..