A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:Dear cupid,Not really a relationship question, more a career related.Hi I’m nearly 30 years old and have been working self employed/contracting to employers in the construction field since I finished school. I have always liked my job but it’s not high paying. A few years ago I wanted a change and to set myself up better for the future so I went and completed a four year university degree in the medical field then spent a year trying to get into the field. So five years later, I finally started my new career.My problem, I’m a month in and I absolutely hate it. I’m struggling with the shift work, I’m miserable and I’m anxious. All very out of character for my personality. I’m so fatigued on night shifts and it’s a high paced and stressful job. I’m struggling working weekends and miss my partner so miss it’s causing me distress. We live together but we are just crossing paths with our schedules. I feel like I’m letting so many people down who are so proud of my achievements, and I realise I have not given the job a chance but I’m just so miserable. What should I do? Has anybody been in a similar situation? Do I push through in the hope of it getting better? I just want to go back to my old job I never anticipated feeling this way.
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (16 November 2018): Most new jobs are tough at the beginning and take a while to get used to. Seeing as you’ve spent 5 years studying for this, I would suggest to give it a bit more of a chance. Maybe say to yourself that you will do it for 6 months and then if you’re still unhappy, quit. In the meantime, you could explore other careers in the medical field where the working hours aren’t so difficult for you.
Would you be able to work fewer days (e.g. 4 day week) to give yourself some extra time off to relax and spend with your partner? Could you discuss your work days with your employer and see if there is any flexibility to work different days?
Whatever you decide to do has to be right for you. Don’t feel that you have let anybody down. You will surely have learnt a lot in your degree that can be applied in other jobs outside of the medical profession as well.
A
female
reader, Xx-Scorpio-xX  +, writes (13 November 2018):
 Shift work isn't for everyone~ I started a new career as a chef back at the start of the year and whilst I love my job so much the hours are long, tiring and antisocial and I never get weekends or evenings off which clashes so much with my boyfriend's time off with his 9-5 weekday hours.
You worked hard to get into the medical field so you must've had an idea at what the hours would be like? Is there an area that you could do in the medical field with more sociable hours if you like the work?
If you don't like the job at all not just the hours, then just go back to what you used to do if it made you happy, there's no point in having money if it's making you depressed getting it!
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (12 November 2018): Yes, Baby-girl, you push and push and push! Establishing a business is a huge challenge undertaking; and a test of your resolve.
You don't hit the ground running, my dear! You crawl, learn to take baby-steps, walk...and then take-off running! The first few years are a struggle! Learning what you don't know; no one to depend on, but yourself! Knowing your business is knew, no one would feel you're letting them down. Just don't let yourself down!
You're mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted from keeping up a horrendous pace since you left college.
Fatigue makes you feel discouraged; as if you're spinning your wheels, while sitting in-place. If you borrowed business-loans, check with your lender; they sometimes offer consulting for small-businesses. The offer small-business seminars and consultation to be sure you're able to live-up to your loan repayment-agreement. To give you a fair-start!
They want you to succeed!
You can also contact your Chamber of Commerce; who can offer you information and referrals. Placing you in networks who help struggling entrepreneurs. There are many long-standing programs and initiatives in the small-business world that specialize in supporting women business-owners; who give you advice and assistance to get you through your toughest challenges. Also put your local politicians to work, they talk the talk, make them walk the walk! They should also offer you help in getting established through various upstart and funding or investment programs.
Use every available resource. Often the problem is lack of organization and experience. Not knowing where to turn for help. Learning how to build from the ground up takes more than what you learned in the classroom.
My boyfriend is a self-made millionaire. He did it starting from nothing. It took him a few years, and some hard-times; but he did it. Long before I met him; but he wasn't too proud to ask for help, or seek advice. He almost gave-up and hated it too; but he loved the kind of work he does. Being the owner and his own boss was the biggest challenge of his life. He was realistic, ambitious, stubborn, and didn't expect to make big-bucks just starting-out. He had to make a lot of sacrifices. Face some terrifying moments!
Believe in yourself. You can do this! You only need a little encouragement; and some advice from other women and entrepreneurs who start their own businesses.
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