I’ve got my first job in 15 years, but I feel out of my depth
DEAR DEIDRE: I’ve got a job after 15 years of not working but I’ve lost all my confidence.
My last job was stacking shelves and before that, I worked in an office and used an electronic typewriter.
I’m 66 and the job is doing admin in an office where my husband volunteers.
I’ve got osteoarthritis so getting around is difficult for me but they are so lovely in the office and always have a coffee waiting for me when I get in.
I love the work but I don’t feel confident about using the computer.
I’ve got a mobile phone and my daughter has shown me how to use WhatsApp but that’s about it. I’ve never sent an email in my life.
I’ve been doing bits of filing so far but the boss has asked me to update a database next week and I don’t know where to start.
I thought I’d be fine in this job, but actually, I feel quite out of my depth.
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DEIDRE SAYS: They’ve seen something positive in you otherwise they wouldn’t have offered you the job.
That should boost your confidence if nothing else.
Talk to the colleague who you feel would be good at explaining how the database works and take a notepad and pen with you to write everything down.
If you mastered WhatsApp, you should be fine with the computer. It will take a bit of practice, that’s all.
Perhaps a friend or relative has an old laptop you could use at home, so that you feel more comfortable with the technology.
There’s also a whole host of information on getting to grips with computers, social media, shopping online and chatting to friends through ageuk.org.uk (0800 678 1602).
Good luck!
