I am extremely home sick. I only have my husband, no friends, no job....nothing!?

Question

I have been living in the UK for almost 2 years and am having such a difficult time with life. I have no friends or job...I am having difficulty finding work in my profession (interior design) and don't know how to get out of this rut. Any KIND HELPFUL suggestions?

Answer 1

Are ther any clubs you can join? Is there other type of work that you might enjoy doing? Volunteer opportunities? Think of anything you can do to get out and enjoy life. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Hi Bella, I know the feeling as this was the case when I first left home and wanted to go back after 6 months of crappy jobs but that was along time ago, I did a lot of travelling since then and eventually settled back home in good old Dublin, where I am happy and relaxed..Sadly all my mates moved abroad and never came back so it was hard at first but I soon settled back in and made new friends...
You might find setting about a portfolio of your work and contacting building contractors who need show house designs for up and coming developments a start, its a competitive business interior design so maybe with the right business plan you can get on your feet!
Feel free to email me if you like for a good chat and a laugh..."friends as they say are far and few between" these days as we all run about like headless chickens!
Life's too short to be lonely girl!

Answer 3

There's usually some sort of community thing where people from a foreign country can get together and share experiences or whatever, see if there's one in your area (ask at a Citizens Advice Bureau or find them online).

Maybe you just need to get out and see some more of Britain, there's a lot here (not just London or other big cities! They can be some of the most lonely places to live if you weren't brought up there). With no job and no commitments you could take off on your own for a week or two, money permitting, and meet people in youth hostels etc, they're usually a very friendly bunch!

If you're in a city then get out for a while - go to the countryside and commune with the cows. :-D

Answer 4

You have been living in UK for 2 years but not been able to make any friends? are you a very shy person? What about your husband does he not have friends with whom you can make good friendship? AS for work it is something you have to keep trying.... but in interior decor. field you can always volunteer with some of the companies to get some exposure and experience. You can take flexible timings and just do the thing you love ofcourse there will be no pay, but think after 6-8 months u can ask them for reference and also show it as an experience! besides you would be occupied not get bored.
Otherwise you could also do some volunteer work locally for the old homes, the blind institutes, schools, many organisations are short handed keep needing people to help them out why not enroll yourself into one of these institutions, it would be a great help to them and give you greater satisfaction.

Answer 5

I know exactly how you are feeling.I am Australian and I lived in Ireland for 13 years,and foe the first 3 and a half years l didn't work and sometimes l would feel so lonely and become homesick.If you are finding it difficult to find a job in your profession,try something different for awhile and then when you have made a few close friends,then look for a job in your profession.That's what l did,and l am glad l did it.

Answer 6

I really hope things get better soon Bella. I think perhaps the key is to get out into the community here. You don't mention if you have children - meeting other mums can be a great start to building a social circle. Do something for fun, aim to meet as many people as you can. Friends will introduce you to their friends, word can get round about your business and that's how things can start. How are your hubby's friends/work colleagues? Any scope to hold a little social evening to meet them? Talk to your husband. You're obviously feeling isolated but you can change it. All the best. PS Lots of good causes here need good trustworthy volunteers. Maybe you can do some relevant work for a charity that will showcase your talents? Decorate a local playgroup or community building and get coverage of your efforts. i'm sure it will work out for you, hang in there! Get to know more about your community and make it work for you.

Answer 7

Set up your own business and advertise a little - even if you don't make much, it will get you out the house. Join a gym I'm a PT so I can tell you - we're a friendly bunch. Do some charity work - if you're not good with people, try the RSPCA. Or try a part time college course, maybe something to help set up a business, or expand on your existing skills?

Also, talk to your husband - presumably he has a job. Maybe you could double date with some of his colleagues. Surely he will want to help you here...

If all else fails get a house visitor, if you know what I mean. Someone who provides a personal service. Nudge nudge, wink wink!

Answer 8

Hi, I know how you feel, I also live in a foreign country, it can be hard to settle, you need to try to get out more often, try to join clubs, take up a hobby. It took me ages to settle and I'm still desperate to go home. At least you speak the language, that was something else I found a problem, still do, I'm lucky I have some UK neighbours, but try not to get depressed, have you tried job centres, you could even take up a different type of job until something in your line of work turns up, at least it will get you out and meeting people. If you feel so low at the moment remember things can only start to get better.

Answer 9

where are you from originally?
You could see if there are 'other' people from your home community living over here. Use the web, or phone your local council for info.
I think it is easier t meet people once in a job, but if this is proving difficult why not try adult education courses. A good way to learn a new skill or hobby & meet people. Also try library. Or local leisure centre.
Set yourself target, however small, to do something each day to get out of the rut. this is how i manage to get myself up again. Little steps are best ! good luck

Answer 10

The best place to start is by getting a job because that instantly widens your social circle. If you're not having any luck with your chossen profession, try something new. Join all your local recruitment agencies and see if they can help.

Other than that, what about your husbands work mates? Some of them must be married. Perhaps you can meet up with thier wifes?

Answer 11

I lived abroad for a few years too
My cure for home sickness is very simple little reminders of home (usually in the form of food and drink)
I'm Belgian and I used to live in Dublin whenever I got homesick I just went down to a pub that served Belgian beer and after a few beers I felt a whole lot better.