Hi all,
I have completed my first official outside contract recently and on the look out for my next one.
I wonder if people have found it difficult to get mortgage with your own Ltd. company?
I will probably still rent for another year (at a redicuous £975 a month rent) and build up some savings then would like to consider buying a place.
How did everyone else find it? Was it difficult? Just because it's not 'permanent'.
I have UK fee free cards (such as Chase) and wondering if it's possible to take out cash in Germany ATM without being charged any fees?
Quite a lot of articles/info suggest they charge fees?
ATM fee saver shows no fees for some card types? But no idea how true that is.
Going to Octoberfest which apparently requires cash.
Many thanks
I’m a registered paediatric nurse with a full degree in Nutrition. I’ve spent the last 4 years working in acute inpatient mental health across both CAMHS and adult wards. I also recently completed the Maudsley/UKAAN Adult ADHD assessment training as I have a strong passion for working with the Neurodivergent population.
I am completely burnt out from the acute ward environment. I want to pivot into a role that focuses entirely on assessment, holistic health promotion, and therapeutic advocacy.
I am strongly considering retraining as an Occupational Therapist because they seem to be the ultimate holistic all-rounders, but I have a few questions for OTs, Specialist Nurses, or anyone who has transitioned:
Do I actually need to retrain? With my specific mix of Nursing, Nutrition, and the Adult ADHD diagnostic training, are there Band 6/7 clinical or neurodevelopmental roles I can step into right now that offer that holistic, therapeutic focus?
If retraining is truly the best path, what is the reality of getting onto a fully funded NHS OT Degree Apprenticeship? I cannot take on massive student loan debt right now.
For OTs currently practicing, is the grass actually greener, or are you facing the same burnout levels as acute nursing?
Hi all,
Has anyone used Health Academy Coaches UK (HCA) for training before and how have you found the course?
And what is the job prospects like for after?
Many thanks
Hi all,
In the past, I did a few small projects where I would provide a quotation to build something and then invoice it.
I just got my first proper outside IR35 contract (2 days in), initially only for 1 month as trial but possible for extension as they also want me to work on some future projects.
We have drafted up a contract and have made sure it's as outside IR35 as much as I can, borrowing things from the QDOS contract template. Also produced a statement of work saying what I will work on with deliverables etc.
Is it easy to have the lines blurred? Say they went for a couple of drinks and I joined them? or what are the things you guys are very careful of?
I only go in once a week but got on with them very well, we were talking about going for a few more beers in a couple of weeks after the on-site day.
Any tips, suggestions would be much appreciated. Don't want to be investigated.
Thanks
Hi all,
I have a ticket for the "Diagnosis, Assessment, and Management of ADHD in Adults Booking confirmation" 2 day course on 10th and 11th September 2026.
Unfortunately I won't be able to make it therefore can be transferred to someone else's name without any fees.
Original price is £749 and I paid for £375 (price I paid due to limited special rates).
Schedule:
| 10/09/2026 09:30 - 17:00 | ORTUS Conference and Events Venue, 82-96 Grove Lane, London, SE5 8SN |
|---|---|
| 11/09/2026 09:30 - 17:00 | ORTUS Conference and Events Venue, 82-96 Grove Lane, London, SE5 8SN |
Refreshments:
Lunch will be provided on both days.
It was very difficult to get hold of these tickets at the special rate and only not going due to won't be available for it anymore.
Link to course:
https://maudsleylearning.com/courses/diagnosis-assessment-and-management-of-adhd-in-adults/
Many thanks
Hi everyone,
I’m currently a UK-based Paediatric Nurse working in inpatient mental health (across both CAMHS and adults), and I also have a background degree in Nutrition.
Lately, I’ve been seriously considering a career change to social work. I’ve realised that my absolute favourite parts of my current job are the non-clinical, emotional, and social aspects of care. I love advocating for people, doing holistic assessments, health promotion, referring and signposting to local services/support groups, and generally empowering people and being their cheerleader!
Since I’m thinking about making the jump and retraining, I would love to hear from UK social workers (especially if you transitioned from nursing or healthcare):
How do you find the job? Is it what you expected?
Real-world examples: Could you share some typical situations you deal with day-to-day and the actual support/interventions you provide?
Pros & Cons: What are the best parts of the role, and what are the hardest realities?
Retraining: Any advice on the best routes to qualify in the UK with my background?
Any advice, reality checks, or shared experiences would be hugely appreciated. Thank you!
Hey :) I'm considering Nicaragua Panama trip , either November time or January February next year. What time is best for weather , but also not super crowded but still lively parties please and lots of nature ?
Hey :) has anyone spent Christmas in Australia in Brontë or Bondi ? Wondering how it is ? I'm trying to decide if I travel till Xmas and then go home to the UK or have Xmas new year's eve in Australia 😅 did it feel like any other day ? Or was it something worth experiencing?
I would like to visit Philliphines for one month, especially places like El Nido , coron, Siargo.
How is the weather or when is the best time to visit please? :)
Hey :)
Has anyone experienced Christmas and new year's eve in Sydney ? If so how was it ? I'm thinking to spend it there or save my money and chose somewhere low key ?
How is the weather in November for el Nido , coron , island hoping and sirargo please ? :) or best wait for march or April ?
Hi everyone,
I’m currently a nurse working in inpatient mental health across both CAMHS and adult settings, and I’m seriously considering retraining as an adult social worker. I’m feeling pretty burnt out by my current environment—it often feels like a cycle of box-ticking without being able to make a meaningful difference, paired with a lack of resources and support. I want to move somewhere I can actually impact people's lives rather than just firefighting crises and have more time with people
For those working in adult social work: How do you find your role day-to-day? What are the major pros and cons? Realistically, how much time do you actually get to spend building relationships with service users versus doing administrative/statutory work? I’d love to hear about your experiences—especially if anyone has made a similar healthcare transition. Thanks!
Looking to buy an item therefore would like to buy up some CEX vouchers. Anyone selling any vouchers.
Thanks
Hi all,
When I start up the car fast for the Fiat 500 2008, without stopping at the (ignition on, engine off) step. I sometimes get heavy steering wheel, restarting the car immediately fixes the problem.
There is a new alternator and new drive belt, a new car battery and an additional ground strap.
The new additional ground strap runs from the same bolt on the chassis to a bolt on top of the clutch cylinder. I didn't bother removing the old ground strap as it is a lot of work.
Any know what the problem might be? The only dash light that comes on is the red car battery symbol.
Any help would be appreciated.
Hello everyone,
Helping my partner to sell her ticket for the Love Trails Festival, from 2nd to 6th July 2026.
https://www.lovetrailsfestival.co.uk/
She paid £278 (including booking fees) for the ticket. Offers welcome. The organisers said it can be transferred to the buyer's name.
She's no longer able to attend anymore due to other commitments.
Thank you