No work experience but need a job

rainbowstar

Hi, Can anyone help?
My aunt is in her 50's. She hasn't worked for over 30 years due to bringing up her family and then confidence problems. They are now adults but she needs to get a job as the family are struggling for money. Her husband is stressed to the max because he works ft but can't manage the bills on his own.
My aunt has very little/no confidence. That is why she hasn't got a job in about the last 10 - 15 years. But she knows she has to and it really upsets her. It's a vicious circle and putting a huge strain on all family relationships.
Is anyone else in the same situation?
Do you know of any jobs she could do as she has no qualifications or experience?

Thank you all

Ephemera

Shelf replenishment in a supermarket
Working in a small shop
picking and packing in a factory
General assembly / factory work

Not big paying or glamorous, but it will help build her confidence...

Cornball

Childminding.
Petsitting.
Cleaning.
Lots of older women deliver flyers/catalogues/newspapers back home, dunno if they do here.

Most jobs will require some interaction with customers though. Could she speak to her Doctor about her nerves? The Doctor might be able to recommend therapy (dunno if that is covered by the NHS though). Best of luck to her.

RedBern

how about volunteering in a charity shop or something like that for a start - just for a couple of weeks to see how she gets on - would also then give her experience.

Also, check out local care homes - they always seem to be short of staff.

rainbowstar

Yes she did speak to her doctor who i thought would try get to the bottom of the problem but she just gave her a mild antidepressant!
These are good suggestions. I will pass them onto her. It is always good to get a fresh perspective/fresh ideas.
Thank you!

Oldernotwiser

There's usually plenty of work available in care homes which will offer her on the job training as well as flexible hours.

oystercatcher

I might be worth her going on a training course, learn typing or something similar. Then she'd feel she had some skills to offer.

I think jobs in retail will be hard to find at the moment with all these buisnesses going under.

If she fancies care assistant type work it could be worth writing to the personnel dept of the local hospital. We're always desperately short staffed where I work, also things like hospital cleaners and the people who give out meals and do the tea trolley. Not brilliant pay but a start.

Oystercatcher

bestpud

I suggest she give caring a go. She doesn't need to be brimming with confidence - just caring and friendly.

She has experience in caring too - she has brought up a family.

Other than that, cleaning, as suggested, because she will tend to work alone and her confidence won't be a problem.

What about a little cleaning job to get some money coming in straight away, and volunteering alongside it?

Hopefully she could then apply for a better job once her confidence, and skills, have been given a boost.

If she does volunteer though, make sure she tries something else if it doesn't work out. There are some serious bullies and 'odd' characters in the voluntary sector!

Sorry if that offends anyone - I volunteer myself and know there is also fantastic people out there! But it is an 'industry' that attracts certain personalities and it can be difficult for those with low confidence if they get the 'wrong' place.

Oh and perhaps try a mock interview with her? PLus, make sure she is aware of her positives, and the experience she does have. Maybe she worries she won't be able to answer any questions?

onlyroz

Can't she get an appointment with a careers advisor? I guess this would be done through the job centre or the local authority.

MrsTinks

If she's up for it then definitely cleaning Good, honest and reliable cleaners seem to be like rocking horse poo round where we live! Tell her to start by advertising locally like village post office etc or ask round and see if anyone is looking for someone for a few hours. It'll soon get round that she's available and good etc and if she's self employed then it's probably going to be easier as she's not used to being ordered about by bosses etc

Bronnie

Depending on the area she lives, she could offer an ironing service working from home.
A friend of mine did this a few years ago and ended up turning clients away as news spread word of mouth. An initial ad in a local newsagent should get the ball rolling. Phone around to ascertain the going rate. Obviously, needs some thought and planning , but there is a big demand and it can be quite lucrative if you get your pricing right. She could start off small scale with just a couple of clients and it would fit around another part time job if she later got one.