Temporary part time work - suggestions

GunnerGirl

Hi All

I feel stupid asking this, but if I get a couple of useful suggestions out of it, I guess it's worth it!

I worked in the television industry for 12 years, after doing a media degree. I was a raving workaholic for a long time and last year keeled over from stress and depression and have been off since.

During my recovery, I decided to quit my career and get out of the industry. I've booked myself on a course, so I can become a freelance bookkeeper, but it's isn't until the end of February and then there's a gap until the exams. I'd then have to build up a client list etc.

My old job is all I know and although my skills are transferable in theory, I only ever used them in a specific area. Temp agencies tell me I'm qualified for nothing because I haven't used certain computer and database programmes! I don't want to waste time and money getting up to speed with these because I'm not going to need them as a bookkeeper!

Unfortunately, I've already agreed to work one day a week for an old contact, which makes life difficult, as I'm now only available for four.

Essentially, I'm looking for a four day a week job, for the next three or four months!! And as the savings have now run out, I need it quickly. Oh and half the country is being made redundant. And they're probably all far more qualified than I am for such work.

Does anyone have a suggestion as to the sort of things I could look for?

By the way, despite feeling physically ill at the thought of working in tele again, I would consider killing time doing this if something suitable comes up, but everything's very quiet on this front too.

Thanks
Mx

Oldernotwiser

Where do you live?

GunnerGirl

I live in Bristol.

GunnerGirl

I should probably have also mentioned that I was a production manager - so budgets, schedules, logistics, contracts, legal, insurance, h&s etc. - essentially overseeing each step of the process in documentary production.

Thanks again.

Oldernotwiser

It could be worth sending your CV to local colleges to see if they have any part time vacancies for teaching media studies.

GunnerGirl

That's a really good idea, thanks. x

Oldernotwiser

Once an FE teacher, always an FE teacher!

Sharon87

GunnerGirl wrote: »

That's a really good idea, thanks. x

You may need to do a teaching qualification, but my college lecturer was doing that whilst teaching us!

My uni tv lecturer told me becoming a teacher was a big mistake, but it did bring in the money lol.

I think you should find work easily, as a PM you've learnt valuable skills that can be used in many different roles. On your CV talk about how you can use the skills you've got to the roles you want to do.


Just curious, what did you work on recently? Is there any jobs going there for someone starting out?

GunnerGirl

Hi Sharon

What do you want to do and where are you based?

The last thing I did was the latest Oz and James series. It actually started going out on Tuesday night. It'll officially be my last credit!

Mx

Sharon87

I'm based in London and I've had a bit of Runner and Production Assistant experience. However no paid work as of yet! I only graduated last year. My friend is trying to get TV work in Bristol or Cardiff and is struggling to find anywhere, she's currently working at Sainsburys lol.

I'll look out for the programme and hope you find a job you enjoy.

GunnerGirl

It can be really hard to get started. I started on reception at a tv company straight out of uni and worked my way up. Actually, I only got that job because I'd done unpaid work experience with them! Oh, and I only got that because my Dad's an electrician and he did some work for one of the bosses and casually mentioned I'd just graduated! It's a funny old world.

You can do the relentless CV sending, but unfortunately, you don't tend to hear much unless someone's looking for people like you at that exact moment. The bigger companies, who are likely to move their runners on internally, are a good bet. The last company I worked for was RDF. They have an intern scheme in London - so you start as a runner in the office and then if you prove yourself and there's an opening, you are then released to productions as and when they need someone. That's documentary/ reality stuff though. If it suits, take a look at their website - there's a job section there that tells you where to send your CV.

I'm really sorry, I've never worked in London, so I can't really give you specific ideas! You'll get on much better if you can drive by the way.

Unfortunately, your friend probably won't have the option of intern schemes down here. I know most of the companies in Bristol though, if she wants to check she's not missing anyone. There are also post production houses, which she shouldn't discount. They always have a lot of runners because they have clients to look after, but they're aware they want to get in to production and allow them to go when an opportunity comes up. They were often the first place I'd go when I needed someone, because they'd only put forward people they knew were good.

She's welcome to get in touch if she wants to.

Thanks for your support as well!

Mx