Starting out as self employed - no work - HELP!

DazzaMc

I left my job in december to start piano / keyboard teaching in January but despite advertising and canvassing with leaflets I have no work ! Had one lesson last week but haven't heard from them since. So I am in a bit of a pickle. I still live at home so haven't got rent and bills etc.. But I do have my car to run, insurance, petrol, etc.. I've got a bit saved up but will not last forever. I wondered if anyone had any advice for finding work?

I've also tried looking for part time jobs to fill in while work picks up but I am worried I may seem overqualified for the jobs I'm applying for - I did well at school, did a BTEC ND in design, BSL level 1. Should I leave some of the qualifications off the application form?

Thanks for all your help

wigglebeena

Was there a reason for leaving your job without any side business already built up?

Music teaching seems a bit of a luxury in these tough times, I doubt it'll be high on any family's budget. How about your design experience, can you put flyers out to local businesses offering help with their graphics requirements/leaflet design/website design etc?

I try to modify my c.v. to a particular application. As long as you're not actually fibbing, I wouldn't leave any irrelevant stuff on (to the position you're applying for).

Have you tried local music colleges for p-t teaching? Or busking?

DazzaMc

Good suggestions I left my job partly to start teaching but also because I was so fed up of it - worked there for 5 years and the hours were ridiculous. Kinda wish I hadn't now but can't go back now. Just found 3 jobs to apply for so will tweak my cv

wigglebeena

Most of us have left a job with nothing to go to at some point. (Especially me. I lasted one day at one place, though I have a friend who can beat that - one hour!) Sometimes you have to, for the sake of your sanity.

If it's just a question of getting some money coming in while you look, I'd check out the Up Your Income board.

Pobby

Have you tried contacting your local music shops?

DazzaMc

I've left some business cards and a poster with the main music shop near us. There's another one I could try... You mean for advertising?

Pobby

That sort of thing.

98sidney

could you not contact near schools to you and offer lessons from home..

Becles

You could try contacting local schools. They might offer you a class lesson after school. Independant people go into our school when it's finished and do music lessons, different types of sports, and dancing.

Or if you print up flyers, they might send them home with children. I've had flyers for activities and services that other parents do.

Ask in schools if you can help out in any way. You could say donate 5 hours of lessons as a prize for a PTA fundraiser. Although you won't get any income from that, your name will be on the prize list and hopefully the winner will tell all their friends how brilliant you are so they will want lessons too

vyseyboy

I'd be surprised if one can go into a school and get some work, even just part time or voluntary, without having to go through lengthy disclosure processes.

foreign_correspondent

Peripatetic music teachers need a music degree and I believe a teaching qualification...and yes, CRB checks etc - you cant just go into schools and teach kids.

Do you have any qualifications in music?