Please help husband unemployed getting desperate

better2009

Hi, my husband has been out of work since January and we are getting really desperate now.
He was a treasury manager so had a really good job in the financial industry but was made redundant.
Since January he has been applying for treasury jobs, banking jobs ( which of course is not going well ) but he has also been applying for shop jobs, bar jobs, warehouse jobs, takeaway drivers. He is applying for every single job that he can do. He is on JBA and he is now getting so depressed. He is applying all over the uk for jobs he is qualified to do but locally for the lesser paid jobs. He has a good CV, one for what he is qualified to do and one amended one that doesn’t have management all over it for the lesser paid jobs. The job centre have been no help whatsoever. He is getting so depressed and I don’t know what advice to offer him or what else he can do. It is affecting our relationship also. If by next month he has no job we have no choice but to rent out our house and move in with parents, which is fine by me but not with him.
Has anyone please got any advice at all? He has had a few interviews with good feedback but they have given the job to someone that has more qualifications, he has had hundreds of rejection letters/emails for all types of jobs, he has had emails back saying the position is filled after it has only been posted on the net that morning! And the rest he just doesn’t hear anything back. He chases them continually but nothing. He has applied for literally hundreds of jobs and he is the most flexible he could be with distance, hours, type of work, everything.
Please send you advice – any is appreciated either on what else he can do, or what I can do to be of more support?
Thanks in advance
A desperate wife
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Scaredy_Cat_3

I don't know that I can offer any useful advice, but I just wanted to wish you both luck - it sounds like you are in a dreadful situation, and as you have said there isn't as much readily available help out there as you might think.

Has your hubby considered doing any training courses (hopefully paid for by the job centre) as that will look better on his CV, that he is making the effort to keep his skills up to date and/or adding new skills.

Would it help to do some self-employed work, or would that mess up your benefits? I wonder if he could take on something like Betterware or Kleeneze, or maybe do odd jobs/gardening, just so he has something to put on his CV and bring in a few extra quid.

Or maybe he could try mystery shopping? It might help bring in a bit of money and should improve his confidence (constant rejections will make him feel demoralised - I've been there, and have to say doing mystery shopping has helped my confidence).

Might also be worth going for voluntary jobs as the experience will look good on his CV,and it's always easier to find a job when you are already in one.

Sorry I'm not much help, just grasping at straws really - good luck.

Deestar36

Hello Better 2009,

Like Scaredy Cat, I can't offer any advice, but know exactly how you are feeling. My good friend has also been unemployed since January, has two CV's going just like your husband and faces the prospect of moving back in with her parents. This is such a dreadful situation for everyone; I know your husband will be trying his hardest to find employment, just like my friend.

Just try and stay positive, and be there for your husband. Good luck and I hope it all works out well for you both.

floss2

Has he been looking on Monster & websites like Reed or Hays? Also, has he got his CV on Monster or has he registered with any agencies?

DKLS

Not sure if its suitable in your case, but have you considered working abroad. A good friend of mine, has just secured a senior banking role in Hong Kong, and another friend, was a Project manager in a Bank had just gone to UAE on a fantastic salary.

dmg24

Welcome to MSE better2009,

Has anybody else checked over his cv's? It may be worth getting an independent view on them, it is surprising what a fresh pair of eyes can highlight.

Many firms are preparing their year end accounts at the mo, do you know any small businessmen that your husband can help out? Even if it is not for a great deal of money, it may lead on to other work.

Otherwise I echo what Scaredy Cat has suggested, if he can use his free time to update his skills by taking some short courses, this will show willing and initiative to new employers.

Good luck x

better2009

Hi All, thanks so much. There is some great advice here and thanks for the wishes too!
Yes he is willing to work abroad DKLS, do you know where your friend looked or have any advice on this at all?
Hi Floss - he is on every job site there is has his CV uploaded and checking every day, monster, total jobs, s1 etc plus all the agencies own websites plus councils etc etc
I dont think he knew about the college courses great idea, I will def get him to check this and volentary work too.
Also I will look into a professional career advisor to maybe check his CV and give advice, I hope this doesnt cost alot does anyone know at all?
Thanks again for all the great advice and wishes
It helps to know we are not alone and I know there are more worse off people with familes to look after! I think that is always easy to forget!

DKLS

I have emailed both friends for any specific advice and where they found their roles. Here are few links for the job market in HK to keep you going in the meantime.

Career Times Online - "The Economic Times site for job seekers and HR professionals"
http://www.careertimes.com.hk

Classified Post - "The largest online job database in Asia"
http://www.classifiedpost.com.hk

Hong Kong Jobs - "Access to the largest on-line date base for job openings in the territory"
http://www.hkjobs.com

Job Asia - "The total solution in job search"
http://www.jobasia.com

JobsDB.com Hong Kong - "Interactive recruitment network for job seekers and employers"
http://www.jobsdb.com/HK

Monster.com.hk - "Get your life working"
http://www.monster.com.hk/

Recruit Online - "Hong Kong’s most popular job mart"
http://www.recruitonline.com/

julia24_2

am sorry to read that am pray that something comes up soon for him you have each others love and that is the main thing to hold you together

robpw2

try agencys whilst it is not guarenteed work .. my partners just got 2 weeks 8-6 @ £6 and hour so more money than being on jsa ..

better2009

DKLS thank you so much that is fab will look into all these now

Julia what a lovely message, thank you x

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