Will I Ever Get A Job?

dneil

Ok....here's the facts:

I'm male, 29, and live in a large UK city. I have several qualifications, but none of a significant nature. I have only worked once since leaving school. I worked for two years from home for an internet company doing basic stuff (I'm being vague as I don't really want to give out the name of the company). This job did not allow me to gain exposure to the kind of things you see in an office- team work, etc. This company do not give references, despite my repeated requests!

The reason I've only worked once is because I was seriously ill. I had a breakdown and it left me totally incapable of anything. However, I did continue to study from home (OU, etc). These qualifications are not enough to get me a foot in the door.

I am now feeling much better. I'm not 100% certain I have recovered, but I just want to get on with my life and give working a go.

But, it's not that easy. I've applied for over 470 jobs since going on JSA last October.

It seems I have fallen right to the back of the queue. Who is going to employ me with no worthwhile experience over someone who may have 1-5 years experience? I wouldn't!

So, what do I do?

I'm terrified of turning 30 and being in the same situation. I'd have no chance then.

I've thought about going to university, but will this just delay this current situation? For example, will I be any better off as a 32 year old graduate still with no work experience?

Please can you advise me what I can do to get started in work? I'm intelligent, presentable, have good IT skills, amd am amiable, numerate and literate. I do lack confidence, but I feel that would improve over time.

I don't have what you would call a 'supportive family', so I'm pretty much coping on my own.

Please help!

lynzpower

Please can you advise me what I can do to get started in work? I'm intelligent, presentable, have good IT skills, amd am amiable, numerate and literate. I do lack confidence, but I feel that would improve over time.

Sounds like a good idea would be to tihnk about doing some volunteering, office work or other opportunities! Theres loads out there, and will give you some current exerience and references to take onwards- plus keep you busy!

Good luck!

dneil

lynzpower wrote: »

Sounds like a good idea would be to tihnk about doing some volunteering, office work or other opportunities! Theres loads out there, and will give you some current exerience and references to take onwards- plus keep you busy!

Good luck!

I am planning on volunteering. I'd ideally like to work as a teacher or a gardener (miles apart, I know!).

jack*tigger

Try calling your local garden centres and explain that you would like to work as a gardener but have no work experience. Would they let you come in for a few hours each day or a couple of days each week to get some on the job training/experience. Say that you would work for free.
If they let you work there you can get some valuable work experience and a reference for future jobs. You might also be in the right place at the right time to get a paid position there too. Alternatively you might find that gardening isn't for you !

Also try contacting your local Adult Education centre. Could you teach courses for them in a chosen subject?? Again it could get you some work experience.

hothothot_3

dneil wrote: »

Ok....here's the facts:

I'm male, 29, and live in a large UK city. I have several qualifications, but none of a significant nature. I have only worked once since leaving school. I worked for two years from home for an internet company doing basic stuff (I'm being vague as I don't really want to give out the name of the company). This job did not allow me to gain exposure to the kind of things you see in an office- team work, etc. This company do not give references, despite my repeated requests!

The reason I've only worked once is because I was seriously ill. I had a breakdown and it left me totally incapable of anything. However, I did continue to study from home (OU, etc). These qualifications are not enough to get me a foot in the door.

I am now feeling much better. I'm not 100% certain I have recovered, but I just want to get on with my life and give working a go.

But, it's not that easy. I've applied for over 470 jobs since going on JSA last October.

It seems I have fallen right to the back of the queue. Who is going to employ me with no worthwhile experience over someone who may have 1-5 years experience? I wouldn't!

So, what do I do?

I'm terrified of turning 30 and being in the same situation. I'd have no chance then.

I've thought about going to university, but will this just delay this current situation? For example, will I be any better off as a 32 year old graduate still with no work experience?

Please can you advise me what I can do to get started in work? I'm intelligent, presentable, have good IT skills, amd am amiable, numerate and literate. I do lack confidence, but I feel that would improve over time.

I don't have what you would call a 'supportive family', so I'm pretty much coping on my own.

Please help!

I would go to uni, im sure your confidence would improve having a degree and be something to offer employers, obviously depending on what degree you choose and what grade you get - work experience is not everything. A degree is something youd need for teaching regardless. You do realise most gardeners are self employed? Maybe you could start your own business - there are grants (free money) for under 30s - enquire with your local chamber of commerce - that would solve your employment problem straight away - oh and try over time to lose the defeatist attitude - the only barriers are the ones you set in front of yourself - good luck

LemonGrove

dneil wrote: »

I am planning on volunteering. I'd ideally like to work as a teacher or a gardener (miles apart, I know!).

I know you haven't specified it, but could you try volunteering at your local Hospital. I did it at the long period between School and College as I didn't want to commit to a job I would have to leave. I went to the NHS site and emailed them, and a woman replied back the next day saying to phone her and from the following week I was voluteering there.

It was eye opening but also (I think) looks really neat on my CV. Just a thought.

Oldernotwiser

dneil wrote: »

I am planning on volunteering. I'd ideally like to work as a teacher or a gardener (miles apart, I know!).

If you want to be a teacher, your best bet will be to finish your OU degree whilst getting voluntary work experience with children. You can then go to university to get your PGCE.

wontfallforit

dneil wrote: »

I've thought about going to university, but will this just delay this current situation? For example, will I be any better off as a 32 year old graduate still with no work experience?

Advantages for you going to uni:

- teamwork experience
- a chance to get involved in activities (clubs, societies, voluntary work - all good for a CV)
- experience working to tight deadlines
- boosted confidence (i.e. by participating in group discussions)
- possible job opportunities (most universities have a service that aims to provide students with temporary work to boost their experience and income)
- career guidance (if your uni's careers service is good enough - pester them if not)
- bona fide references from people who will get to know you and your character over the 3 years (i.e. your lecturers)
- council tax is still FREE (assuming you're claiming CTB now)

Disadvantages:

- you would lose your JSA (but would have a student loan for your fees and living costs, and possibly a maintenance grant on top of that. This depends on your overall financial circumstances)
- you would lose your housing benefit (assuming you're receiving it now), but see above
- if you've already took funding for higher education through the OU, this may affect the level you receive if you go to uni, but it depends how much funding you took, and what qualifications your OU courses led to

Oldernotwiser

wontfallforit wrote: »

- if you've already took funding for higher education through the OU, this may affect the level you receive if you go to uni, but it depends how much funding you took, and what qualifications your OU courses led to

If he's got his OU degree then he won't need to go to university again.

wontfallforit

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

If he's got his OU degree then he won't need to go to university again.

I wasn't sure if the OP actually had an OU degree or not? I assumed he'd completed a couple of isolated courses. This was a bit ambiguous, and the opening of his post states that his qualifications are "not significant"

The reason I've only worked once is because I was seriously ill. I had a breakdown and it left me totally incapable of anything. However, I did continue to study from home (OU, etc). These qualifications are not enough to get me a foot in the door.

louloubelle76

Hi Dneil

Just wanted to say yr not alone, im 33 and have been out of work since October too, ive recently took up some volunteer work at a special need's school as I am unsure if I want to continue in administration or work with special need's children.

I would try and get some volunteer work to get your experience you havent got, also if you are thinking about becoming a teacher how about applying for a teaching assistant job?

Good luck and once again, I know how you are feeling, ive lost count on how many jobs I have applied for, even Next dont want me to help in the stock room.