Out of work for many years, need help

Savvy_Sue

gwinnie wrote: »

Depending on the role, it I would call it training for nothing :A , speaking from personal experience.

And I'd echo that.

offtheradar wrote: »

As money is a concern, it might be worthwhile sitting down with your husband and looking at your budget to see where you can cut back. Its surprising how these amounts can add up, which could take away the pressure of going out to work for the time being and allow you to focus on what you can do.

Excellent advice, and one place to start would be with Martin's articles here. Or get his books from the Library!

It is worth finding out if there are local free courses you could access - IT skills, admin, numeracy and literacy if you didn't get the equivalent of GCSEs in Maths and English at grade C or above. They might help your self esteem (even if it's really basic, just realising that YOU CAN DO THIS, especially if other people are struggling, can help!) You'll also be starting to network - someone may know someone who needs someone for a few hours each week!

Samanthamum

Thnaks for all the help and tips. I have a degree (a 1st in Sociology) graduated 4 years ago but have not worked since, so not sure if I would be entitled to more free courses. My major weight gain/depression started at uni. Not sure why, but it is a long story! I also have an ECDL gained about 7 years ago, so not sure if it would be up to date and if i need to do it again. I also dont drive, failed my test 5 times during uni and have never tried again as lost all my confidence. Would really like to try again one day.

Your advice / help really means a lot. I have applied for an at home job on the up your income board and will look into more of your ideas tomorrow.

Paul_Varjak

If you don't mind working from home sitting in front of a computer and talking to people on the phone, you could get a job doing telephone survey work.

Like you, I had not worked for many years but began self-employment two years ago as a mystery shopper, backed by Working Tax Credit of course. Most of my work now is doing telephone survey work for www.optimumcontact.com.

You need to be able to use a computer and have good telephone skills. I can earn £100-£200 in a week. You are your own boss and choose what hours you work but Optimum Contact expect at least ten hours per week I think. I am disabled and so this work really suits me. The work can still be tiring, even though you are sitting all day!

You really need to be on a telephone package with unlimited FREE access to 0845 numbers because that is how calls are routed (so they can be recorded). Failing that, you can use your own recording equipment (provided you can e-mail recordings at the end of a day's work).

SimonJB

Congratulations on your weight loss but more than that, well done for asking for help here, it must have been daunting to put it all into words and post it.

I'd suggest volunteering rather than working form home as it'll get you out and about. You'll meet like minded people and it might get you a 'foot in the door' somewhere. Even a local charity shop would be a good place to start, but again, well done :T and look after your husband, he sounds like a good one!

SueC_2

I agree with the others who are saying well done and steering you towards volunteering as a route into paid employment.

Try taking a look at this website: http://www.do-it.org.uk/. I don't know where you live, but in my area there are loads of minimal hours admin type roles advertised. That sort of thing would be perfect for you - it would get you out and meeting people (but for limited periods), bring your skills up to date, give you something to put on your CV, and most importantly help to boost your confidence.

Well done on what you've achieved so far, don't give up now!

BexInLondon

Hi Samathamum - I work with adults who have been out of work for ages and have seen volunteering, even short-term, literally transform lives.

As you have a degree you might struggle to access free public courses but if you explain your situation fully they may judge you to have significant barriers to work and therefore eligible. I know we can sometimes waive our criteria in similar circumstances. I know your husband wants you to get into work quickly but the reality is that in the current market this will be very tricky without something more recent on your CV, even if that recent thing is volunteering or training.

Where in the country do you live? If it's London look out the Personal Best course.

Samanthamum

Just an update I have an interview on Wednesday! I am now fretting about what to wear!

honeyD

Samanthamum wrote: »

Just an update I have an interview on Wednesday! I am now fretting about what to wear!

If you dont have a suit - a smart blouse, trousers and shoes will do just as good. Good luck! :j

mark55man

well done - and good luck with that

just remember to be positive and focus on what you will bring to your job rather than your history, which is long and complicated and irrelvant to the job going forward, except the bit where you got a 1st class degree and other qualifications

in terms of what to wear something smart but not over the top (probably a little bit smarter than what you imagine would be normal day to day wear) - TBH not the best person to advise, but someone will be along soon - or if not you could start another thread

Jungle_Jane_2

I too have never been in employment since leaving school and have no references to put on my CV. I also have an anxiety disorder and find it difficult to be out of the house on my own at a certain distance. I am getting help with my disorder and want to find a job for myself but have found the responses from all the jobs I have applied for in the past 5 years has affected my confidence and have gave up hope.

My partner now wants to move house and now says that we can't do it because I am out of a job. I would love to have a go at volunteering for a job and have found this thread most useful. However my partner has snubbed volunteering work as it isn't paid and a certain volunteering job I have had my eye on I would have to travel to.

Just thought I would let the original poster know that they are not alone.