In desperate need of help

kate_seeley

Hi, my name's Kate, I'm 22 years old, I've been unemployed for the last six months and I need help to get started in life.

Firstly, let me just say that I'm not asking for anyone to hand me over some money, as that's just not fair. What I'm interested in is what I can do to help get me out of my mum's house as soon as possible. I'm very unhappy in my current situation but I want to work.

I graduated from university with a 2:1 in film and television production and after uni I had to move back from the glittering lights of Nottingham back to Norfolk. I was very against this as I had my taste of independence and I loved it, but my mum (who I don't really get on with) begged me to come back for a couple of months, to work here. I did and I found a job in digital art (basically scanning and putting local artists paintings onto greetings cards and although I have no qualifications in IT I'm very competent with computers), which I enjoyed but I was let go not long after starting due to the recession. I was devestated by this, it really knocked my confidence and as a result of that and living in Norfolk, I haven't been able to find work since.

My plan was to move straight to London after uni as I am looking to work in television, but since moving back I've had to, rightly, pay my mother rent to live in my bedroom and after getting laid off, food bills, transport fees etc, what I'd saved as deposit on a room in London, has gone. Plus all of my friends have moved on and I'm still getting messages and emails saying things like "you're still living with your parents?!" and that's put me into a depression as well.

What I'm wondering is whether there is any possible funds or speciality companies offering small loans to help the unemployed graduates or people looking to start their lives around or am I living in a dream world? I want to be a responsible adult but without experience or "friends in high places" I fear I won't be able to get anywhere.

Thanks in advance for any information.

BBB

Nothing wrong with living with your parents at 22, it's much better than moving out and getting yourselves into loads of debt

For_Keeps

What I would say is don't try to keep up with the Jones. Speak to mum and see if she would help by letting you live rent free until you saved up instead of taking out a loan. I would not advise anyone who does not have a job with some sort of security to take out a loan, don't even get a CC!!

Enfieldian

Taking on debt in your situation would only increase your depression......

gratefulforhelp_2

With friends like those...it is a perfectly valid thing to do while you find your feet, when you are older, you will look back on this time with your mother and value it.

What feedback are you getting from applications/interviews? Could you do something voluntary to gain experience? Is it worth considering further training?
Congratulations on your qualifications, by the way, I'm sure you will find the right place and people to appreciate and develop your skills.

Good luck!

kate_seeley

Thank you all for your kind words, but even though I'm only 22, I'm already feeling like a waste of space, that I'm a sponger etc. and that what's depressing me more than anything, is that I can't get the figurative ball rolling.

I've applied for more jobs than I care to think about. I was told by Sainsbury's, for a job 12 hours pw on the deli counter, that I just don't have the correct personality to work for their supermarket. Yes, they make you take a personality test. And I find that I get rejected from local jobs because I lack the commitment to stay around here and London jobs reject me because I haven't shown the maximum commitment by not moving down there yet.

See my dilemma?

EmzJenks

Hiya
I know how hard it is to find a job after uni as everyone wants 'experience' for their workers, especially in these tough times. Have you tried local television first? What is the local area for you for the BBC & ITV? Try applying there. Unfortunately you will struggle to walk into a job in television in London, even if we weren't in a recession you'll find most people started out locally first, then moved on to London after getting the experience they needed.
Do some voluntary work, as a runner or something just to get to grips with being in the environment. Apply for work experience at places, not only will that get you experience but the people & contacts you'll make will be invaluable.
I had to live at home & volunteered at arts organisations for nearly a year in order to get into working in the arts. Its tough but you get there in the end.

Jemima5317

Hi there. I have a lot of sympathy - I graduated (more years ago than I care to think about...) from Essex, and then moved home to Norfolk. I experienced the same sort of thing as you, so I really do sympathise. First things first, show willing - you might feel like it's stating the glaringly obvious, but say on your CV that you are looking to relocate. I didn't even make interview on one job because they said they couldn't see how I'd manage the commute (from Sheringham to London - were they MAD?! Who on earth would even try?). Keep at it too - there are very few, if any people, who are a waste of space, so don't give yourself a hard time, and try not to think like that - least of all about yourself. Secondly, maybe try Norfolk radio/Broadland radio, Anglia TV all those sort of things a go. I know of someone who was made redundant, volunteered at radio Norfolk, and ended up with her own slot. I totally appreciate that you might feel that working at radio norfolk isn't setting the world on fire, but everyone has to start somewhere, and once you can demonstrate some experience, other things might come along. On the practical side, ask your Mum if you can live rent free for a while, or whether she can at least reduce the rent so you have a bit spare as "travel to interviews" money. Register with temping agencies - often there is a bit of extra work going round at Christmas in shops and stuff - anything can help if you're struggling for cash after all.

Best of luck - and don't give yourself a hard time.

Jx