Best path to take after long term unemployment

Mr.Mulla

It's nice to read something like this. You know people who have lost direction in the past but are making their lives better now.

Anyway, if you were to ask me (although I'm scared with blood) I would also choose the health care/medicine course. For one, you've mentioned that you didn't really have a very good health in the past that have prevented you in continuing with your studies, taking this path will not only help the other people who needs health care but it will also help you as well. You can share your experience with overcoming your health condition (whatever that is).

Another thing, health care professionals are still in demand all over the world -- although I am not sure if they are still in demand in UK. If you are still having a hard time choosing which path you will take, I believe there are programs in your school or university who helps college students regarding this. You might want to check that out in your college.

With regards to applying for jobs, I understand your frustration and lack of confidence, however you're the only one who can help yourself. It should come from you. You have to have confidence in yourself. If not, you will only fail. Just keep a positive outlook. Keep applying and you'll nail one of those jobs! Good luck!

leedsfan_3

Yeah I should add that I had a nightmarish 2008 with health issues, so the main thing is you are getting past that situation. Don't let things get you down as far as jobs are concerned, that will come.

Good luck and you are obviously mentally strong to, which will hold you in good stead

sammyjo1979

I know you are probably looking at paid employment, but to help build your CV etc, you could also look at voluntary. My OH was off sick for 2 years and then decided on a career change, he's done so much voluntary work that has helped him no end and that has actually opened a lot of doors for him.

Good luck

leedsfan_3

sammyjo1979 wrote: »

I know you are probably looking at paid employment, but to help build your CV etc, you could also look at voluntary. My OH was off sick for 2 years and then decided on a career change, he's done so much voluntary work that has helped him no end and that has actually opened a lot of doors for him.

Good luck

Good to know there is a method in my madness

sammyjo1979

leedsfan wrote: »

Good to know there is a method in my madness

There is a method I guess!

Though I have to say, getting accepted for voluntary employment is as long a process as paid employment!!!

leedsfan_3

Jo to be honest it depends who with, for instance if you volunteered at citizens advice, depending on the period in the month you apply, you could be volunteering within 2 weeks. All they basically ask is that you have a quick chat to them, fill out an application form so they have some kind of a history on you, on record and then a further chat and voila, unless you come across as totally demotivated, you can start almost straight away.

sammyjo1979

leedsfan wrote: »

Jo to be honest it depends who with, for instance if you volunteered at citizens advice, depending on the period in the month you apply, you could be volunteering within 2 weeks. All they basically ask is that you have a quick chat to them, fill out an application form so they have some kind of a history on you, on record and then a further chat and voila, unless you come across as totally demotivated, you can start almost straight away.

Yeah I guess it does depend. My OH's work was with vulnerable people and drugs and alcohol dependants. Thought CAB would take longer though, that's good to know!

Oh and it's Sam not Jo

ninky_2

there are still areas that are short of qualified people in this country. social work and teaching for example. however you need a degree so it depends if you can afford to do that. i think there is funding for some types of social work and teaching training.

also consider if you want your career to be portable. some careers give you the chance to live and work overseas. if this is of interest to you look at countries you might like to move to and consider which jobs are best rewarded on their points system (remembering that this can change).

some shorter vocational courses are better than degrees in terms of initial investment to earning potential.

eamon

Its not easy making up for lost time. On the plus side you are trying to do something about it. I second trying for volunteer work as you and others have said it puts some meat on your CV. I also second going back to college and getting your GCSE (or equivalent) in maths & english. If you don't have these it will bar you from applying for many LA jobs irrespective of how many degrees you have. Judging by the quality of your posting you should find it well within your abilities. If you were more condident about your physical abilities then I would suggest using agencies as a way into employment. But beware entry level warehouse & stores type positions are highly labour intensive and can tax the fittest amongst us.

If higher education is your chosen weapon then select your courses carefully. There are many "mickey mouse" degrees and there are thousands of unemployed graduates that have such degrees. But equally many thousands of graduates do find jobs. To assist with your choices you should really try and talk to a graduate careers service before you start studying. There is little point of studying for 3/4 years if it doesn't do what it says on the tin i.e. help you to get that job/career.

On the other hand many of stumble into jobs find that we aren't that bad at them and the next thing you know 30+ years have passed by and you wonder what went so horribly wrong.

If you are careful you could be next!

Good luck

leedsfan_3

Whoops sorry, Sammy
As for the volunteering option, you never know you might really enjoy CAB because you are providing real help to them and it sounds like you would get job satisfaction from that.
As for qualifications beyond GCSE, please do not worry about this, the main thing is you feel healthy again. A large part of the battle with illness is in the mind and when you feel better mentally it will show. In addition to getting the core GCSE's i.e. Maths, Science, English, you could always do some I.T courses i.e. ECDL, Clait Plus (once you feel confident with ECDL) NVQ Level 2 I.TQ, to which will build up your confidence and give you some relevant work related skills.