Does anyone have any suggestions???

annifridsl04

Hi guys,
I was made redundant at the end of Feb and have been applying for jobs, the problem is so has everybody else. I'm also claiming Job seekers allowance, which I don't like.

Anyway, I'm running out of money, I have something like £500 left.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I could do working from home? I only need about £500-£600 a month as I'm living with my Nanna at the mo and she doesn't ask for much. I just buy the shopping every week which she is happy with.

I've been reading posts about Mystery Shopping, what's that like?

I'm getting a little desperate now.
Thanks
Anni

cuddlymarm

Hi

Its difficult to get a job at the moment. I have just managed to get one after trying since Nov (and its only part time) so try not to feel so bad. Theres a lot of people in the same boat, There are odd ones that are lucky and get a job straight away but these are rare.

I know you don't like claiming jobseekers BUT you have paid for it while you have been working and are entitled to it so claim it. Its only going to be a temporary measure and thats what its there for to tide you over till you get a job.

Good luck
Cuddles:)

PJLLOYD

Hi Anni,
Most online work is high effort and low pay especially mystery shopper type work, data entry. If you have a decent understanding of the web try out some of the outsource sites. You can get jobs rewriting articles, making posts on social network sites etc

SOme sites you may find interesting -
fiverr.com - some very interesting jobs
freelancer.com - a more professional site but you can find some decent writing jobs

There are many others, if the site promises the earth then they are probably a waste of time.

Good luck!

PJ

annifridsl04

Thanks Cuddles it's a bitter pill to swallow when you have to claim benefits.

Thanks PJ, I've has a look at those two sites you mentioned and they look interesting. I shall do some more digging.

lozza1985

What did you used to do / what are your qualifications - if you give people an idea of that, then they might be able to come up with some suggestions that would be useful to you

annifridsl04

Does anyone know what the pay range is for mystery shoppers? eg. £100-£500 per month? Also is it regular work or abit risky?

Thanks
Anni

Edit: I worked for 3 years for Norwich Union as a Policy Administrator, I guess you could say it had a call centre envirnment to it.

My most recent job was working in a Sales Office for Electrical Enclosures, doing Sales Administration. The ASMs were a little lazy so we had to do alot of Technical Support and Sales. I didn't do any Outbound Sales only Inbound.

I also do alot of voluntary work in Theatre and took on the role of Social Chairman for 2 years.

My qualifications are 8 GCSE's A-C. I'm 25 so I have more experience than qualifications. I usually have 2-3 jobs ongoing at one time, my full time 9-5 job and then most nights and weekends in Bars/Restaurants.

I also have a high level of customer service, it's something I take pride in. That's why I am considering the mystery shopping as I know what should be expected and I know I'll be good at it. I have low tolerance for bad customer service. I'll leave you to decide if that's bad or good.

Thanks!

PJLLOYD

After being mad bankrupt nearly two years ago, I decided this was a fresh start for me. I became a taxi driver and worked all the hours under the sun (and moon).

Taxi driving allowed me to continue working on a new internet business (that is now my full time income) I carried a laptop in my taxi and worked on it in quiet times.

There are many opportunities out there, its just knowing where to look.

PJLLOYD

Oh! I forgot to say - I have a gcse's, a-levels, a degree - but little experience of the 9-5 so not many people would not employ me.

So I took it upon myself!

PJ

galaxynicole

I lost hours at work and I know that's not the same but I've been upping income by mystery shopping. I live in quite a small town and next to another small town but I've managed to get about £100 last month (and that's only because I can't do certain times as I'm at work). The only problem with mystery shopping is you sometimes have to buy things and then wait to get the money back. Other than that, for me, it seems to be working.

annifridsl04

Thanks guys.

I have one question PJ, can you become a taxi driver with points on your licence. I have 6 but 3 are about to be taken off? Also, did you have to buy a new car? Mine is a hatchback I don't think it'd be that suitable.

Ta Anni

PJLLOYD

Taxi driver regulations can vary greatly between councils, in Cardiff points are allowed.
It takes around 4 months to become a driver and it is getting more and more difficult all the time. Soon you will need to pass a BTEC to become a driver.

Currently you have to pass a new driving test (which can be tricky), knowledge tests, CRB checks, medical, taxi general knowledge test.

Some areas also ask for an english test (which I think is vital!).

You can rent a car to start or provide your own (the car must meet meet certain age and type requirements). Any large saloon will do - Mondeo, Vectra etc

Hope this helps

PJ