End of Fixed Term Contract Distress!!

Jaylith

Hi All,

I am seeking advice if there is any going .

My fixed term contract ends on 05 January 2011 so effectively I have five months remaining in employment.

My managers all the way up the chain are doing everything they can in order for me to get an extension on the contract. I am a civil servant so the process is taking time.

The problem is I do not know how long it will take them to make a decision and in the mean time I have started applying for other jobs.

I was made redundant last year in a previous job and so am very distressed, anxious and worried about being unemployed again as this will be the 2nd time in less than 2 years.

Are there any other people who know the feeling? I have literally done the following in order to increase my chances of getting a new job if I am unsuccessful in my contract extension hope.

- Registered with most job search websites: monster, totaljobs, scotcareers, s1jobs, reed.co.uk, fish4jobs.

- Spoken to all contacts I have.

- Networked and checked newspapers etc.

- Investigated my study options as well.

- Updated and enhanced my CV .

I do not have the financial means to support myself should I be unemployed for some time at all.

I will potentially be homeless as well as I will not be able to pay my bills fully should I not be able to find a job come January. I wil be claiming benefits anyway

As I am sure many other people know the implications emotionally, mentally, psychologically ,financially, socially and possibly physically are very detrimental.

I wanted to find out if there is any advice anyone can provide me with?

Thanks in advance.

RJP33

Firstly you are doing the right thing in looking ahead as if the job is already gone, especially with 5 months to go until the end of the contract. Planning as if you’re going to be out of contract is very sensible.

Secondly don’t panic, take your time and at this point don’t blitz applications as you may find for future roles agencies won’t take your candidacy seriously for any future roles that arise as they perceive you as someone who just applies to everything. You have a lot of time to sort this out.

You may be able to get advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau or your local Job Centre.