Suddenly out of work - help!

moomin82

Hi guys,

I was doing ok the past 3 months as I landed a decent paying graduate job. However it hasnt worked out, and after my probation period ended both my employer and I agreed it was an unsuitable role/industry for me. (It was a very hectic media job and completely didn't suit me).

I managed to clear quite a bit of debt, and have now moved the remaining credit card debt to the M&S card. I have £1,330.00 to pay off.

But now I am not working, I am currently living off my overdraft. I feel like I'm having a quarter life crisis, because I have worked hard to get a graphic design degree but found out I hated everything about working in the industry.
I would like to find a stable job that isn't as stressful and high-pressured. And less ego's would be nice!

I need money quick but I also need to think long-term about a career change. I have looked into going to a life coach and things like that, but they charge a bomb.

What can I do to keep my head above water?

sammyjo_3

Sorry to hear that things haven't worked out for you.....

If I was you I would grab anything at the moment, most places are advertising for Xmas staff, whilst I know this is not the ideal situation it will give some pennies till you get yourself sorted.

Good luck

moomin82

Thanks Sammy,

Like many of you I have made a bit from sellling old stuff on ebay and Amazon, so last month I made an extra £130.00.

Going to look into temping then for the meanwhile..

bobsa1

Take anything you can to get some money in, even if it is part time and temp. That way you can try out different jobs, and keep a grip on the overdraft. You never know you might stumble across the right thing for you.

Good luck

Dolly_Smith

I find it slightly worrying that after doing a degree in graphic design you've decided you don't like 'the industry' after one three month stint in a job! It may have been the company that was the problem, you don't have to work in media if you're a graphic designer anyway. Look around for other opportunities in other fields (where you can still use your skills) surely - don't just give up!

gerretl

What a nightmare. I left Uni and did a job that was totally unsuited. It is very scary when you realise that somehting you set your heart on isn't all it's cut out to be. The most depressing thing is seeing a bunch of useless incompetents running the show.
First thing Don't panic
Work out the minimum you need to live. If you have a roof over your head, and some food, you are doing a lot better than some people.
Second, (and heres some advice I learnt way too late in life) is how to succeed. Bear with me on this.
Ten percent of your success is doing your job. Thirty percent is the opportunity that you have been given. The other sixty percent is how you present the ten percent so you get the chance at the thirty percent.
Your next job is to get a job. Don't undersell yourself. You have a design degree, and just because the company didn't work out doesn't mean you can't use your hard earned skills. You can blag the fact that you have spent the last few months out of the loopby saying you were looking for the right opportunity.
Meanwhile, get a crappy part time job just to keep the roof over your head, because when you lose that, you are really in trouble.

Annando

As Dolly says as a graphic designer you can work in different places, I wouldn't give it up so quickly, specially after a 3 year degree!
You could even start your own company designing logos, graphics and stationary for other companies.
I know some architectural practices have their own 'in house' graphic designers for clients who want a whole package. You could even do this free-lance

See the past 3 months as experience, you must have learnt quite a lot!

In the mean time I suggest dog walking as an alternative income source. If you like dogs and depending on where you are based you can earn £10 - £15 an hour, and you can walk 2 dogs at a time (if you have some experience) if the dogs get along!

Annando

Absolutely right gerretl, what a philosopher!!!

moomin82

HI guys, I didn't give up on the industry after just one job. I threw myself into breaking into design since I graduated over a year ago. I did the whole working for free thing and worked in agencies, placements and freelanced.

It was just not what I thought it would be and I have stopped enjoying it. It feels like I have been climbing a mountain only to find nothing at the top! I really feel it is time to move direction.

What kinds of jobs have you done while "in-between" jobs? lol. On my CV I have a lot of Data Entry work but it is rather mind-numbing.

gerretl

Hi Moomin.
I walked out of a company in disgust at the way they ran the operation (won't name them, but they are scandinavian and sell furniture).
I walked into Currys and got a job as a part time warehouseman. I then got into sales, and loved it.
I have now moved on, and have a great opportunity with an insurance company.
It doesn't matter what you are doing, just do it to the best of your ability.
Companies like people with an can do attitude, but most importantly you won't feel as if it is time wasted, and end up bitter.

moomin82

Lol... I think I know which company you mean ;D
I like your story, shows there is light at the end of the tunnel. I don't hear many people who enjoy their job but I would like to find one I actually enjoy, unlike my last job.

I am writing a list of all the things I like and looking into getting a job that involves one of these!