How to live on 65 per week?

katiesmummy

sh1305 wrote: »

Do people living on £65 a week not buy food, then?

I think s/he meant boots points and possibly the fact that Sainsburys is generally (but not always) more expensive than Asda for example.

joolsybools

grumpyoldwoman41 wrote: »

Sorry but I really do need insurance for my dog, can not cut here.

I am on the outskirts of London, yes there seems to be a lot of "IT Training" positions but unfortunately I have spent most of my working life in Public Sector which puts me at disadvantage as private companies do not want to employ ex public sector trainers... for reasons known only to them.

I have applied for about 170 jobs (last time I counted) only since 1st December... not even a reply

But as I said before, I am really looking to move into a different kind of job, perhaps with less money than I was on before but within a more healthy working environment....

Hi,

Well done for what you have managed to cut down, so far so good - the only way is up!

I did pick up that you have applied for 170 jobs in the last 30 days. That averages at about 5 or 6 a day. How are you applying for these? I must admit it always worries me when people say they have applied for a very high number of jobs because I find it difficult to believe that they have really tailored each application specifically to each job/employer. I know this thread is about how you are going to survive on £65 a week, but finding a job means you will be able to live on hopefully much more. I never quite realised how to get the applications right until part of my job involved putting shortlisting packs together. It gave me an opportunity to see the good and the bad ones.

Do you know anyone who always gets jobs they apply for or even someone who could look over a few of your applications for you and give you some constructive criticism if required?

Good luck!

grumpyoldwoman41

My applications are very specific to each and every job advert...

Unfortunately, in my field 99% of jobs go via Recruitment Agencies and those are the ones receiving the applications - the problem is, very few recruiters really do understand this particulr field

Thanks

katiesmummy

joolsybools wrote: »

Hi,

Well done for what you have managed to cut down, so far so good - the only way is up!

I did pick up that you have applied for 170 jobs in the last 30 days. That averages at about 5 or 6 a day. How are you applying for these? I must admit it always worries me when people say they have applied for a very high number of jobs because I find it difficult to believe that they have really tailored each application specifically to each job/employer. I know this thread is about how you are going to survive on £65 a week, but finding a job means you will be able to live on hopefully much more. I never quite realised how to get the applications right until part of my job involved putting shortlisting packs together. It gave me an opportunity to see the good and the bad ones.

Do you know anyone who always gets jobs they apply for or even someone who could look over a few of your applications for you and give you some constructive criticism if required?

Good luck!

I apply for maybe 5 jobs a day and tailor my CV for each one- I have 5 (I think) different CVs which all say the same thing but from different perspectives- one for PA positions that emphasises (sp) the bits of different positions I have had that relate to PA work, same for general admin, customer service etc etc. I tweak each one for every application but I don't generally need to do that much unless there is a particular emphasis on something specific in the job description.

I hope that makes sense to you because it doesn't to me

Oldernotwiser

It's only been mentioned in passing but, as your daughter's moving out soon, the obvious solution to many of your financial problems is to take in a lodger. As you live in the London area (and presumably not far from a university) this should bring in a decent amount and will be able to help with your debt repayments when you get another job.

katiesmummy

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

It's only been mentioned in passing but, as your daughter's moving out soon, the obvious solution to many of your financial problems is to take in a lodger. As you live in the London area (and presumably not far from a university) this should bring in a decent amount and will be able to help with your debt repayments when you get another job.

There may be restrictions on her tenancy for that- there's a clause in my tenancy agreement that says I can't have a lodger, although I can have a partner living with me (doesn't that equate to the same thing?)

grumpyoldwoman41

I am dealing with the debts vie the BR route, do not see any other way.

As for taking on a lodger, it is a council flat so I do not think I would be allowed and even if so - once declared would still be classed as income for the JSA and HB/CTB purpose so probably not a wise thing to do....

I am on the outskirts of London - far to anywhere really, not a desirable area for a prospective lodger, even if this was an option

katiesmummy

grumpyoldwoman41 wrote: »

I am dealing with the debts vie the BR route, do not see any other way.

As for taking on a lodger, it is a council flat so I do not think I would be allowed and even if so - once declared would still be classed as income for the JSA and HB/CTB purpose so probably not a wise thing to do....

I am on the outskirts of London - far to anywhere really, not a desirable area for a prospective lodger, even if this was an option

When you say the outskirts of London do you mean the Home Counties? If you are anywhere near Herts uni there are always students looking to rent rooms assuming you were able to do so in the first place.

alwaysonthego_2

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grumpyoldwoman41

Alwaysonthego - thanks for that