On the scrap heap?

olias

DCFC79 wrote: »

Ah not having an incling what work you fancy doing/want to do, yes i went through and i guess i still am, i dont think i will find out what i wan to do or what id be good at so i do feel for you, i just want to find a simple job that i have some kind of interest in

Sounds exactly like me!

Olias

soupdragon10

Olias - have you sat down and analysed why you think a countryside job would suit you? Is it working outdoors - lots of jobs where you can do this, or is it specifically working in an environmental field?

Do you have any voluntary work experience. Work experience is just that and doesn't have to be in a paid postition. Many people gain the relevant skills etc in a voluntary capacity, so if you are really interested in this line of work, look for opportunities to get involved. You could back this up by studying for relevant qualifications e.g. through the Open University if that is what you really want to do.

Have you ever thought of booking an appointment with a careers adviser to look at the options open to you? Nextstep https://nextstep.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx can offer careers advice appointments, and there is also very useful information about different jobs on the website.

To get into any kind of conservation/environment work you need to be proactive and really make sure that you are in the best position possible to get any jobs that come up. You may also need to move to get the ideal job as vacancies are few and far between.

CFC

If you live in a small town and cannot relocate, you need to start from the other end. What employers are in your area, and how can you make yourself desirable to them is the perspective to come from.
Anyway, certainly don't discount supermarkets, if there is a decent sized one in your town. Generally they all promote from within and it is very possible to make a good career in retail if you have the flair, initiative, ability to work hard, and the ambition. Managers of big supermarkets were on around 50k several years ago, not sure what they are on now.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do NOT start a business with some of the money from your house unless you have a VERY solid business plan and know what you are doing. It's throwing money out the window otherwise. Starting from a position of, I'd like my own business but I have no idea what to do and haven't actually had a career to speak of (so no experience) is recipe for losing what money you DO have.

Jerryjerryjerry

dseventy wrote: »

Rubbish!


If you really want a job, you can get one!


D70

Until recently, I was desperate for a job (my old one was hell) in my 40's and had many many days when I felt like throwing in the towel. I wanted to gather myself into a ball shape, get into bed, cover myself with the quilt and stay there forever.

These sorts of comments only served to make me feel worse... if that was possible.

I can understand that you come into contact with many work-shy spongers who don't want a job. But this thread is clearly started by someone who DOES and is desperate. I'm sure the drunk, spongers who you come into contact with aren't writing threads like this. They are probably out, looking for cider.

To the OP... I wish you luck and just please keep at it. The right job will come. Thanks for your opening post. You are in a very similar place to where I've been. It helped me to read your posts. I hope you can find the strength to keep marching forward... Don't give up applying.

bristol_pilot

12 years covers a period of essentially full employment in the UK so if you couldn't get something then, it is going to be even more difficult in the current climate. Getting off the dole in a rural area is very very difficult and in your situation you are going to have to get on a train or bus and get some work in London or similar large city so that you can build up some work history again. You would have to live away from home, perhaps in shared accommodation, for several months or a couple of years. The days of people being thrown on the scrapheap at 50 are, thankfully, long in the past but you DO need qualifications and recent relevant experience. Don't use your age as an excuse, it is your work history and location that are the issues. Forget about fluffy 'environmental' jobs like working with animals etc - there are so many people willing and able to do those jobs for minimum wage or no wage. You can pick up a basic admin job in London paying £25k+ with relative ease.

dickydonkin

If you really want a job, you can get one!

What planet are you on?

property.advert

The fact is that if 12 years haven't brought you the answer then the next period isn't going to either without a radical rethink. Yet I admire you for doing something positive to tackle the problem.

You're going to have to be pro active as no-one else is going to do it for you. Examine your skills and strengths and identify the type of work where they are useful. Then you'll have to try and get experience, offering your time free if need be or simply putting yourself in front of the decision maker and asking for a chance, a trial or whatever. Sitting on your !!!! is not going to work but thankfully, you seem to know that already.

DCFC79

olias wrote: »

Sounds exactly like me!

Olias

i do understand what your going through, it is hard, only difference is im in work yet i detest it but i still turn up for work in the hope that there will be a more suitable job offer round the corner

i do hope you find something that you would enjoy doing,

good luck

dseventy

starrystarry wrote: »

Why so angry? I made a fair point. I know that a supermarket received 2500 applications for 15 part time jobs recently. I didn't say all the applicants were suitable for the job, only that there are a lot of applicants for each job. You don't need to jump down my throat. For the record, I don't want a job, I have one I'm very happy in.

I was not angry nor intended the post to sound angry so apologies if it did.

My point is, a job vacancy might get lots of applications (with eye popping stats like yours "2500 applicants for 15 jobs!") but to suggest you are up against 2499 other people is just wrong.

I would say 95% of applicants (in my experience) are unsuitable for a variety of reasons.

I stand by the comment that "you can get a job if you try hard enough".

Most people who are long term unemployed are restricting themselves some how, ie :

1) I wont relocate for a job ( I live here in X, I wont move to Y for a job)
2) I wont work in that industry (eg fast food)
3) I can't/wont work those hours (oh pick one- nights, weekends)
4) I wont work for £x pay (NMW etc)

If you have 1-4 up its hard to get a job.


I don't know enough about the OP to comment on his circs, but this is the first thing I would talk to him about should I be helping them on a 1:1 basis.

D70