Graduate unable to find work - could I create my own job?

lexilex

I am a bit nervous about posting on here, so please bare with me as I could really do with some advice from those with more knowledge than me.


I graduated last July with a 2.1 degree in psychology. I had a summer cleaning job which finished in October and since then I have had nothing. I have had maybe 6 or 7 job interviews. I got two jobs last month, an event’s organiser job which was temporary and p/t and a credit control which although temporary was very likely to last longer. Even though the events job sounded brilliant, and right up my street, I felt I couldn’t turn down what was likely to be a full time, permanent job, and took the CC job. First day, I was handed a book on law, and left in the office on my own. Second day I was told off for not doing something I hadn’t been taught how to do. Turns out everyone except for me where qualified lawyers, and they had chosen me to save ££! I just could not do the job, and they were not prepared to give me the training I needed so now I am back to square one. I spend all day every day looking for jobs, applying for what I can, but the last few weeks have been awful, with very little to apply for.

Time and time again family and friends have said I should start my own business, but that is as far as it gets. I do like the idea of it, but I am all out of ideas, and do not feel I have any particular skill I can offer others. A big thing stopping me is that I have no money to start it up with. I have my own car, but it’s tiny, so something such as parcel delivery is a no-go, and I live with my parents.

I’ve tried to think about the skills I have, things I enjoy. I am the organiser of the family, for example if anyone has a holiday they want sorting, they come to me. I look up the reviews, find the best hotel, find the cheapest dates to go, cheapest airports and get them the best deal (with the help of lot’s of spreadsheets). I like cooking and have been told I am a good cook, but where is that going to get me?

I developed many transferable skills during my degree, such as the ability to research, data analysis, time management and have lot’s of useful knowledge, psychology covers many different areas such as drug addictions, learning disorders, crime etc etc.

Can anyone help me? Has anyone any ideas of something I could start up? Is this even a feasible thought given that I have no money?

I just want something to focus on, I am fed up of employers making me feel like rubbish, like I am not worth there time. I don’t know if I am living in cloud cuckoo land though, I would appreciate your honesty here!

Thanks for taking the time to read.

ellanutella

Hello, I'm sorry I don't have anything useful to say, just thought I'd say that I know how you feel! Graduated last year with a good degree from a good uni but have no idea still what I want to do, have had a couple of temporary jobs and have started thinking about going self-employed but feel like I haven't got any skills I could market. The only thing I can think of to do is private tuition, it wouldn't cost a lot to start up, but I'm just scared of spending any money when I've barely got enough to pay all the bills.

Seraphim

lexilex wrote: »

Can anyone help me? Has anyone any ideas of something I could start up? Is this even a feasible thought given that I have no money?

Of course you can do it! No money is not necessarily a barrier - I started my company with no savings and I'm still going 5 years later. In fact, I would go as far as to say now is the best time for you to do it - you don't have huge amounts of ties (at least I am assuming not) so if the worst comes to the worst and you fail, what does it matter? Best case scenario is you are setup for life


Regarding what you can do - what do you think you can do well? You could offer consultancy services; a freelance events organiser; clean/iron for people locally. The bonus here is that you don't really need much in the way of start-up funds.


The biggest thing is don't procrastinate - just do it! Although some overview of business is good, you learn the most on the job. I personally would speak to an accountant once you have decided what you want to do as they can offer you advice on whether to be a Limited Company, Sole Trader etc and their first consult is normally free.


Also, don't give up in the first week. I've seen so many people who give up at the first hurdle - starting a business is never easy and it can take months to get going. As long as the idea is sound, you just need a bit of perserverence.

Good luck

steve1980

Are you now a qualified psychologist ie, completed the doctorate course? If not then you would not really be able to see people on a private basis until you have done this.

Have you applied for research jobs within psychology? It seems a bit bizarre that you have done 3 years already but now want to do something else.

Voyager2002

Lexilex, the obvious way to use the organisational skills you list is at the top end of secretarial and PA work. Before you say "just a secretary", I'm talking about people who get paid well over 60,000 p.a. And it is quite feasible for an experienced PA to become self-employed, offering arrangement services to a range of clients on an "as and when" basis.

lexilex

Thanks so much for the replies so far, I am taking everything said on board.

steve1980 wrote: »

Are you now a qualified psychologist ie, completed the doctorate course? If not then you would not really be able to see people on a private basis until you have done this.

Have you applied for research jobs within psychology? It seems a bit bizarre that you have done 3 years already but now want to do something else.

No I am not a qualified psychologist, I have a BSc hons. It's not that I want to do something else, I've actually studied psychology for a total of 5 years as I did it at A-Level aswell, I just don't feel like I have much choice. Assistant psychologist vacancies are few and far between, I think there have been two vacancies in my area in the last 6 months. I apply for things related to my degree, such as working with children with disabilities I have spent time studying, but nothing ever comes of my applications!

Voyager2002 wrote: »

Lexilex, the obvious way to use the organisational skills you list is at the top end of secretarial and PA work. Before you say "just a secretary", I'm talking about people who get paid well over 60,000 p.a. And it is quite feasible for an experienced PA to become self-employed, offering arrangement services to a range of clients on an "as and when" basis.

I can see exactly what you are saying. However I don't think I am an office person, I like to be out and about doing things, I am quite a hand on person. That's one thing I learned from my two whole days in the CC job.

Drea

You know you want to be an events planner lexi

lexilex

Drea wrote: »

You know you want to be an events planner lexi

I would love it!! I could have lists and spreadsheets galore :rotfl: It's just the lack of experience and a qualification that's stopping me really. Plus I just don't know if it's something which would be succesful in my area.

Drea

lexilex wrote: »

I would love it!! I could have lists and spreadsheets galore :rotfl: It's just the lack of experience and a qualification that's stopping me really. Plus I just don't know if it's something which would be succesful in my area.

Like I said, it's something I'm looking into and I have no experience either. As for the qualification, it isn't necessarily something that's needed but I'm hoping to get a grant and then complete courses from http://www.theweddingplannerschool.co.uk/ (I know it sounds a bit dodgy but a lot of planners have listed they have done these courses). They have a mixed Wedding Planning course and normal Events Planning so it could be something that'd suit you too. Problem is it costs around £1k to do both parts!

I've looked at other planners around here and there are a couple but only seems to be one that'd be serious competition. Just have a google and see what you find

I just need the guts to go for it!

paddyrg

Start small and make cheap mistakes, it saves you making much bigger ones later. But yes, by all means get going. And don't think any job is beneath you because you got a degree (I don't know you personally, this isnt a dig, it's just a fact that many graduates feel entitled and need a taste of reality), you will be surprised what avenues can open up before you.

paddyrg

lexilex wrote: »

I would love it!! I could have lists and spreadsheets galore :rotfl: It's just the lack of experience and a qualification that's stopping me really. Plus I just don't know if it's something which would be succesful in my area.

It is all about spreadsheets and being organised - but you also need to know what the budget headings are and make contacts. Work as a runner/production assistant and learn as you go along - nobody sane would trust their wedding/tour/event to someone with no experience, no matter whether they have a 'qualification' or not.