Getting forced to take a job I don't want

Blue_Jam

I have been asked to attend an interview with NPower in a nearby small town (Peterlee in East Durham) for a full-time training course with them. The thing is I had previously been working at the Citizens Advice Bureau in the same place. I absolutely hate travelling there. The buses are expensive and frequently late/cancelled and the place itself is rough, intimidating and depressing. I really want to get work in a nearby city (Durham, Sunderland or Newcastle), even if it means moving nearby.

What's more is that it is Call Centre work, which I am not looking for, especially if it entails sales work. I have also heard bad things about NPower, that their call cente they treat their staff shoddily and penalise you for hanging up on aggressive customers. If I had been unemployed long-term, then I might understand, but this is only my second signing on since my placement with the CAB finished. Incidentally I got a bollocking for leaving a week gap in my job applications (even though I had applied for five jobs this week). It was only because I misunderstood the new rules, but they spoke to me like I was a liar. This together with me refusing work is going to look bad on my record. Although I am willing to compromise and settle for the same sort of course, just in a different location.

Gothicfairy

The problem you have found is that they really don't care that you hated travelling etc I have never signed on before and can only do so for 6 months but I am going for everything I can get my hands on even though my "local" bus stop is 5 miles away.
I just find being on the dole so depressing, I am use to my own money and freedom etc so if it were me I would take the interview and hope for a place then keep looking for what you want to do as at least you will have more money then job seekers.
Also it might give you a chance to save up for a cheap car / pushbike / motorbike /scooter etc that is the way I am looking at it.

A lot of people don't want to work or do the job they are doing but that is kinda life I think and sometimes I am afraid we have not choice but to suck it up...I want to live the life of luxury and be married to a rich old frail man but instead I got a broke fatter version of Steptoe and son so we all have our crosses and yours just might be Npower.

Meepster

I'm sorry if this sounds a little rude or nasty (We have to be nice to the newbies after all) but I don't think ANYONE actually likes travelling to work. I know I don't! However, a job is a job at the end of the day...

Blue_Jam

Please don't get the wrong idea. I am happy to travel long distances for work (my issue isn't with the distance) and I have absolutely no intention of staying on the dole. I just hate this particular location.

Anyhow, there is plenty of truth to what you say and I haven't really made a decision about turning it down yet. I've also talked to my family about it and they say it is on an industrial estate on the outskirts of the town, which isn't quite as bad. Plus the money would be nice.

DCFC79

Why not attend the interview, you never know the other candidates could be a better match,

Blue_Jam

DCFC79 wrote: »

Why not attend the interview, you never know the other candidates could be a better match,

It's training so I expect they'll take on just about everyone. Fingers crossed it's only temporary and I find something better in the meantime.

ILW

Are you currently claiming benefits?

Gazing_On_Sunsets

Sounds like it sucks. BUT... I have always been told - and I believe - it can be easier to get work once you're in work (or training). It's proof to any potential employer that you can get out of bed, turn up and so on (yes I know your history probably shows that but proof that is *current* holds more sway than stuff you *used to* do).
Also, see it as networking. Talk to people. Other staff members. Put out feelers. So many jobs are got by word of mouth.
If it is training, and has an end date, that might be easier for you to deal with psychologically. See yourself as a freelance worker choosing to undertake a temporary assignment for them...

DCFC79

Blue_Jam wrote: »

It's training so I expect they'll take on just about everyone. Fingers crossed it's only temporary and I find something better in the meantime.

this job would spur you on to find something closer to home or on a bus route or easier to get to

kingfisherblue

My daughter is a home carer and she sometimes gets sent to places that she would rather not be. At the moment, her two regular contracts (an hour each) are on two of the worst sink estates in our town. But still, it's work - even if it isn't enough. She has very few hours due to not driving (but is now learning to drive). Next week she only has seven hours work, which means she would get more from JSA, even though it is only about £50 for under 21s. She is attached to four agencies, so not a shirker, it's just that she cannot drive and drivers are preferred. She is also looking for other work of different types, although she loves care work and would be delighted to do this full time if she could.

So not liking a location isn't really an issue IMO. At least it gives you an opportunity, especially if you have been unemployed for a short length of time. Maybe you have been given this chance because the JC think that you have a good chance of getting a job at the end of it, based on your past work history; maybe it is just the luck of the draw. Either way, welcome the opportunity witgh open arms - you never know where it might lead.

I hope all goes well for you.

Blue_Jam

ILW wrote: »

Are you currently claiming benefits?

Income based JSA, today was a my second signing on day. I had been on the Future Jobs Fund until the end of May.

Gazing_On_Sunsets wrote: »

Sounds like it sucks. BUT... I have always been told - and I believe - it can be easier to get work once you're in work (or training). It's proof to any potential employer that you can get out of bed, turn up and so on (yes I know your history probably shows that but proof that is *current* holds more sway than stuff you *used to* do).
Also, see it as networking. Talk to people. Other staff members. Put out feelers. So many jobs are got by word of mouth.
If it is training, and has an end date, that might be easier for you to deal with psychologically. See yourself as a freelance worker choosing to undertake a temporary assignment for them...

It's alright. I have no illusions about my situation. It's just that call centres are not something I consider myself any good at (although I suppose that's the whole point of training) and I was quite clear to the JobCentre that I was looking for administrative work and data entry (it was my strong point while working at the CAB, where I am still volunteering), not sales.

kingfisherblue wrote: »

My daughter is a home carer and she sometimes gets sent to places that she would rather not be. At the moment, her two regular contracts (an hour each) are on two of the worst sink estates in our town. But still, it's work - even if it isn't enough. She has very few hours due to not driving (but is now learning to drive). Next week she only has seven hours work, which means she would get more from JSA, even though it is only about £50 for under 21s. She is attached to four agencies, so not a shirker, it's just that she cannot drive and drivers are preferred. She is also looking for other work of different types, although she loves care work and would be delighted to do this full time if she could.

So not liking a location isn't really an issue IMO. At least it gives you an opportunity, especially if you have been unemployed for a short length of time. Maybe you have been given this chance because the JC think that you have a good chance of getting a job at the end of it, based on your past work history; maybe it is just the luck of the draw. Either way, welcome the opportunity witgh open arms - you never know where it might lead.

I hope all goes well for you.

That certainly puts it into perspective, thanks.