How to get a decent job - any ideas?

elbob_2

Firstly, let me just say that I am intelligent (easily above average) but due to bad choices made in my late teens (scruffy boyfriend who wanted me to move in with him, dropping out of college, and ending up working for companies that offered no official training etc.) I am now 27 and seemingly stuck on the bottom rung of the ladder as I have no actual qualifications above the usual AS Levels and NVQs. I have the ability to carry a management role but nowhere will touch me as I'm not a graduate. I can't afford to obtain a degree now - part-time study, even if I could afford it financially, will take until well into my 30s. Every option I attempt to pursue looks to potentially cost thousands. I've looked at AAT, SQL, CIPD and a Chartered Surveyor course among others, and nothing is affordable for me. I'm trying to save to buy a house as I'm still stuck at home (due to the aforementioned entry-level ill-paid job) and I need a better wage to give me the necessary savings. Forking out loads of cash is not an option. Does anyone have any suggestions (polite ones, please, and nothing illegal) as to what I can do? For example, are any of the paths I've already considered suitable for self-study, with the option of just paying for the exam? Or does anyone know of employers who value employees on experience and ability rather than education? I've been in full-time office-based employment since I was 18. I can't keep going in at the bottom level hoping my face might fit well enough for me to get promoted.
Thanks for your help; apologies for the rant :-)

Daedalus

What job do you want to do?

Have you tried for a promotion? A lot of people just aren't very proactive, sitting and expecting the opportunity to just approach them. Speak to your boss and see what the routes are, it depends on your company but some are very receptive to the idea of developing employees and moving them around and up the company, but you need to push for it. A big issue is confidence, if you get knocked back just keep trying.

cmw1212

You mentioned you looked at AAT if you are interested in working in accounts there are quite a few companies who offer study support.
What industries have you got experience in already, what do you enjoy?that might help people give you better advice.

elbob_2

I think I can study the AAT myself and take the exams independently. Fingers crossed the info is correct. Even if I could just do level 2 it's a start. I've got experience in a few things - legal admin, account management, logistics, basic accounts/book-keeping... The past three years have just been the legal admin so I suppose the rest of my experience is a bit outdated. I think AAT is the way forward.
Thanks for your replies and apologies again for the essay - I can see 30 looming and I'm starting to panic!

cmw1212

elbob wrote: »

I think I can study the AAT myself and take the exams independently. Fingers crossed the info is correct. Even if I could just do level 2 it's a start. I've got experience in a few things - legal admin, account management, logistics, basic accounts/book-keeping... The past three years have just been the legal admin so I suppose the rest of my experience is a bit outdated. I think AAT is the way forward.
Thanks for your replies and apologies again for the essay - I can see 30 looming and I'm starting to panic!

Well yes you can but I thought you were looking at ways to save money if you get a job where they pay for it you are getting practical experience rather than doing a course then looking for the job.
I know a lot of people hate them but it might be worth contacting some agencies go for ones that specialise in industries such as accounting or legal services rather than generalist high street ones.

MissSarah1972

elbob wrote: »

I think I can study the AAT myself and take the exams independently. Fingers crossed the info is correct. Even if I could just do level 2 it's a start. I've got experience in a few things - legal admin, account management, logistics, basic accounts/book-keeping... The past three years have just been the legal admin so I suppose the rest of my experience is a bit outdated. I think AAT is the way forward.
Thanks for your replies and apologies again for the essay - I can see 30 looming and I'm starting to panic!

You may have to start on Level 1

Check your skills here

http://www.aatskillcheck.org/home.aspx

this will give you an idea where to start.

ntb1

Just to say. I have similar qualifications as you. Started working in McDonald's then went into sales now a marketing director. It's not all about bits of paper.

Mara69

MissSarah1972 wrote: »

You may have to start on Level 1

Check your skills here

http://www.aatskillcheck.org/home.aspx

this will give you an idea where to start.

Apparently I should start at level 2 My double entry bookkeeping skills are non existent!

Aryndeneth

If you're interested in CIPD, you could look for admin roles in an HR office where it's your admin/transferable skills that would get you the job. Use that to build some on-the-job HR experience and then use that to get a role as something like an HR Assistant in a place that will pay for your qualifications.

ABERDEEN_2

ntb1 wrote: »

Just to say. I have similar qualifications as you. Started working in McDonald's then went into sales now a marketing director. It's not all about bits of paper.

Same with me, I left school at 16 with my standard grades and am now an office manager.

I wasn't on the best wage in February and was an "administrator" and managed to get a 9k payrise by speaking to my boss saying I wanted to further myself. I now have a junior as well.

Now own my own house.

phill99

It would help you to focus your energies if you identified a career path, rather than casting a wide net than you are at the moment. You appear to be looking at careers in Accountancy, personnel and property managements / construction. This is a really diverse collection. The RICS route is a degree only option, and the CIPD may well be the same, so you may wight to reconsider doing a degree. But I would really recommend trying to focus on one career path and really going for it.