Out of work and out of money!

DJKris2010

In October 2011 I was made redundant, I've done a bit of temp work in that time but nothing since August 2012. I've sent some time learning from home (although nothing that gives qualifications) and have been trying to start my own business doing remote office services but unfortunately I have only had 1 customer since October. I've put flyers out and ran an advert in the local paper.

I've also tried making money through eBay by buying items cheap and selling for profit, but I don't have the money to buy stock.

I also work as a DJ in a nightclub doing 12 hours a week for £90. Unfortunately that doesn't pay enough. I'm 32 years old and living with my parents (no kids), but although they are both working they need money from me also. My Mum wants £60 a week of me, which is reasonable, but I have my own bills to pay too and of course I need some sort of life!

Is there any benefits I can claim? I can't have Job Seekers because I'm earning too much. I am looking for work but at the moment it seems unless I'm a teacher or a carer there is very, very little out there I can apply for.

I'm still trying to push my business, but as I say with little success. I just can't manage on the money I'm earning.

Any advice would be appreciated!

dancingfairy

have you done a benefits checker on direct.gov website?
I'm guessing that the government thinks that your parents should support you
df

gb12345

For starters I would remove the URL of your website - not only does it identify you, but it could also be seen as advertising by the Forum Team, which will result in your post being deleted.

Unfortunately, your prices for office services are too high to be competitive - companies can hire a temp for NMW or get a freelancer for $5 an hour.

You also appear to be only advertising locally - is Tinwell the type of area that is likely to generate a lot of business for your type of service?

Have you considered signing up for freelancing sites - as I said, the hourly rate will be lower than you are currently advertising but you will be getting world wide exposure rather than just local.

As an aside, I assume that you have registered as self-employed.

dancingfairy

the only things Icanthink of that may help is
a) try and sign on (there are some situations whereby even if you don't get jsa then you will still get your ni contributions paid for you to count towards your pension).
b) if you are signing on and 'in the jobcentre system' and have shown up as long term unemployed etc then the jobcentre maywell offer youcourses, training, interview help, application help etc etc. Badger them for this is necessary.
c) update your cv and make sure you are registered with all the agencies - ring them often, at least once a week (as if they don't hear from you they may assume you have a job).
d) get to your local volunteering centre and start volunteering - this will get you out of the house, meeting people, a reference and training in various software etc etc. They should pay you travel expenses. Find out whether you want to volunteer with people (old or young), animals, heritage (national trust that sort of thing), in an office etc.
Best of Luck
df

flexrider

Dont mean to put a damper on things but have you tried elance as a freelancer..by the way your website from a development point of view is too bland and looks non engagement for a user I would develop it by adding social media and youtube of what your site is about and sprucely up the content, remember they could be people who are color blind plus you got no cookies policy which is a law online to have

Sorry for being picky but I bet your site is bouncing around google it would not show up in rankings meaning no one would find you because of lack of content from site.

Edit: heres what to do with the website

Evaluate : pull the current website offline, keep the domain url, get pens paper and crayon s and brainstorm, what is the budget you have to promote your business online. Whats your company message, use google keyword tool or seotools for keywords, you them keywords to market but dont use brand keywords for example "dj kayne for hire" think about what people may be searching for and what you can offer, then take time to develop your website slapping up a website sayin 70 quid a hour kids party dont impress people to book you, be described on what you do, get reviews when your business takes off you can use online

Think about your users who use your site as the user and you will see results

chelle_bell

Have you tried doing an online tax credits calculation? You might be suprised. Go to HMRC website, you'll find the link on there somewhere (gimmie a shout if you cant find it, I have the link saved)

DJKris2010

Thank you for the advice so far.

Dancingfairy, I have done a benefits checker, unfortunately I earn to much for Jobseekers allowance.

gb12345, I put the web link in there so people might be able to better advise me. While the prices may seem high, you have to remember I'm in the UK, not the US, I compared the prices of other similar companies and made sure my prices were considerably lower. In the UK, you can not get a temp for anything like the price you're talking.

flexrider, thank you for the advice regarding the website, I will look at all the points raised.

thegirlintheattic

I agree the website is shocking, especially for someone who mentions on their first page that they can build the client a website! Not just the design but the language. Have you tried just getting a temp office job?

Also agree prices are high - I can get laminating for 10p per sheet, you are charging 45p per sheet.

gb12345

DJKris2010 wrote: »

gb12345, I put the web link in there so people might be able to better advise me. While the prices may seem high, you have to remember I'm in the UK, not the US

Never said you were in the US, and the fact you are in the UK is irrelevant to the service you are offering. You will be competing with freelancers in India etc offering similar virtual services through Freelance sites (that appear much higher up in the SE rankings than your site will) for $5 per hour (or £3 per hour if you insist in dealing in sterling).

DJKris2010 wrote: »

, I compared the prices of other similar companies and made sure my prices were considerably lower.

And do you know if those companies are generating any business at the prices they charge?

DJKris2010 wrote: »

In the UK, you can not get a temp for anything like the price you're talking.

http://www.reed.co.uk/jobs/database-administrator/22461796#/jobs/database-administrator?temp=True £7 per hour - half the price you are charging for for general admin. Granted there will be additional costs to the hiring business, but the temp would be on-site and available when required, not fitting work in around other clients.

lincroft1710

gb12345 wrote: »

You also appear to be only advertising locally - is Tinwell the type of area that is likely to generate a lot of business for your type of service?

From memory, Tinwell has a population of about 200. It virtually adjoins Stamford which probably now has a population of 20.000 plus. Large cement works about a mile away.

McKneff

Ask your parents if you can pay a smaller amount.

To be honest, £60 seems a bit greedy, specially since you are out of work. There is no way the extra costs to the household would be this much.