unemployable

melysion

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melysion

I think I sent a reply via PM but its difficult to check :P

redpete

melysion wrote: »

My stance on JSA is completely nonnegotiable. I am not going to place myself in the position of being judged as a scrounger (if the "tax payer" doesn't like me taking that view than perhaps they should rethink their attitude towards the unemployed),

Well I'm a tax-payer and I don't think all in receipt of JSA are 'scroungers' When I was made redundant as a professional engineer I swallowed my prode and claimed the JSA to which I was entitled; I also delivered yellow pages for a bit of extra money whilst looking for a more permanent job.

the whole dealing with JSA advisors and having to jump though loops in order to get well - hardly anything - sounds horribly stressful and demeaning

It can be but I didn't let my fear of that put me off

and - most importantly - I have fiercely independent. I don't want to rely on the government for anything.

Anything? What if you are taken ill and need hospital treatment, would you refuse this because of your principles? Do you make your own arrangements for disposal of household rubbish, do you never travel on the road network?

£70 a week isn't enough to even cover my mortgage let alone anything else.

But £280 a month could make a reasonable dent in the mortgage.

[Deleted User]

I've replied

Edit: £280 wouldn't put much of a dent in a London mortgage. It might pay for a week I guess..

melysion

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theoretica

Have you been to your university job service? They aren't just for fresh graduates/postgraduates (though of course they do a lot of work there). Mine had rather interesting job vacancies to send round, some of which weren't advertised on the main websites.

Also don't be afraid of experience wanted - I was distinctly borderline for the job I now have in terms of direct experience, and don't have the desirable qualification, but sold myself on knowledge and related experience.

When_the_going_gets_tough

Op I appreciate what you are saying - I just wanted to provide you with a bit of information should your future not work out as I and you hope. Home owners can in certain circumstances get a payment towards their mortgage in addition to the JSA. I won't go into the details now - hopefully you will never need it. And for the record lets all speak up for the unemployed who are NOT scroungers and need the general public to stand up for them in these hard economic times when jobs are often so hard to come by.

Peccary

I have a few friends with phds who have gone into medical writing after 1 or 2 postdocs so it's definitely an option.

sniggings

I understand how you feel about claiming the dole, I am lucky my advisers have been ok up to now, but it doesn't stop me feeling totally in their control, for the little money I get. Not a nice feeling at all, I worry that I will be sanctioned for the slightest mistake.

Remember though, you can still claim housing benefit even if you do not claim any other benefit, that is judged on income, not on whether you are on a benefit, and yes you can still claim with some savings.

I have just got my first interview after 1 year claiming, it's not my dream job but at least it will give me some control back, if I get the job.

melysion

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