Looking for a decent job

brucey2013

I'm currently working for my relatives in the catering business I'm in my late 20's looking for a new job that's not food related, Is it too late to get a decent job? even though my grades, qualifications are really bad. I've got a baby on the way which means I'll need extra income to feed my family.

lincroft1710

Define "decent job".

Pays well above NMW? Interesting and varied work? Opportunities for promotion? Easy commute?

The sad truth is that if you do find a vacancy with just 50% of the above, you will have a lot of competition. What can you offer which would persuade an employer to choose you over other candidates?

So what you should be doing is deciding what you would like to do and/or finding out what jobs are available locally to you and which of these you are qualified for.

sweetilemon

Of course its not too late, you just need to be open minded and not get put down by rejection (nothing personal its just the way the market is!). Keep looking at job sites, apply for things you think you'd enjoy and be able to do, take it from there!

webnise

While you are looking for a job, there are some home based business that you can try. Selling on ebay is one but honestly there are quite a few other options available that can give you decent income.

National_Careers_Service

Hi brucey2013, first things first, late 20’s certainly isn’t too late to change direction and work towards a ‘decent’ job. The big question is what do you define as decent? Are you looking for a something more fulfilling as well as a better wage?

You mention that you’re currently working in the catering trade for relatives and that you want to change. Are you sure that you want to get out of the catering business or could there be an opportunity to apply for roles with a similar skill set, but with more money?

If you are hoping to get out of catering have you any ideas about what you’d like to do? Have you been looking at any job sites or vacancies in your area? If not, this could be a good way to get some ideas.

Having a baby on the way will no doubt affect how and at what stage you make this change as maintaining a steady income will be essential. Out of interest, other than catering, what other types of work have you done in the past? If you have tried other things could any of these lead you into a better paid or more fulfilling role?

If you’re looking for a complete change it may be necessary to get some experience or to take some training. Could it be possible to do this whilst maintaining your current job to ensure that you make a smooth transition from one area of work to another?

I gather that you are worried about your previous qualifications. Whilst they may have not got you off to the greatest start, it’s never too late. Lots of people improve their qualifications and change careers.

To help you explore your options it might be worth giving one of our careers advisers a call. It’s a free service and you can either talk to someone over the phone or arrange a face to face appointment. Our number is 0800 100 900 but if you’re calling off a mobile it’s best to book a call back to avoid any call charges.

I hope we can help you to plan out your next steps whatever they may be and hopefully some of the MSE users can help to support you too, they’re a very helpful bunch!

Good luck with it all and do let us know how you get on.

Leo