I'm a 24 year old ex-teacher and I feel I have no prospects

invisibility

Brief outline of me:

Straight As at GCSE and A-Level
2:1 Politics degree from a good uni
PGCE in 11-18 education
18 months working as an A-Level Politics teacher and pastoral tutor
Now unemployed but definitely not wanting to teach again

Why am I unemployed? Because I had a long time off on sick leave and I am still unable to work, but that doesn't mean I don't spend a lot of my day researching about careers and prospects, etc.

I've been having a look around the job market since Jan, and applied for some as well. I'm getting frustrated because I don't feel like I am qualified for anything (perhaps apart from teaching).

I was looking at pastoral jobs, which I'd like, becuase I enjoyed that side of my job, but at every pastoral interview I've been to, there's always been someone better than me. More experience, older or internal. It's hard to keep applying when it keeps on happening.

I'd quite like an admin post in education, preferably at a university, but I've not got an interview for any of the 10+ I've applied to, even though these were GCSE level entry jobs. I don't have direct admin experience but teaching has a huge amount of admin work involved so whilst I haven't worked in an office, I have the necessary skills for an admin post.

I would be willing to do a masters degree if I thought it would significantly enhance my prospects but I've yet to think of one that would do that.

I have no idea what to do. I feel either under or over qualified for everything and not employable. Any advice on how to improve my prospects?

Bogalot

You're 24, you've plenty of time for a second or third career yet!

Have you looked at graduate schemes?

lincroft1710

You are totally unemployable, a failure, a nowhere person.

No that is not me talking, that is you!!!

You are 24, you obviously have marketable skills, it is just matching these to suitable employment. You will have to drastically change your attitude - that job looks interesting, what could I bring to it that would impress a prospective employer - positive mindset all the time. Don't get an interview? Well only 10% of the applicants did, so not so bad.

Velvet_Glove

Sometimes it all comes down to the CV. Are you mentioning in that or the cover letter about your admin experience? I know and you know how much admin is involved in teaching these days (I take my hat off to you - that and children is my worst nightmare!) but recruiters don't always.think like that. What I do is put at the top of my CV details of what they've put in their 'criteria' and then details of my skills in there. PM me if you'd like to see an example.

Scorpio33

Perspective:

You are 24.

You have (probably) at least 40 years left of working.

That is a long time to be "stuck".

You will get there, just be patient, improve your CV and hope for the best.

If you are not getting interviews, the issue is most likely your CV not matching to the job. Either try and be more realistic over you applications, or improve your CV so it matches more to every job you apply to.

If you are getting interviews, then the issue is most likely your interview skills, in which case there are courses that can help (if not, ask a friend for interview help).

Fireflyaway

I too have applied for maybe 50 jobs now with no interviews. I think its harder to find a job than it used to be. Have you looked into public sector? There are often roles related to education where an understanding of education is required but you don't actually have to teach. Outreach to assist traveller families to access education, attendance officers etc. To be honest you are still young at 24 and have a degree, so you could easily do a professional course in something and change direction. It can be hard changing path, but once that first company gives you a chance you will soon take off. My husband did that at 30 and is now doing really well so I've seen first hand it can be done. Would you relocate? Could open up more doors.

theoretica

invisibility wrote: »

I was looking at pastoral jobs, which I'd like, becuase I enjoyed that side of my job, but at every pastoral interview I've been to, there's always been someone better than me. More experience, older or internal. It's hard to keep applying when it keeps on happening.

This jumped out at me - especially the older bit. Don't you think your youth, as a more accessible role model, could be a selling point for pastoral jobs?

EconomicsGirl

You could work for an MP, a political party or lobbying / policy roles, these will be mostly London based. You maybe over qualified for admin. Charities may have relevant roles.

System

invisibility wrote: »

I don't have direct admin experience but teaching has a huge amount of admin work involved so whilst I haven't worked in an office, I have the necessary skills for an admin post.

No you don't. There's a world of difference between filling in a few forms and having in depth knowledge of Excel.

glosoli

Tarambor wrote: »

No you don't. There's a world of difference between filling in a few forms and having in depth knowledge of Excel.

Not every administration job requires an in-depth knowledge of excel (or any other program), as I am sure you know...

analyticalglory

Maybe try working online on sites like Upwork. It will help you get back in the game. At least until you have a better prospect.