Unemployed for the first time.. & struggling

Lau2018

Hi everyone

This is my first post here - unfortunately, its not the happiest of topics - but I was after a bit of advice if perhaps any of you have been in a similar situation.

I am 28 (29 in a couple of months) and have very recently come back from 2 years living and working abroad.
Hands down, it was the best time in my life. Unfortunately, I couldn't obtain a permanent visa (although my employer was really keen to sponsor me), due to a change in the immigration law (my job was 'cut' from the list, so to speak).
I sadly left behind everything (partner included) and came back home to the UK in January.

I have been unemployed ever since and I can't stand it.
I didn't go to uni & I have always, always worked (I left school at 17). I am very fortunate enough to not have to worry about my finances just yet (I've always been a very good saver so I'm living off a budgeted amount of disposable income for the next few months).
Admittedly, re. the roles I'm looking for - I'm being picky. I have always been on a decent wage, so I'm not looking to go back down and there are certain environments I wouldn't work in again.

My issue is not with the job search itself, but with my sanity I'm applying for a lot of jobs, only to be called back by a handful and even so - a couple of weeks later at the earliest.
One recruitment process lasted 3.5 weeks and three interviews, only for them to go with someone internal.

By not working.. I feel irrelevant. I feel like I have no purpose.
I really enjoy being active: running, climbing, yoga, hiking and have BUNDLES of energy and for the past week, I've had zero motivation. I can barely function and I know I'm not fun to be around right now.
I really don't want this affecting my personal relationships, but I can't seem to shake this.

Sorry again for the massive ramble & thanks for reading!.
If anyone has had a similar experience, I'd love to hear from you

Tabbytabitha

You need to be looking at doing some relevant voluntary work to use up your energy and to enable you to get a recent, UK reference and experience.

Nothanks

So I was in the same position, came back to the UK after living abroad, my wife was still abroad, I was jobless and felt like I'd lost everything. Job hunt was fruitless, depression sets in.

The ONLY way to stay sane is routine, routine, routine.

Get up early, workout hard, run do your yoga. Then 9-12 job hunt, network, work the CV, apply, enquire. Give yourself a lunch break then afternoon do something you really care about. Write, paint, make something for a couple of hours. 3-5 more job hunting or follow up on applications. Keep organised, use a spreadsheet, a bullet journal, whatever.

If there's volunteer positions near you, grab one!

I feel for you, I really do because I was there. I came through it, got a job I hated, learned to like it, learned to thrive, 10 years on i've been promoted 6 or 8 times and about to start my dream job.

Chin up.

Lioness_Twinkletoes

You need to lower your expectations and apply for more jobs. I was unemployed a while ago now and arrogantly thought I'd walk into another role easily. It took me a year. There are fewer jobs for more people - and most will have experience in this country.

Stay active and motivated. Get your foot in the door and then look to move up.

Can't give specific advise as you've given no indication as to your field.

[Deleted User]

Lau2018 wrote: »

Admittedly, re. the roles I'm looking for - I'm being picky. I have always been on a decent wage, so I'm not looking to go back down and there are certain environments I wouldn't work in again.

My issue is not with the job search itself, but with my sanity.

2. We all get like this. Even when in the current job and it takes the manager who begrudges you taking holiday (as you've a job which is sole working and let's not start how that makes one feel) and doesn't authorise holiday until the last hour, you cancel interviews for permanent jobs because your temporary job is just not do-able and ironically the interviews never fall when there is holiday! I'm under no illusion my pay is alright because of the risk and having an actual end date of employment.

1. You've said it yourself - pickiness. And perhaps you are right to be.

I think you are coming up to the best time of year to be recruited - the weather is getting better, people will want holiday. :) I wouldn't worry about the intelligence, even the grads were cheering at our place when their contracts come to an end.

Neil_Jones

I worked nearly 12 years in a retail environment. I loved it. Through prudent saving and controlling my outgoings I built up a nestegg of savings that ultimately came in useful when I was let go from that job.

Now I'm doing a modern apprenticeship. Which admittedly are very low paid BUT it fills 37 hours a week, it's more fulfilling, it feels like work and more importantly gives me more of a take-home pay per week than I'd get off JSA which IIRC is only about £73 a week. Sometimes you have to swallow your pride and take the point of view that it's better working for peanuts than not working at all.

Lau2018

I hope everyone had a nice long weekend! :easter:
Thanks everyone for all your replies!

I spent the long weekend with my partner (I met the parents for the first time - :eek:) The family time really perked me up, so I feel a lot more 'ready' for this now.

I have an interview today with a recruiter (in order for them to meet me so that they can put me forward for a job I have applied for through them) and I've found others online over the Easter break that I'll be applying for today.

I think my time today will be well spent creating a set routine for the days.
I agree with you NoThanks - routine is the way forward!

Thanks all for your advice, I really appreciate it :j
Happy Tuesday - I hope everyone has a lovely week!

TELLIT01

Hopefully you will be back in work soon. As has been identified already, routine is very important but can be very difficult to stick to when nothing seems to be happening. It's all too easy to slide into a "Oh, I'll do it tomorrow" mentality. That has to be resisted at all costs.

ACG

Call/Email companies that interest you - even if they have no published jobs available.

I know someone who did that, they emailed around 6-7 companies and had 2 interviews and were offered one of them. Neither of the jobs she interviewed for were published.

techra02

I really agree with the routine advice, I found myself getting a little despondent after a number of applications but took a grip and decided to try and get fit. Joined a local fit group which was free and the confidence paid off in a job - keep going.

LunaaLouuby

ACG wrote: »

Call/Email companies that interest you - even if they have no published jobs available.

I know someone who did that, they emailed around 6-7 companies and had 2 interviews and were offered one of them. Neither of the jobs she interviewed for were published.

Even if they have no jobs available they may keep your CV on file.