Never had a job and I feel resigned to the idea that I never will. I seem to be unemployable

Fireflyaway

Firstly, your written English is great and you have explained yourself brilliantly. I've read hundreds of CVs over the years and many come nowhere close to your standard so there is a skill you have.
I was a volunteer manager for a number of years and recruited volunteers from all backgrounds. There were students with no work experience, older people wanting to try something different and people with mental health challenges, ex offenders and people just wanting to help. Several of the volunteers went on to gain employment with their new skills and I was able to provide a reference.
Volunteering will give you a reason to leave the house and will most probably boost your confidence. See if there is a volunteer hub near you. Do an internet search and see what opportunities there are. Even if it's just a few hours a week to start. Volunteering also lets you test out different work fields to see if you like it.
It certainly can be a struggle to find work but once you get that first job it will be easier next time. Do you have a cv? You can make a start on that. Do a few free online courses. The reed website has a good choice. Things such as customer service is useful in lots of fields.
If you put some effort in and try a few new things to boost your chances I see no reason why you can't succeed. You are not unemployable.
Be sure to keep us updated as I'm sure others will be interested in your progress. Good luck.

theoretica

You mention people coming out of prison and finding jobs. In many cases they will have been helped to find and get those jobs, and perhaps you too would benefit from some help or expert advice. As mentioned above, the National Autism Society may be able to advise you, or Remploy.

BrassicWoman

What have you already tried to make yourself more employable please?

aileenbo

As has been said, there's nothing degrading about claiming benefits. There's ESA and you may also be able to claim PIP if you meet the descriptors.

What's more: you can work and claim PIP. You can also do "permitted work" on ESA which could include voluntary work or even selling on eBay - as long as it doesn't contradict what you put on your claim form and you let them know officially.

If you are in the work related activity group for ESA they will help you out if you want to get back into work. It's in their interest to do so!

I know you've already tried eBay- but it looks like you only dipped your toes in.

Think of this moment as a blank slate: You have lots of opportunities open to you if you just reach out and grab one. This thread is a good start.

[Deleted User]

UnemployableUKchap wrote: »

I do not think it would be an exaggeration to state that I have a better chance of winning the lottery than landing the most menial, entry-level job possible. I also have no references or work-related qualifications. I do not have BTECs, NVQs, A levels or any other vocational qualifications. I only have GCSEs, which don't appear to be enough on their own.

They don't care if you actually find a job or not. Is this actually the case? What happens if you are sent for interviews, and you attend them, but subsequently fail to land a job? I would welcome any advice or perspective from people who work.

You don't know until you try. It is not up to anyone else to get you a job, that comes down to you. It's the same for losing weight, must be up to the person to want to do it.

If you 'fail' a job interview, (which it really shouldn't be thought of in this manner) then you have better practice and knowledge for next time.

https://www.totaljobs.com/careers-advice/unemployment-advice

I've a rather intelligent cousin, been out of work since leaving school one year ago, eventually got a job in fast food place and lasted literally weeks before not working again at all, so intelligence don't always land you everything. Same as you can work a job in solitary as well - it isn't all self-respect, dignity and hope. I don't know if I'm better or worse for it at times. References will totally depend on the job gone for.. in fact out of a lot of jobs recently applied for, the NHS were the only ones quite blatant on the fact (understandably) their policy was "If you are successful in applying for this post we will require company email addresses for your referees (personal email addresses for employers are not acceptable). At least one of your referees must be your current/most recent line manager. We require references to cover 3 years employment history (unless just leaving education)." I had one Supervisor once who said he didn't start work, after Uni, really until he was 29 so your chances are there.

xapprenticex

Volunteer and join as many agencies as possible. Its not ideal but beggars cant be choosers, you want experience right now.



Only people who have issues with DWP/JCP are those who think they are very clever (yet unemployed) and try to find ways to not comply with requirements.



If you really want work (and it sounds like you do) then you will have no problem.

CakeCrusader

First thing you need to do is to STOP reading the Daily Mail. Their articles are written to put people down and make them feel bad about themself, and you don't need this sort of negativity in your life.



You have so much potential, don't write yourself off. A lack of qualifications can be easily sorted, a lot of the Universities offer access courses to students without A'Levels because of this, so it's useful to know if this is the path that you wish to take.



Volunteering is a fantastic way to start, and you can build up from there. Academia and qualifications aren't everything, so if there's something practical that you can do then go for it!! My parents were on low incomes, I'm from a deprived area, and I managed to get into University with one A'Level and I now have a degree, so it is possible to lift yourself out of where you are, you just have to plan and work at it, because it won't come to you.

Savvy_Sue

UnemployableUKchap wrote: »

I am absolutely bored out of my mind most days. I am usually up all night playing games and then asleep during the day. I would say it's the lack of purpose in everyday life that affects me most.

Well there's the first thing within your power to change ...

I'd be surprised if your people skills didn't improve with a bit of volunteering too.

You may think change isn't possible, or likely, but it is, and some of it is within your power.

naughtyjo

Why not get a claim in for universal credit if you!!!8217;re in a UC area and that will give you some financial independence for starters.
Go and see the advisers at the job centre and see what help and support they can offer you.
Like others have said you could volunteer or go and do some work experience. Another option is to write to local companies explaining you want to work and would be happy to do a work trial
DWP work with many companies that are disability positive and they have providers that work with people with conditions like yours to secure employment
Bad press is just that but the reality is dwp are there to help and support so go for it. What do you have to lose? Good Luck

Smodlet

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

Well there's the first thing within your power to change ...

I'd be surprised if your people skills didn't improve with a bit of volunteering too.

You may think change isn't possible, or likely, but it is, and some of it is within your power.

As Savvy_Sue says, so say I. Other people have commented on the high quality of your written English... Have you seen some of the posts on this forum? I am not referring to those from posters whose first language is not English, I mean those from people who seem to have slept through every English lesson they ever bothered to attend.

You are intelligent and articulate yet you read the Daily Wail. You do realise the only appropriate place for that and similar publications is under a cat's litter tray, don't you?

If being in a bustling environment is not for you, why not consider a career where you would be able to work alone for most of the time? Web design? You already know more about computers than many, I'm willing to bet. The Law, perhaps? You would need to begin by going back to college and getting A levels, then going to university but you seem to have the ability to assimilate knowledge.

I echo the fact that benefits are there for those who need help to help themselves. Asking for help is intelligent, not degrading. Ploughing on regardless when you know you cannot succeed on your own is not. I, too have been on both sides of that desk and shortcrust's post resonated with me. I actually found the very worst claimants to be students, but hey. I wonder how many of them would have lasted five minutes in that job, were they able to get past the first interview.

You have huge potential, imho and it seems others agree. Only you can realise it; that is fact. I wish you luck.