Where to start?!

skyblueshez

This is a difficult post, because nobody knows how bad my financial situation is but I figure that the best way to start to deal with things is to accept that I need help.

So, I'm currently not working (well, I'm signed up with a temp agency which means I do random occasional minimum wage work when they can be bothered to get me an assignment!) This means I generally don't have money coming in. I am lucky because I live at home with my parents and I'm aware that most people aren't as lucky as me. I've borrowed so much money off them it's untrue, to the point now where my mum is struggling financially because of the strain I've put on them (although she would never, ever say that).

To try to make things better I took out two payday loans, I managed to pay one off but then needed more cash so had to take another one out again. I have five credit cards, all full, and am now terrified of opening any letters that arrive through the post. Only Friday I got a letter telling me my bank had denied my £6.09 min payment for one credit card because I have that little money in my bank. I'm scared to check my bank account and when I went into my branch I lied to the staff and said I'm a student so they wouldn't judge me for having no money.

One of the things I find hardest is I have a BA, a Post Graduate degree and a Masters so to the outside world I look like a well qualified person who should easily be able to get a job. But low paid, low stress jobs don't want me because I'm 'overqualified' and any jobs that require a Masters is too much stress. Having the money problems has seriously affected my mental health and I'm not sure I can cope with a stressful job without breaking completely.

I just feel like a let down, I'm 34 and still living at home. I have absolutely no money. I can't afford to socialise so I'm becoming isolated from my friends. It's my parents' special birthdays this year and their 40th wedding anniversary next year and everyone keeps asking what I'm getting them to celebrate. I feel so embarrassed that I can't even afford to buy my parents something, instead I have to ask them to lend me bus fare.:(

I'm sorry this is so long, I just feel better for even writing this down as it's like the first time I've fully accepted how bad my current situation is. Reading the success posts from people is really helping me and making me think it can be done... but for now I just don't know where to start :(

Willing2Learn

Reading the posts of people's successes in dealing with their debts should demonstrate how easy it is to make a workable plan to pay down those debts.

Why not post your SOA (Statement Of Affairs)? That way people here can give better, tailored advice, according to your circumstances. If you do chose to post up your SOA, htne please remember to click on the 'format for MSE' button at the bottom of the form.

http://www.stoozing.com/calculator/soa.php

Edit: Are you registered with just the one employment agency? If so, then I would suggest registering with multiple agencies. I've done that previously, and it works a treat.

datlex

Try registering with other employment agencies. What is your degree in?

sourcrates

skyblueshez wrote: »

Reading the success posts from people is really helping me and making me think it can be done... but for now I just don't know where to start :(

Hi,


Well you can start by telling us how much debt you have approx ?


Own any assets ?


House, car ?


There is always a solution to debt, no matter what your circumstances.

Karonher

I don't know whether others would agree with this but don't list all of your qualifications when applying for jobs. If it needs A levels finish your list there - if it needs a degree stop there.

I don't know what agency you are with but I am with a few and lose very few days.

kazwookie

Apply to more agencies
At this time of year sorting offices / home delivery sites / supermarkets are looking to incease staff numbers ready for Christmas, you need to be VERY pro active, ring the agencies every morning to see if any temp work has come in that morning as the employer may have staff off sick and need urgent cover, look at local Royal mail sorting offices etc and see what they have going.
Whilst these may not be the jobs you want, they will bring in some money so you can pay for everyday things.

enthusiasticsaver

I would start by firstly trying to up your income even if it means not disclosing your post grad qualifications if you are coming over as too qualified. Sign up with more agencies and apply for graduate schemes.

Payday loans will never make things better. If you cannot meet your debts repayments then contact stepchange. They will advise the best way out of your debt problems.

a_silver_lining

I third not mentioning your qualifications.

That said I did disclose mine when I applied for my job. I interviewed for weekend work, was offered full time and then they quickly promoted me to supervisor and then manager. I think they saw my qualification as a sign I could eventually fit that level of responsibility. It is retail, and not what I wanted to do, but is in the 'subject' I want to work in, so I see it as a stepping stone to my next employment.

Good luck!

Barny1979

Can you not do jobs like bar work etc? Gets money in, they wouldn't be bothered about being over-qualified

buythedip

Have you ever held a job related to your field? Have you been actively looking? Agency work is frankly pants and sounds like it is contributing to your problems.