Unemployment...it’s brutal...

Morata_

Just wanted to express my thoughts!

I was on a teacher training course in Sept but decided it wasn’t for me and left officially on Friday. In reality, it’s been two weeks since I attended.

In that time, I’ve job searched, with little success. I have had one interview @ Tesco but haven’t heard back so it sure if I will get that job.

I’ve worked in schools for many years, support roles but there aren’t any vacancies for me to apply for right now!

I’m nearly 40, just signed on and with 3 kids feel desperate already! My days are so lonely, thankfully my partner has a p/t job and goes to Uni as we have a mortgage etc but even that I feel really guilty about.

Being unemployed is brutal, lonely and I’m not sure it’s going to be good for my mental health. How do people unemployed spend their days? I feel like I’m letting my family down badly...

Comms69

Improving their skills? Working on applications? Networking with friends and acquaintances? - the real job seekers anyway.

bugslet

Tbh it was a long time ago when I had ten weeks on the dole as it was then and it was fricking marvellous. I did a bit of holiday cover for someone for a week for cash, I just took some time to relax and chill.

If you don't want to pursue the relax theme, then research other jobs that you could do, go knock on doors even. I'm not looking for a job but I see them advertised in shop windows etc and know I could get some part time work pretty much instantly.

ReadingTim

Yes - yes it is. As well as a income, work/a job provides us with a structure to our day, social interactions (even friends), a sense of purpose, meaning, belonging etc. Take that away, for example when you're out of work, or have retired, and it can be a massive loss.

I understand that one way to treat jobseeking is like a job in itself - get up early, start at 9am etc. Signing on won't be much fun, but I'm sure part of that is deliberate - unemployment benefits etc should be a safety net for those who temporarily can't work, not a cushion for those who won't work....

Best of luck with getting something soon

TBagpuss

It is hard.

One thing you can look at doing is volunteering. This can be a little tricky when job hunting as it may be seen as meaning that you are not available to work, but you may be able to find something they will allow, particularly if it is relevant to the type of work you are looking for, or is outside standard working hours.

Also consider joining a club or regular activity so that you do have something which means you are out of the house and spending time with others, whether it is a book club, evening class, sports club etc

Spendless

Job hunting can be soul destroying and yes can affect your mental health. I would have thought jobs in schools as support staff are likely to be thin on the ground at the start of an academic year. If you're looking for just 'anything' xmas temp jobs are likely to be around.

elsien

Improved my computer literacy and learned excel.
Trained my dog and caught up on the DIY round the house (this was not work related but took up a fair amount of time. )
Updated the CV and polished the job applications.
Networked with colleagues and other people in the field. I.e went to the pub.
Did voluntary work which got me my next job.

I expected to be bored witless but if it wasn't for needing the money I could happily have had longer off work.
The thing is find a balance between what you need to do to get work and keeping your sanity.

dawyldthing

Try signing up to some teaching agencies for ta/ class cover jobs. I know I once put my cv on cv library as I thought I’d have a change of scene and no end of places rang with jobs

Vet

Have you considered using "Alison" for free online courses/ google free online courses? I used to do this in my free time - looks good on a CV.

Hope you get a break through soon!

kazwookie

Agency work, loads coming up, you may find another career for your self.

Fireflyaway

I left my job back in May. I just couldn't take the stress so for the first time in my life I was unemployed too. I'm 39.
It was a worry, finding that it's harder to find a job now than back in the days. Also more of a stress when you need an income rather than just want one. So many companies don't even reply and it knocks your confidence.
My tip is to have a routine. Spend a couple of hours job hunting in the morning and then do things you normally wouldn't have time to do. Long walks or get the house super clean or cook a special meal. That way you are still achieving something. Also try applying for things you normally wouldnt! I did that and now I'm in the best job I've ever had. It pays rubbish but I enjoy it!
There are temp jobs this time of year. Worth applying as many companies will keep staff on after Christmas.
Also don't let your job define you. You are still a partner, mum and friend etc.