Any benefit to registering as unemployed?

MrDibbler

LinLui said:

If money is genuinely not the motivation, as previously suggested,  what about volunteering? A lot of charities and community organisations can't afford the services of people good with IT.

Or how about training people in computer/ IT skills to help them get jobs they need?

Thanks for the suggestion and I've already considered volunteering at a local animal shelter. I'm not sure I'd actually be much use helping with basic IT. It just seems a shame that I've got 30+ years experience plus up to date skills in cybersecurity and AI and can't put them to use. And yes money is not a motivation; I'd happily work for free.

mybestattempt

Just off the top of my head.

Is it worth contacting the IT departments of the universities and FE colleges in the North East to ask if they can make use of your qualifications, skills and experience or if they have contacts with local industry who might have openings for you?

LinLui

MrDibbler said:

LinLui said:

If money is genuinely not the motivation, as previously suggested,  what about volunteering? A lot of charities and community organisations can't afford the services of people good with IT.

Or how about training people in computer/ IT skills to help them get jobs they need?

Thanks for the suggestion and I've already considered volunteering at a local animal shelter. I'm not sure I'd actually be much use helping with basic IT. It just seems a shame that I've got 30+ years experience plus up to date skills in cybersecurity and AI and can't put them to use. And yes money is not a motivation; I'd happily work for free.

I have decades of international programme and logistics management experience at super- governmental level; "fundraising and fund management" in the £multi- millions. Retire in 4 weeks. Already got "mini stuff" lined up. That "mini stuff" matters more to real people on the ground than "using big stuff". One person into a job or on a career path is monumental. A legacy. You don't need the money. Some people desperately need a future. Could be that you are thinking about the wrong opportunities? 

Klippety

MrDibbler said:

LinLui said:

If money is genuinely not the motivation, as previously suggested,  what about volunteering? A lot of charities and community organisations can't afford the services of people good with IT.

Or how about training people in computer/ IT skills to help them get jobs they need?

Thanks for the suggestion and I've already considered volunteering at a local animal shelter. I'm not sure I'd actually be much use helping with basic IT. It just seems a shame that I've got 30+ years experience plus up to date skills in cybersecurity and AI and can't put them to use. And yes money is not a motivation; I'd happily work for free.

You have a wealth of knowledge and experience, so why not share some of your wisdom? You could put some courses together and sell them on Udemy or Teachable. 

kimwp

What about contacting charities to see if you can improve their IT systems? 

Also being a mentor. Perhaps for one of the charities or organisations that promoted IT and software programming to groups that might not currently think it's an option for them.

Jude57

MrDibbler said:

LinLui said:

If money is genuinely not the motivation, as previously suggested,  what about volunteering? A lot of charities and community organisations can't afford the services of people good with IT.

Or how about training people in computer/ IT skills to help them get jobs they need?

Thanks for the suggestion and I've already considered volunteering at a local animal shelter. I'm not sure I'd actually be much use helping with basic IT. It just seems a shame that I've got 30+ years experience plus up to date skills in cybersecurity and AI and can't put them to use. And yes money is not a motivation; I'd happily work for free.

I'm not connected with this company based in Newcastle but my friend's son worked for them for a while and spoke well of the ethos and opportunities to widen his expertise. Is this the type of thing you'd be interested in?

https://careers.hedgehoglab.com/jobs

Doshwaster

LinLui said:

I was under the impression that they might have links to local employers   

Typically not for anything technical or professional. Better off talking to specialist recruitment agencies and the dreaded LinkedIn.

Also remember that post-COVID, the job market is now more of a national one. As long as you are willing/able to work from home then you don't need to be working for a local firm. We now have people working for us all over the country (and from abroad.)

LinLui

Doshwaster said:

LinLui said:

I was under the impression that they might have links to local employers   

Typically not for anything technical or professional. Better off talking to specialist recruitment agencies and the dreaded LinkedIn.

Also remember that post-COVID, the job market is now more of a national one. As long as you are willing/able to work from home then you don't need to be working for a local firm. We now have people working for us all over the country (and from abroad.)

I was quoting the OP. I didn't say that.