want to change job

olb81

for a number of reasons i want to change jobs from working at royal mail for nearly 20 years

obviously my skills are mainly customer service, i dont know what else to add except having to be organised and generally work relentlessly to get the work done

i am here just to ask where to start looking? i am also in a new area so travelling is costing me and effectively i'm probably on no more than minimum wage with those costs.

i'd like something a little less pressured and definitely less driving. i am aged 45.

thanks for any starting points!

MyRealNameToo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6684493/want-to-change-job

Royal Mail is a large organisation, I am guessing you work as a postman? The one chap I know that works for them is an actuary and so the recommendation for him would be very different to a postman looking to move on.

Generally if you want to get into a new field its often easier to do so inside a company than by moving companies as you are already a known quantity so the only gamble for them is if you can pick up the new skills not if you actually turn up on time etc. That said, entry level work is easier than more skilled. Have you looked at vacancies internally? Do they have other offices where you'd be willing to commute to that may open up other role types?

Certainly in London most places hire via job boards and agencies, gone are the days of walking in and giving the manager a printed copy of your CV. When discussing why the change would certainly focus on the less driving and not the pressure element. Most roles have KPIs and many will feel pressure to meet those objectives. Some are certainly can be harder than others for different people but I suspect most companies think their targets are about the same level overall

olb81

I would rather leave the organization entirely to be honest. It's funny how some people still have the idea that a postie job is " less pressure " lol. Maybe 25 years ago!

I have heard of websites such as indeed, reed etc. Why the "eed" ?

Is there anywhere I can visit in person that can help me, I remember I got my first proper job after visiting a " careers centre" at about 18. Do they still exist, is there anything for mature people.?

Brie

See if there's a employment agency with an office near you. Talking directly to someone might be very helpful and they can point out what companies/roles they recruit for. They will also look at your cv and point out the gaps and ask pertinent questions to help you fill it out.

Otherwise you might start looking around your area and see what companies are there. Do you know anyone who works at any of them? (likely not if you are new there) Is there any way you could meet/discuss things with someone working there? Local social media might help. Check if there's any job fairs coming up - you can meet reps from a number of firms.

And thinking "customer service" ….what are the obvious jobs that fall into that category? Retail sales? Working a till at Tescos? Phone work for a bank or insurance company?

While learning more I'd suggest building up your savings so that you can make the leap perhaps to a lower paid entry level role should one interest you.

sheramber

There are job fairs in my area from time to time.

Also sometimes adverts on local Facebook for local vacancies.

MyDIL got her change of job by registering with a local agency.

MyRealNameToo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82148278#Comment_82148278

I've no particular view on the pressure on a postie but certainly think a lot consider the grass to be greener on the other side when in reality its fairly brown and scorched on all sides. Some think call centre work is easy as its just sitting on your bum chatting to people but in reality you have very tight timescales to hit (length of call, gap between calls, time unavailable to take calls) and they wont invest in someone not hitting targets.

The wife says I've an easy job and all I do is talk to people… heard the other day that two distant associates sadly took their own life recently because of the pressure of the job (they do the same thing)

You can visit local recruitment agents, some may ask you to do some aptitude tests like keying speed/accuracy etc. They arent a panacea though and whilst they may promise the world the reality is your considered for the jobs they are working today and they arent going to be marketing you to others

olb81

Thanks I'll look out for agencies and job fairs locally! I just really need a change!!!

ohreallƳ

Do you have qualifications, if not could you consider enrolling on a course NOW?

What floats your boat work wise?