Serious Moving out / Unemployment

[Aeris]

As some of you already know, I came to this site with my fiancé, Leo. I've known him since before I was 14 years of age and now I am coming up for 20 in April. I've been trying for some time to find work to earn enough money to start saving up to move out... however, nothing has been available to me. I have no car or previous experiance... I've looked for work since I was 16. I can't even get into a college course because people already forced out of work (or in the same situation as me) are looking for something to fill their long empty hours with. I want to rent a small apartment. I want to actually feel like I'm engaged to the one person I wish to spend the rest of this life and the next with.

I just don't know what to do. After job searching for so long, all I'm left with is job training. I'm stuck - depressed and fed up with the same old routine. Could anybody help me? Is there anywhere I forgot to look? So far, I've used the internet to job search. News papers, radio, mindless CV hand-outs... I just don't know what to do anymore... Please help me?

 

[GalaxyFlare]

Move out of the UK.

You have to be able to do something, there are no jobs available?
l was on the UK pension for my first few months there and you can do shit all on it, survive barely and have very little fun.

Then l got a job at tescos and in a call center, and l did my call center training in australia, there is always work available.

You need to seriously consider what skills you have?
what kind of job you would like and what kind off jobs are available at the time
work in a bar, do nails, deliver junk mail, install satellite tv?

But dont be mime artist just get a job, some people dont find there career for a long time, personal assistants are always fun.

 

[Kandy-Sugar]

The thing is, when some people say they've been trying to find work, they haven't really been committed to really finding a job. It is my belief that if you are serious about getting a job, that you would spend the same hours searching for work as it would take working a full week of work.

So at least around 30 hours a week (even though full time is 38 hours).

And you have to continuously go back to the same places sometimes to show how keen you are to work, which always leaves a good impression (if they don't get annoyed that is) and sometimes workplaces misplace resumes or they don't have work available at the time, but the next week they may be looking, so it helps to go back in.

I know it can be frustrating and you may have already been committing to these sort of hours, but if you haven't you really need to. Work will not come to you as you can already see. You need to get out there and even volounteer for things, ask for work experience so you can at least put it on your resume and hopefully they'll even consider hiring you as well.

I've never been without work since leaving school and I guess I'm lucky being able to go from job to job.

Are you the only one going to be working by the way? Moving out is rather expensive as it is even with two people working. =/

 

[Aeris]

Move out of the UK.

You have to be able to do something, there are no jobs available?
l was on the UK pension for my first few months there and you can do shit all on it, survive barely and have very little fun.

Then l got a job at tescos and in a call center, and l did my call center training in australia, there is always work available.

You need to seriously consider what skills you have?
what kind of job you would like and what kind off jobs are available at the time
work in a bar, do nails, deliver junk mail, install satellite tv?

But dont be mime artist just get a job, some people dont find there career for a long time, personal assistants are always fun.

I have no money and come from a poor family. I live in Scotland (Glasgow) and nothing is a luxury here. I would love to travel - I wanted to even get into a Hospitality course to do just that. However, colleges are full. I can't get anything other than call centre work or some form of nudity involved in the jobs offered to me. While I have tried going for these jobs (and others) I am always turned away. I'm on Job Seeking Allowance so I only get 50 sterling pounds a week. And I only see that money every 2nd Tuesday. We have Job Points I can also look into for places not advertising openly about certain jobs. I've tried to become a cleaner, admin, saleswoman... Anything that didn't require me driving. But most work availible are directed towards wanted managers or for those who DO drive and can get to a far off hotel. My dream career is to be a manga artist but I know that is unrealistic without even a small amount of previous experiance from a job. I have also tried going for working in a bar but I need college to do that in this country....

The thing is, when some people say they've been trying to find work, they've haven't really been committed to really finding a job. It is my belief that if you are serious about getting a job, that you would spend the same hours searching for work as it would take working a full week of work.

So at least around 30 hours a week (even though full time is 38 hours).

And you have to continuously go back to the same places sometimes to show how keen you are to work, which always leaves a good impression (if they don't get annoyed that is) and sometimes workplaces misplace resumes or they don't have work available at the time, but the next week they may be looking, so it helps to go back in.

I know it can be frustrating and you may have already been committing to these sort of hours, but if you haven't you really need to. Work will not come to you as you can already see. You need to get out there and even volounteer for things, ask for work experience so you can at least put it on your resume and hopefully they'll even consider hiring you as well.

I've never been without work since leaving school and I guess I'm lucky being able to go from job to job.

Are you the only one going to be working by the way? Moving out is rather expensive as it is even with two people working. =/

I agree with everything - going back and forth is really hard also. I've tried countless times to get work in the shopping centre in walking distance to my house. Asda, Tescos, Farmfoods, Claires, G Force, Games, GameStation, KFC, McDonalds, Sainsburys, Peacocks, Primark, International, Colors... Every single day (since it is in walking distance). I have had some experiance like working in a charity store for Salvation Army. 13 weeks of it... but when I meantion it in interviews I just get the question, do you know how to use a til? Do you know how to restock? etc. And the manager never let me in the front - I was always stuck in the back room steaming clothes as they made snide remarks about costumers and fellow workers. I do get it though. Any experiance is welcomed. The job Seekers have actually set me up for a training course a few weeks from now. I'm hoping it can give my confidence a boost.

I think my biggest problem when an employer looks at me is my lack of confidence. I think I've let this all grind me down into a puddle of nerves. I actually take panic attacks before and after interviews now. I've never experianced it before until recently...

My father can't work because he needs an operation for a disk in his neck. My mother is crippled. My sister is too young and still in school. And my Leo is still in school too though he does do volunteer work for 1-2 hours available. So I'm the only one that is actually even look for a paying job at the moment.

 

[Amizon]

I understand how hard it is. It's pathetic how hard it is to get a job nowadays in our country. I have a part-time job myself and hate it, so want to get out of it myself.

Most of the advice I'd given has already been dished out, but I'd also say to sign up for email alerts. I'm currently on email alerts for at least Odeon Cinemas and JD Wetherspoon. I check them each day to find out if there are any new jobs and apply for them if they're within my area.

That's all I can say, but good luck to you! The economy's still in a state, but I'm sure you'll find a job someday.

 

[Aeris]

I understand how hard it is. It's pathetic how hard it is to get a job nowadays in our country. I have a part-time job myself and hate it, so want to get out of it myself.

Most of the advice I'd given has already been dished out, but I'd also say to sign up for email alerts. I'm currently on email alerts for at least Odeon Cinemas and JD Wetherspoon. I check them each day to find out if there are any new jobs and apply for them if they're within my area.

That's all I can say, but good luck to you! The economy's still in a state, but I'm sure you'll find a job someday.

Thank you so much for your support! ^__^
I'll definitely have to set myself up for some alerts.
I've tried with job sites in the past but I get so many offers
I can't actually use... I never thought of things like the Cinema.. ./////.

 

[Æon Flux]

This might sound bad but I in no way mean it to be.
I walked for 10 years 3 hours a day just to get to work and back.(I lived rather far from the job and had to be there by 5am and busses didnt come down to my area untill summer hit and even then it wasnt untill 8am)
I also had one job where I had to take three busses just to get there after about an hour walk to the first stop.
Where theres a will theres a way if you realy want it.

Ive been working since I was 13 so I dont think its a matter of age more than what your willing to do to pay the bills.
I come from a household of a single parent and not being able to even afford food at times so for me when it came to work it was so my mom wouldnt have to worry and take a bit of the burden off of her.
And I would do whatever shit work I was given and then some just to prove im willing to bust my ass for my pay.
I am still doing so so mabey my theory is crap but hell I have a few jobs I enjoy doing now so I cant be all wrong...
Id say if you can even get a menial job till you find something better,even if you hate it,its better than nothing you always have to start from the ground up and once you prove your reliable your given better operatunities.

Also IMO from every application ive ever put out is to call back after a week,or when giving the aplication ask"When can I expect to hear an answer from you" and "whom can I call back in regards to my application" and actualy call them back.

 

[Amizon]

I think my biggest problem when an employer looks at me is my lack of confidence. I think I've let this all grind me down into a puddle of nerves. I actually take panic attacks before and after interviews now. I've never experianced it before until recently...

There's something you could do about it.

You should practice and have a mock interview with a family member or a friend. We had them in our last year of school and even though it was the once we had them, it really helped me to secure my job.

Have that person interviewing you have a notepad and note down your strengths and weaknesses in the mock interview.

For instance, don't ever fold your arms. It looks like you're concealing something from the person interviewing you.

Don't ever break off eye contact. It's essential that you get their attention since you're essentially selling yourself for the job.

Speak clearly when you're talking, too. This is so the interviewer can understand everything you say.

It's also best to be prepared for any possible questions that they have for you, such as: "Why do you want to work for us?" and "Can you tell me something interesting about yourself?" If you manage to answer them, then I suppose the chances of you getting the job will be greater. But be precise and don't lie. They value the truth and would be disappointed to see you lied.

Hope this all helps!

 

[Soltharn]

Just to add to what has already been said, another way to ease tension in regards to interviews is to reward yourself before and after the ordeal, no matter what the outcome is. Having an incentive to look forward to in advance always erodes away the tension for me, and whilst it may not work for everyone, I always encourage it as a way to soothe nerves.

 

[Jamesy]

There are jobs out there, but all they do is pay the wage, they arent something you will keep long term.

I was in a similar situation when I moved back to Belfast after living in England for years. No job, no place of my own.. ended up working in a call centre doing telesales out of desperation. I wouldn't advise it.

I ended up in another call centre and I'm still there, its for sky technical support. Money isnt great (I'd get paid £9 an hour if I lived in Scotland or England but my centre is outsourced and those ones arent) but its an easy job... they've a centre in dunfermline actually.. i was going to apply for it like..

Give it two months. Find a job somewhere, doing whatever you can, and save at least £600 before you move out. Thats two months rent and bills. Keep it as security.

Take Agency work that is as and when required alongside a job doing about 30 hours a week, you should bring in enough to cover everything you need.

Best experience I can give? Exaggerate the truth or outright lie about experience. I apparently have a GCSE in Maths, and 2 years working experience that doesnt exist. If for some odd reason they find out its untrue, then no love lost, try somewhere else.

 

[Tom Badguy]

Try using these steps to get a job(your solutions may vary because I don't know how things work outside the U.S.)

1. Since you have no experience, look for a minimum wage job. It sucks but it is a start.
2. Have a complete open schedule. You have to be available to work at any time.
3. Fill out as much as you can on Applications. Leave no space empty and no question unanswered.
4. For the interview: dress nice, eye contact is key and show enthusiasm. Speak clearly and never answer with "I don't know."
5. You are ready to start work ASAP, always remember that.
6. Anything personal needs to go to the side. Don't give them the impression that something might stray you from work.

Hope this helps.

 

[Chivalry Augustus]

I'm a serial fibber when it comes to job applications. I lie, I fabricate, I embellish. Nobody more conceited than I has ever set foot in an interview. The moment I step into an interview, it's all about me. There can be no quarrel, it's all about how great I am, and how brilliant I am going to be as an employee. My CV testifies to my unrivalled greatness, and every answer to every question posed does likewise. Now, in truth, I'm absolute rubbish at any job; disruptive, argumentative, lethargic, prone to fits of unimaginable incompetence. But getting into a job is 5% confidence, 10% determination, 10% luck and 75% lying through your teeth. Good luck. My advice, compacted into one sentence, in terms of job applications would always be: if at first you don't succeed, then lie some more!