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Message 1.Â
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:33 GMT
Just panic, I guess, out of work, not a lot to apply for and realising that I can last about five months before I am at serious risk of losing my house.
I have a flat that I let out which means that I am not eligible for any benefits at all, although the rent just covers council tax and mortgage. The tenant has a short assured tenancy which means that even if I wanted to sell it and it were saleable (I would make a huge loss on it) I can't legally do so until December.
After the end of October I will have nothing but the rent coming in at all - nothing to pay bills with, let alone eat.
Am panicking.
Would appreciate soothing noises. -
Message 2
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Soothing noises from flakeydom and tightly clasped fingers that your work options look up very soon.
best wishes
Flakey -
Message 3
Posted by Lemon Sabotage (U9577550) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Yikes.
The only possible solution I can see to your dilemma is to approach a bank for a loan from Oct. until you sell your flat after Dec., which it looks as if you might have to do.
Or take in a lodger(in your house)?--but if it were me, I'd want to do that as a very last resort.
Really, really hope you find work before then. -
Message 4
Posted by Jane Eyre (U5521427) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Oh you poor thing, how worrying! Have you spoken to the organisation that you have the mortgage with to see if you could suspend or reduce payments for a while? I am crossing my fingers that things improve soon for you.
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Message 5
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:03 GMT, in reply to Lemon Sabotage in message 3
I already have a lodger, lemon, who is not able to pay rent and who has not yet managed to get benefits (absolutely not his fault). I intend to let out the room I currently use as a bedroom and move down to the little single bedroom by the kitchen, but even then I won't have enough to live on.
I think I will e-mail my tenant, with whom I have a verbal agreement to let him stay another year, and say that if circs don't change I am afraid this may not be possible. I resent losing money (probably quite a lot) on the sale, but I may have no alternative.
I have managed to get two small translating jobs in the last six months, so that is not terribly promising. I have an appointment with the self-employment chaps at the Job Centre, but not sure what they will come up with.
eek and must do my tax for last year or I will get fined...is September the deadline for self-assesment? -
Message 6
Posted by Ali-cat (U8666386) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Hello Drystane
I've been in a similar position to you, where I went into voluntary liquidation of my business, and could have lost everything.
I say to you, hang on. It is surprising how quickly you can turn the corner in this sort of situation. There will be some job you can take, something will present itself, it may not be exactly what you want, but it will be money coming in. Hang in there, keep looking, keep your mind and your options open.
Try and do one positive thing every day. There'll be some days when it's really hard, but try anyway. Even if it's only applying for a job you don't even think you will stand a chance at, because positive action is always affirmative.
Chin up Drystane, things will work out.
xx
Ali -
Message 7
Posted by Dougals Servant (U7470526) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:12 GMT, in reply to Drystane Dyke in message 5
Dystane
It's 31/10 if you do it on paper of 31/1 if you do it online.
D's S -
Message 8
Posted by Dougals Servant (U7470526) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:16 GMT, in reply to Dougal in message 7
of = and -
Message 9
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:10 GMT, in reply to Dougal in message 7
Excellent, Dougal, thanks - I do it online.
So I have time to re-recover from the Lurgy and possibly have a little less on the old mind. -
Message 10
Posted by Tiferet (U11543134) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Ahem ... Soothing noises ... ppppuurrrrrrrrrrrrr ... pppppuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrr ... but really!
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Message 11
Posted by Anne-Marie (U1474870) on Monday, 10th August 2009
It's really rubbish how much we need money and how quickly it gets used up when none is coming in.
Fingers crossed something will turn up. When doing my degree and o/h got made redundant, I ended up working at Tesco's 3 eves and all day Sat to keep the wolf from the door. Needs must etc etc
I'm not sure of your circumstances - would moving back to the place you own be a possibility?
AMx -
Message 12
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:55 GMT, in reply to Tiferet in message 10
But really????? -
Message 13
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:10 GMT, in reply to Anne-Marie in message 11
It did occur to me, Anne Marie, but I concluded that that would end up being a lot more complicated - if the current situation continues I will have to sell one place or the other, and small flats always sell even if for not very much. I am not sure that a rather quirky little house with all sorts of things wrong with it would do. If I sold the flat I could pay off the mortgage on the house and still have a pretty good financial cushion. So I think it is probably better that way round.
Also once Lodger gets benefits either he can pay me rent or he can move on and I can have two paying lodgers.
Plan at present is to get paying lodger in in January since I have some people staying (yes, paying) in December. -
Message 14
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:16 GMT, in reply to Anne-Marie in message 11
I did also think of Tesco, but apparently you can't work on the tills unless you can also stack shelves, which my back/leg would not allow me to do. My equivalent, when the JSA runs out, will be delivering leaflets. But of course I can't do that while I am on JSA...
circles...
circles...
I think I will go to bed with the Wee Neds and a scented candle and watch New Tricks on iPlayer. -
Message 15
Posted by notjenniferaldrich (U8555450) on Monday, 10th August 2009
I watched New Tricks on i-player last night and quite enjoyed it. As a no-telly person, it was quite a novel experience.
Sorry to hear of your afflictions, drystane. What do you translate? I'm a translator too, so maybe some sort of co-operation might be possible. -
Message 16
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:37 GMT, in reply to notjenniferaldrich in message 15
Italian, Spanish and French - non-scientific, though I can do psychology and at a pinch medical, because the terms tend to be transliteratable.
My problem is that I haven't any Stiffgits to say that I can translate, or even that I know any of the above languages. I am hoping that the chap whose film treatment I am just finishing will post a glowing testimonial on my page in the site. -
Message 17
Posted by That Old Janx Spirit (U2140966) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Drystane,
Send your CV off to as many translation agencies as you can find.
If you can get a reference from previous clients... even better.
But honestly, I think experience in the subject is more important that a translation certificate. I mean.... the translation certificate I did only really prepared me for finance and banking. What I do these days is a million miles from that.
If you can offer a good rate (ring up and ask the Chartered Institute of Linguists what they are for your languages - and then undercut by a bit), then agencies will be interested.
I started off on a low rate and then every year I increased my rate a bit and now.. with the old clients I stay with that rate because otherwise I think I'd lose them and they are good payers and give me a lot of work. With new clients, I charge 15 cents a line more. Sometimes I get even more than that.
It's a bit scary at the moment... the market. But I think that a lot of other people will be leaving the market as they have a lower turnover than me, which means that when the global economy picks up again, I'll be in a good position. (I hope.)
So just send your CV off - saying what your subjects are, what your rates are, and stress that you are reliable, conscientious and get your work in on time. Reliability and punctuality are the most important things for the agencies. Promising the end consumer a text by a certain time and then not delivering on time makes them look bad.
There are two nice guides:
Become a Translator: An Introdu ction to the Theory and PRactice of Translation by Douglas Robinson
and
A Practical Guide for Translators by Geoffrey Samuelsson-Brown -
Message 18
Posted by Anne-Marie (U1474870) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Things must have changed as I was never expected to stack shelves and never did. I did however get to work on cust services, the cafe and run back of tills - as soon as they realise you can take a bit of responsibility, they give you it.
Rubbish money tho, so if you can do something requiring better qualifications/more expertise (eg your translation work) that will be better. May I ask which languages?
Good luck. I'm hoping the light is at the end of the tunnel, and that you will be able to see it soon.
AMx -
Message 19
Posted by Anne-Marie (U1474870) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Sorry, I missed your post re languages in my haste...
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Message 20
Posted by Lady Macbeϯh - not without mustard (U550479) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:35 GMT, in reply to Anne-Marie in message 19
Do a Jeffrey Archer and write a book? [A good one might be an idea.]
I'm in a similar situation - minus flat letting. Income disappears at the end of August, so won't be able to afford current home and council won't pay all my rent. Gonna have to move, methinks.
Also in a panic. Spent too long broke and don't want to visit that again.
Sorry - not v. helpful, but I can offer empathy. -
Message 21
Posted by Angua - the vegetarian werewolf and Official Shoe Monitor (U3750755) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:49 GMT, in reply to Lady Macbeth (knitted for ML) in message 20
DD - try the CAB, they may be able of offer advice. -
Message 22
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:22 GMT, in reply to Dame Celia Molestrangler in message 17
DAme Celia, unfortunately I have nothing relevant on my CV. I have done two translations, employedly speaking. I could try agencies - will see what there is. But everyone asks for qualifications nowadays (honestly they do, even for admin jobs) and I have none.
I happen to be a fabby translator*, but the only people who know it are either dead or tucked away in a monastery. Oh, and Lodger, but he can't give me a reference.
Lady Macbeth, that is truly crap and I am sorry that you are in that situation. I would not recommend writing a book. I have done so and it went down like a lead balloon, despite being published by Macmillan...they even tried a paperback, but that bombed too.
*sorry for blowing own trumpet, but I am... -
Message 23
Posted by Lady Macbeϯh - not without mustard (U550479) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:30 GMT, in reply to Drystane Dyke in message 22
Drystane - blow away.
A bugger about the book, though.
Can you do tutoring? Try the TES site.They often are looking for people 'willing to train' if you can face teaching in a specialised area. -
Message 24
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:38 GMT, in reply to Lady Macbeth (knitted for ML) in message 23
eek I doubt it, Lady M. I don't do children under any circumstances.
I am still collecting ideas for being self-employed but I don't think that would be one of them. I am an OKish teacher, but only one-to-one and with adults. -
Message 25
Posted by Silver Jenny (U12795676) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Drystane, any work available at a retreat house for a year or two? Bed and board and some pay whilst you let out house and flat and build up a little bit of money?
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Message 26
Posted by Lady Macbeϯh - not without mustard (U550479) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:52 GMT, in reply to Drystane Dyke in message 24
I am an OKish teacher, but only one-to-one and with adults.Â
My LA does a sneaky thing. For which I am about to apply. I think it's called 'family tutoring'. You go to someone's house in order to help the child who under performing, but the real problem is the parent(s). Under the guise of helping the child you tutor the parent who has literacy problems.
There is also the new 1-1 initiative, which is a catch up for under performing kids. £25 ph -
Message 27
Posted by Lady Macbeϯh - not without mustard (U550479) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:58 GMT, in reply to Lady Macbeth (knitted for ML) in message 26
Oops - might be different in Scotland. Sorry. -
Message 28
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 22:00 GMT, in reply to silverjenny in message 25
I like the sound of that, silverjenny, but how about the Wee Neds*?
*Delinquent twin Burmese pussycats -
Message 29
Posted by politebirder (U4482231) on Monday, 10th August 2009
I can't think what to suggest, Max, but I intend to apply my brain, poor thing as it is, to the matter over the next week, whilst I am away.
Re the 1:1 tutoring, you have to have QTS.
Lady M, does your Local Authority have a team which tutors sick children? I rather think it will & if so, you could get as much work as you wanted at better rates than the 1:1 tutoring. -
Message 30
Posted by Dougals Servant (U7470526) on Monday, 10th August 2009
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:41 GMT, in reply to politebirder in message 29
What about a service feeding cats when their owners are away - advertising via vets so that won't be a cost. Fees sorted out by number of cats, litter trays, how much grooming / play needed. A lot of people would feel more secure if they were paying rather than expecting a neighbour to do a favour. (Also small caged animals and birds)
If your back / knee are up to it there is also dog-walking for dogs who are home alone during the day.
Re the Tossco thing check whether Sainsbury's / Waitrose / M&S require people to shelf stack as well as operate tills. I suspect they want shelf-stackers to be able to operate tills to give cover when there is a rush but don't always want the till operators to shelf stack.
John Lewis? Might be looking for seasonal staff for Christmas?
Do any of the local publishers need people to proof-read?
Is there a market in sorting out PowerPoint presentations for academics who can generate their talk with two fingers but can't do the visuals?
Receptionist - almost anywhere but better at somewhere like a vet or dentist or garage where you might get a staff discount?
Could you bear to mug up on the current syllabi (sp?) and offer 1:1 coaching in Classics to 15 / 16 / 17 y.o. who are struggling at half terms and Christmas and Easter hols?
Doing gift shopping & gift wrapping for the cash rich / time poor?
Are there enough elderly people about who are still in there own homes who need some support but not the sort they would get from a typical carer service?
Is it worth looking at the ads. in The Lady for ideas?
I will keep thinking. These are probably all useless but something might spark a thought....
D's S -
Message 31
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Tuesday, 11th August 2009
Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:25 GMT, in reply to Dougal in message 30
I am inclined, Dougal, to say the one word "Qualifications".It is unbelievable. I am not "qualified" to proof read, be a home help, do receptionist work, etc.
The year before I got the secretary job John Lewis rejected me for seasonal work and anyway I can't stand for long.
There are millions of cat-sitters and dog-walkers in Embra and the insurance costs so much it is not worth doing just a few.
And yes, I have been to every temp agency in the city and they eat my CV and I never hear from them.
And just now am so worried (and the bliddy back/leg hurts so much, but not enough for Them to do anything about it) that I can't sleep... -
Message 32
Posted by Celtic Tiger (U2229153) on Tuesday, 11th August 2009
I wonder if you could get some sort of live-in job eg caring for someone in their own home? hotel work? Then you would be living rent free while you get money from your properties.
By the way I would think tutoring school children is a complete no no, unless you have a teaching qualification. (Maybe you do, of course). But even with a teaching qualification, most people who employ a tutor for their kids are advised to choose someone who is actually teaching the subject in a school because then they are up to date with all the latest things in the syllabus and assessment methods. -
Message 33
Posted by catwomyn (U1485618) on Tuesday, 11th August 2009
Celtic, I was very successful doing private tutoring without a teaching qualification.
I had teaching experience from academia though. but most teaching agencies only require a degree, and A levels in the subject you teach.
I subsequently did a PTLLS course (basic teaching qualification for post-compulsory sector) which was hugely helpful, but I don't think it improved my teaching hugely. I guess I am just pretty dedicated - I did an awful lot of preparation and research into assessment and syllabus.
Cat x -
Message 34
Posted by Celtic Tiger (U2229153) on Tuesday, 11th August 2009
I am not sure whether that would be true in Scotland.
I was really thinking about what would parents be looking for and everyone I know who has employed a tutor for their offspring has used someone who was currently teaching the subject in a school. -
Message 35
Posted by Silver Jenny (U12795676) on Tuesday, 11th August 2009
#28 Drystane
Maybe the Neds could go too, as staff members?
I was just thinking that with your back playing up that would not be too dmeanding physically. It wouldbe your brain, faith and capacity for friendship they would want. -
Message 36
Posted by Tiferet (U11543134) on Tuesday, 11th August 2009
But really you don't deserve it! As you know full well! Nevertheless ... more purrrrrrrrrrrrrssss - gutteral, and fairly mechanical-sounding. (Why should I do this? What are the boys there for? Are they earning their keep??)
-
Message 37
Posted by Go away historians of the future (U1484964) on Tuesday, 11th August 2009
Dryst,
Get my email address from Laura (or ask her to send me yours), might be able to send you summat. -
Message 38
Posted by catwomyn (U1485618) on Tuesday, 11th August 2009
yep, true in Scotland as well Celtic.
Cat x -
Message 39
Posted by Kit Powlett Jones (U2673415) on Tuesday, 11th August 2009
Drystane,
There-there little cabbage. Everything will be all right.
Kit x
PS Please wish me luck - tonight I have to deal with my arch enemy relative, a cousin who used to be my best friend, but now we hate each other and have to go to a family function and behave for our mothers who are identical twins. -
Message 40
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Tuesday, 11th August 2009
Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:45 GMT, in reply to kit_aka_kpj in message 39
(a) Tiffers, I am not sure what you think I don't deserve. I sure as hell don't deserve the sh!te that has been raining on me almost non-stop for three years, but then I am not sure that "deserving" comes into it. I have made the mistake of trying to live as we are told to live, and no-one ever said that would be easy...but I think I am still allowed to moan occasionally.
(b) I do not do children, no not never ever under any circumstances.
(c) Loot, I will ask Laura - thank you.
(d) eek eek kit, good luck -
Message 41
Posted by Kit Powlett Jones (U2673415) on Tuesday, 11th August 2009
Re: d
Thank you. -
Message 42
Posted by Spleen Angel (U1024447) on Tuesday, 11th August 2009
"- tonight I have to deal with my arch enemy relative, a cousin who used to be my best friend, but now we hate each other and have to go to a family function and behave for our mothers who are identical twins."
Blimey. That sounds like an episode of 'arrested development'.
Spleen xx -
Message 43
Posted by Sister Primrose of the Red Tinsel Flag (U5405579) on Tuesday, 11th August 2009
Hi Max,
sorry to read your tale of woe - it sucks. Nothing constructive to say except how sorry I am.
I was told today that they'd spent the money previously intended for a new contract for me on something else, I think in the belief that more funding would become available. It hasn't, and unless it does in the next couple of months I'll be out of a job just before Christmas.
Really, really don't want to have to go back onto the wards
You want to go for a cup of tea and a joint sulk?
PP
ps see EPF thread
-
Message 44
Posted by strawberrysunrise (U10452397) on Tuesday, 11th August 2009
kit_aka_kpj,eeeek sounds scary,
DD, just hang in there,something always rears it's head, could you ask the flat tenant to move into yours?
what about offering your services as a tour guide for visitors(German if that's your language) to Edinburgh,I used to take visiting foreign language students all over Devon,we have quite a few schools down here so get inundated with coach loads of them, basically you just turn up each day sit on the coach as it drives round Devon and point out places of interest,free lunch,afternoon tea and dinner from the different establishments you visit(well you've brought them 40 odd paying customers)
I was popular as I took notes, gave lots of information,and made them wave at all my friends. -
Message 45
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Tuesday, 11th August 2009
Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:05 GMT, in reply to Primrose Path in message 43
Yes, let's go for a sulk. I can't get to any of the EPF events, which is definitely enough reason to sulk.
Have had really horrible day beating ma heid aff the walls of the System. -
Message 46
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Tuesday, 11th August 2009
Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:08 GMT, in reply to strawberrysunrise in message 44
Two of my redundant friends (if you see what I mean) do tour guide - it is all very organised here. I don't think I'd be any good at it, tbh, but I hope to meet them shortly and moan about life, the universe and Embra. -
Message 47
Posted by That Old Janx Spirit (U2140966) on Wednesday, 12th August 2009
Don't put barriers up before you even start.
How do you know how good you'll be at something unless you try?
One guy who used to work in a savings bank here and who has been off work long-term through stress has in the last year started tour-guiding (day-trips in D'dorf, coach trips in Germany and even abroad) AND coaching children in English.
Now... his language skills ain't great.. but it doesn't stop him. And he has the dirtiest, encrusted teeth I've ever seen on a person. And is very waspish. Nevertheless, he gets work. -
Message 48
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Wednesday, 12th August 2009
Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:51 GMT, in reply to Dame Celia Molestrangler in message 47
There are things that one is good at. There are things one is emphatically not good at...and in general by the advanced age of
one tends to know which is which.
There is absolutely no way I could remember a script of that kind or do that sort of cheery herding-kiddies type job.
I'd prefer to be a cleaner or deliver leaflets, honestly. It may of course come to that, but I will keep applying for proper jobs (and translation and sekketri-stuff) for a couple of months yet.
There may be some openings in translation...watch this space... -
Message 49
Posted by That Old Janx Spirit (U2140966) on Wednesday, 12th August 2009
I don't think he has a script. He just finds out things and then talks about them. He doesn't have to learn anything and be word perfect.
I've often had to do things that I didn't want to do but after the initial fear, I found I quite liked them after all. Or they at least weren't so bad as I thought. -
Message 50
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Wednesday, 12th August 2009
Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:13 GMT, in reply to Dame Celia Molestrangler in message 49
Not fear, Dame Celia. Just that, as I say, after umpty years of life I know what I can and can't do. Yes, of course I could do it more or less, but I would hate it and so would the tourists as i would be no good at it.
I'm not really asking for advice about how to find work - unless someone actually has a job to offer me (as someone might have - w.t.s.) - it is an otherwise thread, me being exhausted, panicking about the present and even more about the future, run into the ground by fighting on all fronts and being constantly knocked back and refused everything on stupid grounds, and ready to scream and smash things.
I did smash a useless orange bucket in the garden an hour or so ago and I felt briefly better, but I realise that what I *want* to do is wreak very serious havoc somewhere, and I 100% understand vandals just at this moment. If I had any spare crockery or breakables I would take them into the garden and destroy them, but I haven't even got enough to use, so no spares.
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