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Job / work seekers support thread
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Message 1.Ìý
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Thursday, 6th October 2011
I don't know how many of us are currently struggling to find work, but I thought I would start a thread for mutual support.
I work freelance through my own company and this year has been a struggle to find work. I'm not wanting to discuss / moan about the political situation that got us here (my market has dropped and is flooded with thousands of people all chasing the reducing work), as we are where we are and we can't change the economy in the short term.
I thought it might be nice to be able to share job / work hunting ideas / experiences, support each other when things go badly, celebrate if things go well etc. And have a rant if you need it.
Quite frankly, lately, as it drags towards Christmas, I've been on the verge of despair as I know that if I haven't got anything by the end of October, I will not secure any work till after Christmas (if then) due to the nature of the work I do. I've carefully managed my company finances over the years so as to have a substantial cushion for the down times, but it won't last forever, but worse is the crushing loneliness of plugging away at home each day trying to drum up work in an increasingly difficult market.
Anyone else feel the same? Or been through this and come out the other end ok?
b
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Message 2
Posted by Silver Jenny (U12795676) on Thursday, 6th October 2011
Blimbles, before this useful thread sinks in the mayo, perhaps could you post a message directing people here a message in TB. Then people over who don't often visit TVH will find it.
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Message 3
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Friday, 7th October 2011
Thanks, Silver Jenny, I should do that. I was trying to decide which place would be best for the thread and wanted to avoid any political argy bargy that might arise in The Bull, but also realise that the traffic in here is lower.
b
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Message 4
Posted by Shirley Knott (U14164156) on Friday, 7th October 2011
Just putting my two-pennorth in, blimbles.
Me and O/H run our own business and we are having our worst year ever.
Like you, I don't want to blame any political reasons - what's the point? - but certainly we are feeling the downturn.
As the business supports us both, it's a double whammy. I do the admin while himself makes the money - whem he can. But it means when things are bad the pressure is on him more as I don't bring in an outside wage.
I had a smashing little job sub-contracting to the home office (oh the stories I could tell!) but it's sadly come to an end.
It looks like I'll have to look for something else to help out but I'm sorely aware of my shortcomings in today's workplace. We've been self-employed for twenty years, long before blue-sky thinking and glass ceilings ever existed. My daughter had to teach me recently how to e-mail, fgs!
I can't believe how much we have had to cut back over the last few years, and we never had a luxurious lifestyle - don't go out, not been abroad for 6 years, etc.
Great idea for a thread - thinking of you in your quest to find more work. You're not alone. (Hope I haven't piled on more bad feelings!)
Shirl x -
Message 5
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Friday, 7th October 2011
Hi Shirl - no, you are not piling on the bad feelings, it's good to hear from someone else going through similar stuff. I've been counting my blessing where possible, and one of those is the fact that OH has a "proper job" (!), however, I do want to pay my share. For most of our marriage I've been the higher bread winner and I hate the prospect of not being able to pay my way.
As I'm used to running my own little business - even if it is just me, I've been looking for other things I could go into - but I've go no ideas really.
I'm busy networking and marketing myself and have got together with other freelancers providing different services to do a joint marketing drive which is good as it shares costs, but still it's tough going.
And don't get me started on recruitment agencies....bunch of charlatans!
b
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Message 6
Posted by glen berro (U8860283) on Tuesday, 11th October 2011
I agree about recruitment agencies, blimbles.
Why employers use them bemuses me, as they simply apply a few tick boxes and then say go for it, whether you are suitable for the employer or not. (And then collect money by arranging lower pay for everyone but themselves).
I must confess that I was a little dubious about contributing here as I don't like to tempt fate, but I had almost given up hope of being offered an acknowledgement, and have an interview next week. I don't hold much hope but at least it is possible for people over 55 to, at least, be considered.
Good Luck to anyone else who might be looking in.
glen -
Message 7
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Tuesday, 11th October 2011
glen, very best of luck for your interview, that is really good. (Not that you will need luck, but you know what I mean...)
I have applied for so many jobs over tha last few months and in only 2 cases have even got an acknowledgement. One was to explain that the day rate available was even lower than advertised so was I still interested? NO! You are ripping people off!
The other was better in that they did actually put me forward to their client (but I had to go all the way from Cheshire to London to meet the agent - a 45 minute meeting) That was 2 weeks ago - heard nothing more despite phoning for updates.
But worst of all are the ones that contacted /me/ as they had got my CV off GAAPWeb and spoke to me in detail about a job, got me to tweak my CV, made me give an undertaking that I would not let anyone else represent me for that client, then nothing further, despite chasing. I hate them.
Oh yes, and one agent said he could not put me forward to a certain client until I had answered some questions. These included:-
Have you any dependents? What religion are you? Incredibly intrusive, aprticularly at that stage of the process, but they have you over a barrel. As I say - bunch of charlatans.
Of dear, this has turned into a rant...sorry!
Well done for getting the interview. I'm sure it will go well.
b -
Message 8
Posted by Kate McLaren olim DD olim LilacC (U14947214) on Thursday, 13th October 2011
I too hesitated about joining this thread, partly for fear of the politickers (safer in TVH though) and partly because I am working. however, I am working for barely over the minimum wage and it was only when I did some sums that I realised just how low my yearly wage is. I love my job but I don't see how I can make ends meet on it, even if I did even more hours than I am now. I have been applying for permanent jobs, but also have almost never even got an acknowledgement. I guess that like Clarrie I am too old and too unqualified.
I too never go out, can never afford anything but the essentials and as for holidays...! The last time I had time off, which was between jobs, I splashed out on...paint for the living room and kitchen, and painted them. I would like to paint the outside of the house, but that is not affordable, sadly. -
Message 9
Posted by Bearhug (U2258283) on Friday, 14th October 2011
one agent said he could not put me forward to a certain client until I had answered some questions. These included:-
Have you any dependents? What religion are you? Incredibly intrusiveÌý
I agree it's intrusive, but why were they asking? You're not allowed to ask that sort of thing in interview, so I don't see what it's got to do with a recruitment agent, either - and I've pointed that out to them. If they don't know what employment law is, I am not sure I want their assistance in finding me a job (but yes, I am speaking from the position of not currently being unemployed.)
If anyone is wondering what direction to take, I'm about to start a serise of careers coaching interviews, which is a service offered through my union. I do have to pay for it, though the preliminary session is free.
Before that, I also worked through some of the Next Step exercises - I was pleasantly impressed by the website, having had low expectations because it's government-funded IT. It probably won't be useful to everyone, but it may have ideas for some people. -
Message 10
Posted by Bearhug (U2258283) on Friday, 14th October 2011
Meant to add - not all recruitment agents are bad. I've had a couple of good ones who've given good advice in the past. (But they did stand out because it was unusual, when really, that ought to be standard.)
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Message 11
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Friday, 14th October 2011
Hi Kate, sorry things are so tough for you.
I too have been doing decorating during the down time between work assignments.
I'm rubbish at it though! I'd far rather pay a professional...I guess the knock on effect from my and others work situation is that local tradesmen have lower turnover...it's all a cycle.
I've applied for permie jobs too, but I think I am not being considered due to my age...a lot seem to put things like "energetic" or "would suit someopne looking for their first move from practice to industry". For both, read "young". I don't even really want a permie job, I was really happy working freelance out of my own company and who can say the thay have a "permanent" job now?? I should say "salaried" job!
I hope things pick up soon, Kate.
b
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Message 12
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Friday, 14th October 2011
one agent said he could not put me forward to a certain client until I had answered some questions. These included:-
Have you any dependents? What religion are you? Incredibly intrusiveÌý
I agree it's intrusive, but why were they asking? You're not allowed to ask that sort of thing in interview, so I don't see what it's got to do with a recruitment agent, either - and I've pointed that out to them. If they don't know what employment law is, I am not sure I want their assistance in finding me a job (but yes, I am speaking from the position of not currently being unemployed.)
If anyone is wondering what direction to take, I'm about to start a serise of careers coaching interviews, which is a service offered through my union. I do have to pay for it, though the preliminary session is free.
Before that, I also worked through some of the Next Step exercises - I was pleasantly impressed by the website, having had low expectations because it's government-funded IT. It probably won't be useful to everyone, but it may have ideas for some people. Ìý Hi Bearhug... as it was the agent asking, I felt it was one step removed from the client (which was a bank). I felt that if I didn't answer the Qs I wouldn't have achance of getting put forward. I did ask my HR consultant colleague and she said none of the Qs were allowable.
I did answer them, but questioned the intrusive nature of them.. Never got an answer and I note that that particular agent has passed me onto another person in their branch. Shame because up to that point, he was one of my "good guys" who I could rely on to bat for me.
Yes, there ARE some gooduns, but few and far between. A good one is worth their weight in gold and worth cultivating a relationship with. But many are just salesmen - often (in my field) failed accountants and sometimnes not even from an accounting background. One I had a meeting with told me his previous job had been as a salesman for a beauty company...words fail as to how on earth he would have been able to interpret what clients want and choose the best candidates to put forward.
I am currently working with some other freelancers to put together a business idea to try and cut agents out and market ourselves direct to SMEs. Slow going though...
b
x
PS, thanks for the links...might be some good ideas there... -
Message 13
Posted by Kate McLaren olim DD olim LilacC (U14947214) on Friday, 14th October 2011
I would be sunk without recruitment agencies. Since I was made redundant in January 2009 I have worked almost exclusively through agencies, and some of them are excellent. At present I am juggling three agencies and they are all very understanding. I am hard to place because I am old and effectively unqualified and also have no experience in the areas I would have liked to work in. Also because I can only work four weekdays, though I am happy to work weekends. So thank goodness for the agencies. I do agree that the vast majority of them are a complete shower, but not all.
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Message 14
Posted by Bearhug (U2258283) on Friday, 14th October 2011
I think it probably depends also on the industry. Nearly all IT jobs these days - at least with my specialism and experience - seem to be through agencies via the internet, very rarely directly.
I must say it does make life easier, especially when they contact you through LinkedIn or something and ask if you're interested.
OTOH, we have received CVs with some really bad typos and incompleted sentences - whether that was from the original candidate, or was introduced somehow by the agency, either way, they shouldn't be forwarding CVs like that. They ought to be filtering out the dross before it gets to us, and it makes neither the candidate nor the agency look good to forward ones like that. -
Message 15
Posted by Friend of Moose (U14307683) on Thursday, 27th October 2011
I have applied for a 'real' (part-time) job, as opposed to chunks of freelance work. I haven't done this for years...
Though actually I've just applied for a chunk of freelance stuff as well. It's exhausting - and then there's the wait to see what happens next.
Partner's circumstances are changing, which has meant I've wanted to do a rethink. -
Message 16
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Saturday, 29th October 2011
Friend of Moose, I hope things work out how you want them to.
It is exhausting, I agree. I have just been away on a (cheapo) holiday with OH (mainly staying with rellies, but a bit of time on our own too). However, I took my laptop so I could stay in touch with the work sitch - but nada. Ironically, the one part of my holiday that anyone tried to contact me re potential work was the 4 days that I was without mobile phone signal (glens of Scotland). I phoned everyone back as soon as I got a signal again - but of course noone is now interested. Bah!
Am putting a mailshot together next week with other freelancers and we will see what we get from that...
b
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Message 17
Posted by Bearhug (U2258283) on Saturday, 29th October 2011
I am reading a book at the moment, Work's Intimacy by Melissa Gregg, which I got because I saw a review which looked interesting. It is about the increasingly blurred lines between work and non-work lives, because mobiles, internet connections and so on mean that we can be contactable nearly everywhere - and it makes it harder to take a real break from it all.
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Message 18
Posted by Bearhug (U2258283) on Thursday, 24th November 2011
If anyone is wondering what direction to take, I'm about to start a serise of careers coaching interviews, which is a service offered through my union. I do have to pay for it, though the preliminary session is free.
Ìý
serise? series.
Anyway - just wanted to say I've just had my last session (though I can get email support for my CV, and I can also pay for more sessions if I want, but I'll need to think about that.)
I've really enjoyed it, and I've found it a very useful process - it's really made me focus on what things I'm good at, particularly the non-technical stuff. Currently, I work as a unix sys admin, so it's very easy for me to say I've got experience with AIX 6.1 including LPARing and VIO, Solaris 10, Tivoli Storage Manager, Veritas and a whole load of other very exciting stuff. But it's not so easy for me to assess what other things I've got good experience in, like time-management, team-working and so on, so it was really good working through exercises to get a clearer picture on that.
Also, we spent quite a bit of time working on what things *I* need to get out of a job, and what's important to me at work, like variety and learning - for other people, it might be money, status, things like that.
I've got a bit more work to do on my CV, and I still need to work out what job might fit that ideal profile I've got, but I've found it a really useful - and fun - experience, so I'd recommend it to anyone who is wondering about what direction to go in. It's not necessarily cheap, though, but it could be worth investing in. -
Message 19
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Friday, 25th November 2011
Hi bearhug - that course does indeed sound very helpful. Unions are quite good at this sort of thing these days. I think it is good to look at what we have to offer over and above the technical skill we need to work.
I hope that you eventually discover what job would fulfil what you want out out of life. In these difficult economic times, just having an income is the main thing - operating around the lower end of Maslow's hierarchy of needs but it would be nice to be able to get more out of work life.
For myself, I have managed to get a few days work each week till Feb next year which will tide me over Christmas and my limited company will break even. I am hoping if I can do a good enough job, that some more work will result.
This year has been difficult - lots of unplanned expenditure and so little turnover.
How are others doing? FoM? Kate?
b
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Message 20
Posted by Ripleywood Really RIP Now (U6326193) on Monday, 28th November 2011
Morning all
Sorry to read of so many difficulties and frustrations, especially with agencies. My last job was a temp to perm position, via an agency: somewhere in translation, the client's requirements and my capabilities and experience got miscommunicated and I've spent 9 months trying to be a bookkeeper (as well as other admin duties), something I have NO experience of at all. My employer was patient up to a (very small) point but the whole experience has been a toxic nightmare, culminating in my being diagnosed with depression last week (there are other factors in this too) and sacked from the job as a result. No contract, no redundancy, no nothing. I am waiting for the agency to call me with anything at all now, despite really not being all that well. My GP wanted to sign me off until after Christmas but, as the only breadwinner (my husband has heart disease and hasn't worked for nearly 3 years), I have to find paid work or we are stuffed financially.
I will do pretty much anything but am so wary now of getting into another toxic situation as I don't think my health would survive it (oh dear, bit melodramatic! Sorry). I know I have a lot offer but it's channelling it in the right direction which is proving so hard.
Good luck to all of you out there and thanks for starting this thread.
Ripx -
Message 21
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Monday, 28th November 2011
Oh Ripleywood, very sorry to hear of your difficulties.
Depression is not easy to deal with, but if you have money worries on top and the depression is partly caused by work, I can't imagine how you must be feeling....
Agency people are only interested in earning their own commission...it took me ages to get my head round the fact that no matter what they tell us, they actually have no interest our well being. so sorry that they cocked this one up for you. However - once bitten ...you'll be on the look out next time.
I hope you can get some work that is not going to stress you out too much, that you can turn up and do, and not worry about when you are not there.
I chose to go freelance, and mostly I have enjoyed it, learnt a lot and earnt well (until this year) so I can't complain. However, last year I did a 6 month long job that pretty much ripped me up. I had so many stress related symptoms. They asked me to stay on to do other stuff after I had delivered my main project in November, but I was so ill, I said no...I then spent about 2 months recovering and going through colds and chest infections. I didn't work again till May this year. I hadn't realised that this year was going to be so difficult though. Will be glad to see the end of it and look forward to a new year with a positive outlook.
Love to all...
b
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Message 22
Posted by Dunlurkin NL (U2675855) on Tuesday, 29th November 2011
There was an potentialy interesting item on the Today programme this morning, probably somewhere between 06.30 and 07.00 UK time. I was only half listening but it made me think of this thread. Worth a Listen Again perhaps.
Dunlurkin -
Message 23
Posted by BrightYangThing (U14627705) on Wednesday, 30th November 2011
I shall link in the back of this - I took a part time 'ideal' job in August that I was oversold 100%. Rips - I so identify with 'Toxic Nightmare'.
I left voluntarily - finished today and should be in for major surgery in 10 days so I have until Spring to give thought to what next.
I don't (currently) have to earn loads and loads and am very experienced but lowly qualified so selling oneself is very hard. I know my limitations and am considering trying freelance again working from home.
I am going to undertake a serious personal SWOT analysis and look forward to sharing any interesting sites or tips I consider.
Bearhug - I have saved the Next Step site - looks interesting.
The very best of luck to all. Feeling worthless and pointless is a very demoralising state and often counter productive. -
Message 24
Posted by Word-Lover - Ö÷²¥´óÐã MBs are dead - long live ML (U1160777) on Monday, 6th February 2012
Thanks for starting this thread, blimbles. I realise that it's been dormant for about 2 months, but I see no active job-seekers' thread in TVH other than this one, so I'll go with this one.
I signed on at a pre-arranged meeting with a member of JobCentre staff. He's just referred me to a provider of The Work Programme. Anyone had experience of this? I've been given letter WP05 which tells me that I must take part in The Work Programme, and document WP01MA4 which gives some info about it. Some of this is frightening. I must "complete any activities the provider tells you to do"... but this document doesn't say what that might be. Doing a menial job with no prospects, perhaps? Then if I fail to complete those activities, the provider can impose a sanction which means that for 26 weeks you don't get paid your JSA or NI contributions, though you must still fulfil your Job-seeker's Agreement.
At least I haven't yet had my initial meeting with the provider, and I haven't signed anything (except for signing on, of course). -
Message 25
Posted by Rwth of the Cornovii (U2570790) on Monday, 6th February 2012
It would be so nice if all this was unfamiliar to me. I used to find that a basic overstatement of my minimum rate would be very useful, plus a fall back level of what I would work for. When the agent was in full flow "Just up your street, they want someone a bit better" I would say "Excuse me, what's the rate for this booking?" They would come to a horrible halt and promise to call back. They would actually call back on occasion with a derisory rate. I would say "I thought you would realise from my notes that I don't get out of bed for less than 8 quid. How long it is for? I haven't done reception for a while, so it would be a useful addition to my CV, so I'll do it for a week. Not more than a fortnight, and you will go on looking won't you". I made sure they knew I was with at least 3 agencies, and dumped the cheapskates.
I made it clear that to do them a favour, I was always available to drop everything to show up on a Monday but always expected some jam in return. As for temp to perm, if it was a matter of further training to meet the employers' expectations, I would expect the employer or the agency to pay for it. I didn't get much from them, and one recruitment company that had me dancing on a daily commute in the freezing cold for a pittance, had me also filling in between Christmas and New Year, but I said "My buspass runs out on 31 December, can you get me in as a permanent worker? No they weren't prepared to do that. So the client, (with a plaque for Investors in People) stopped getting me for less. £7.50 per hour for a permanent job that paid £18K. Yes, I cut off my nose to spite my face, but 4 weeks later, half the staff from the city centre spent the night in the Council House because the transport had ground to a halt in the ice and snow. I was working for a better rate 7 minutes walk from home for the next 3 months. And earning pension contributions. I'm so glad I'm retired. Not early retired, I was working until I was 63 and had cancer.
Did you get the chance to do NVQ Kate?
WL, fear not about the Work scheme person. They may find something fairly menial, but tell them you want the chance to earn current qualifications. They won't put you to shovelling rubbish because there are plenty of people who can't do what you can who would be put in for those jobs. I'd guess that they'll say something like "Come and see me again in a fortnight" and keep failing to find anything for you. Otherwise, they could find you something you can do in the warm, and be paid for.
As for time management and teamwork Bearhug, if you can meet deadlines and they don't have panics in the office with one person sweating on the top line to meet their own, you probably work as a team. If people aren't rushing to the loo to cry, then the place is probably doing OK. Often if there's a bully in the office who wrecks any attempts for people to work together, confident people can sometimes get them to leave, or change their behaviour. -
Message 26
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Tuesday, 7th February 2012
Well hello WL & Rwth. I'm glad that you found the thread although I realise it's been a bit dormant.
I'm afraid I don't have any experience with the work scheme people, so I am not able to help you WL, however, I don't think they are meant to force you to take work that isn't right for you. I would hope that the "activities" are around updating CV and work search techniques etc. - at least to begin with.
Rwth, rates are so low now, that often, the freelancer is on less than a permie person would get, but with none of the advantages (pension, paid leave, sick pay etc.). However, that is the market and as a freelancer that's what I signed up for I guess. Some of it is mickey taking though.
I have actually got some work...3 days a week at a derisory rate for what I am doing for the client (and loads of hassle to boot). My company is breaking even....better than leaking money though. What really peed me off was that the agency is making 33.3% mark up on me....which seems unfair as if I am suffering rate wise, then they should take a rate drop too. Share the pain... Problem is that I haven't got anything else on the horizon so I can't threaten to leave or pee them off even slightly or I queer the pitch with them for further work. BAH!
I hope other job / work seekers are doing ok...do come back and let us know...
Keep Bgugering On as Churchill may have said...
b
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Message 27
Posted by Bearhug (U2258283) on Thursday, 16th February 2012
I was recommended a book - "Why You? CV Messages To Win Jobs" by John Lees.
I've not read it all yet, but what I have read appears very useful advice, not least that there's no single perfect CV, unless you know exactly what the preferences of the person recruiting are.
It includes a survey of employers/recruiters about what they really want from a CV, what would prompt them to dump one straight on the reject pile and so on. It's mostly blindingly obvious stuff, but it's still useful to see it clearly laid out.
It's also mainly British-centric, but does mention some national variations, such as what would be expected in Germany or the USA and so on, and things you might want to consider if applying for jobs there. While that may not be relevant to a lot of people, it does say to me, yes, we know that things aren't all the same everywhere - and if they've thought about national differences, they'll have been similarly thorough in considering other variations (I assume - as I say, I've not got to the end yet.) It's also quite recent, so the information is valid.
Anyway, I've seen quite a few "How to write a CV" books over the years, and this one has (so far) impressed me more than a lot of others. -
Message 28
Posted by Rwth of the Cornovii (U2570790) on Thursday, 16th February 2012
I heard yesterday on the wireless (PM I think) that whatever you have been doing, the front page of the CV, (never more than 2) should consist of what you have to offer. How much experience, how clever, how nice with colleagues/ruthless with subordinates (if you have to deliver lean and mean). On Linkedin today the only three questions for the top job are
1. Can you do the job?
2. Will you love the job?
3. Can we tolerate working with you?
Keep it simple and focused . The rule of 3 is interesting. The 3 greatest strengths. 1 weakness.
(I used to be conceited, but now I'm totally perfect!) -
Message 29
Posted by BrightYangThing (U14627705) on Sunday, 19th February 2012
Hi Bearhug
That book sounds interesting.
In your view, does it cover areas relevant to people such as graduates (with NO experience to speak of) or job returners and change of career? -
Message 30
Posted by Bearhug (U2258283) on Sunday, 19th February 2012
In your view, does it cover areas relevant to people such as graduates (with NO experience to speak of) or job returners and change of career?
Ìý
Yes - I was reading some of it on the train last night, and it advises different CV formats, depending on what stage of your career you're at - school leaver, recent graduate, second job after graduation, moving up a level in same sector, coming back to work after a career break, people in their 50s (recognising that recent age discrimination legislation may not actually eliminate all discrimination), people wanting to change sector and so on. -
Message 31
Posted by BrightYangThing (U14627705) on Sunday, 19th February 2012
Thank you.
I think this could serve three in this family/ -
Message 32
Posted by montymorency (U3586042) on Thursday, 23rd February 2012
Oh , good luck to everyone in their job hunting. I was made redundant three years ago at the age of 55, having had senior management and CEO positions. After five months as a jobseeker was offered an entry level job which I was compelled to take, otherwise would have forfeited benefits. Still in the same job with (family) management who abuse the entire staff and rule by fear and mental cruelty. I have never been more miserable in my working life and just keep on with looking for other jobs, even though I know 'they' are likely to refuse to give me a reference, illegal though that is - they are a law unto themselves. Sniff...........
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Message 33
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Saturday, 25th February 2012
Montymorency - I am very sorry to hear that you have had to take an entry level job when it sounds as if you have a lot more to offer.
It seems to me that you should have been given some better outplacement support. I did some work with an outplacement company (incidentally one that John Lees as mentioned above works with) and I know they can do wonders to help you utilise your network and also look at other ways of using your skills and experience. However, this is something usually that the company making you redundant should pay for.
Might be worth looking into though is you have any spare dosh. That company you are working for now sound as if they are taking advantage of the current climate. Owner managed businesses can be quite difficult sometimes.
I hope others are doing ok / better.
I'm just about managing at the mo. Just spent the morning doing my accounts and looking at cashflow. Just about breaking even. Not helped by the fact that the HMRC in their wisdom have put me on a negative tax code as they seem to think I will be a high rate tax payer...SFX of manic laughter...my wee limited company will not even turnover anything close to the basic rate threshold, let alone pay that out to me...
I am girding my loins to phone them, but don't really want to cause a ruction. I can do without the stress. I wish they'd go after the big boys and leave the little people alone. I declare everything and pay all my taxes on the dot or early.
Grump grump....
b
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Message 34
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Saturday, 25th February 2012
Well, I'm still soldiering on doing the same agency job (care assistant in old people's residential homes). I am realising slowly that it is not sustainable given the number of hours needed to break even. I am very fit and healthy for my age so far but it is too much.
So I'm back applying for part-time jobs (because of the one-day-a-week counselling placement). No luck so far. I have three still outstanding, but why on earth should they pick an ageing female with a bunch of useless degrees, a work history that is chequered to say the least and only goes back ten years, and references only from agencies? Quite.
I may have to give up on the placement and try to find another one simply to be able to apply for a full-time job. Though I guess the above would still apply.
It's a bit soul-destroying, and also fairly body-destroying. -
Message 35
Posted by Rwth of the Cornovii (U2570790) on Saturday, 25th February 2012
Don't give up on the placement. Apply for any and all jobs that you can do. If it takes a long time to find a job, so be it. You have to give a month's notice to the placement so you don't have to accept a job until you have a solid offer. You know you'd regret it if you gave up the placement. 4 days a week is still full time anyway.
You have so much to offer. A caring nature, lots of abstruse knowledge, physical fitness and legal knowledge. Don't sell yourself short. Think positively, smile confidently and ask for what you want. -
Message 36
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Thursday, 1st March 2012
Doing yet another job application. It's the "statement" which is such a misery to write. Over and over and over again telling employers why I fulfil their person spec. So sick of it. And the more you don't even get interviews the less enthusiasm you can put into that wretched "statement". What are the magic words? Surely some employer can tell me what they want people to say?
Too tired and hurty to want to do anything but go to bed but am draped over the sofa instead and WILL NOT go to bed until I have finished.
These jobs are not Dream Jobs. They are simply something fairly menial that will occupy me reliably for three days a week and pay some sort of salary, which I would then top up with the care assistanting. But can I get them? Can I eckerslyke. -
Message 37
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Saturday, 3rd March 2012
Hi Kate, I hope you managed to get it all done and sent off.
Those statements are a pain. It seems a lot of hoops to jump through for a basic job. I wonder how less articulate people who might be supremely able to do the job manage. However, I think so many jobs are over-subscribed that employers are probably using them as one of the filters.
By mid April I will be workless again and from the end of March I am going down to 2 days on my current contract so I am now desperately searching for something else to dovetail in with finishing where I am.
Best wishes to everyone looking for work...
b
x -
Message 38
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Saturday, 3rd March 2012
Maybe my very articulateness (is that a word?) is the problem. They don't want an Oxbridge graduate who has written (and published) books, translations and articles, who has been a self-employed artist and translator and gardener and who happens also to have done a secretarial diploma. They want someone who has had a nice solid little career in admin.
But I'd still like to know WHAT the thundering blazes they want me to say.
All the very best with your desperately-searching, blimbles. -
Message 39
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Thursday, 8th March 2012
It's a pity that this thread is so quiet as I am sure there are others in our boat.
Anyway I have had to cancel today's shift due to my back (upper back, ancient injury) going pop. I was lucky in that another agency called me with a typing job - hurts like sin to sit and type, but at least I can do it, and I couldn't have done my usual job which is hard physical labour. Off to osteopath tomorrow (oops, later today) praying that she can sort it, as if I can't do my job I am in deep, deep tish. -
Message 40
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Friday, 9th March 2012
Ooh, Kate, sorry about your back - blimmin painful. And this highlights another issue for the agency worker / freelancer - no sick pay! No work, no eat.
I took out a policy to protect me and pay me a v small amount each month if I am unable to work through illness or injury, but this only kicks in after 3 months and is also (to my mind) expensive so it is one of those things that if work is scarce I have to consider ditching the monthly outlay for.
I hope your osteopath can sort it out. I have a back injury (more lower back) that is kept at bay, so I can sympathise with your situation.
I hope the typing is not too painful and you can get through all this.
Yes, this thread is quite quiet. I did originally signpost in the Bull, but didn't want to attract unwelcome / unsupportive attention or the political brigade, just wanted this to be mutual support. However, I guess by the nature of the fact we are all work searching, people probably have their heads down doing that!
Networking is important in my line as freelance, but probably 90% of the work that is mooted never comes off so I have to keep a level head or I'd go into the Slough of Despond. (Went there last year - not a good place, many sleepless nights...) On the upside, the cat is thrilled when I am home all the time and able to pander to her every need - plus she gets to walk / sit on every document I get out, thus hindering the job search further... : - )
Love to all....
b
x -
Message 41
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Friday, 9th March 2012
Answering my own post - what a egotist!
Meant to say that I found out from the girl who is raising the purchase order for my services where I am working currently - that I am actually finishing the week before I thought I was from my discussions with the woman I report to....Woulda bin nice if she had actually told me herself - probably not a big deal to her, she needs to be careful budgetwise but freelance resource or not, we are still human beings. She probably also doesn't realise (from her comfy £50,000+/year post) that a week of work represents the difference between break even and loss for me and also that it makes more urgent the need to find something else.
Grump, grump... (chin up...Ed)
b
x -
Message 42
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Friday, 9th March 2012
Oh blimbles, that is hard. I've been freelance myself (for about ten years in total) and it is really tough. On both occasions I gave up because I simply couldn't live on what I was earning, despite working really hard. I couldn't charge fees that did much more than cover my costs because it sounded so much money.
I'm trying to do yet one more application today, but I then have four very long days' work and will not have a free moment and will be knackered by the end of them.
Any guesses from anyone what these wretched companies want me to say in that Statement???? -
Message 43
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Friday, 9th March 2012
Hi Kate - dunno if this would give you any ideas?
This one probably a bit obvious...
Not easy though, especially for jobs that aren't "lighting your fire".
best of luck with it anyway...
b
x -
Message 44
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Friday, 9th March 2012
Ach, lighting my fire...none of the jobs I am applying for do that. My volunteering does, and to a great extent the care-assistanting does, but it just isn't sustainable with everything else I am doing, given age and energy levels.
But I found the first link useful (ironic smile at the fact that they have misspelled "convey") and have bookmarked it, so thank you.
i should be doing a Statement tonight but I have to be up at stupid o'clock for the next six days, four of which are Long Days, so am off to bed chiz chiz. -
Message 45
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Tuesday, 20th March 2012
Kate - just wondering how you got on with the statement and also, I hope your "stupid o'clock" days went well.
How are others doing?
Personally I am on count down now to finishing the assignment I am on. No sign of anything else materialising despite efforts. May have to wind up business, sell car etc as money will run out in a couple of months.
Love to all..
b
x -
Message 46
Posted by bishenbertie (U13222350) on Wednesday, 21st March 2012
I hope you don't mind me joining your thread. My OH was made redundant in December and has managed to find another job which he started on 1st Feb. Unfortunately the company is now starting to make redundancies too. He hasn't been named yet, so fingers crossed.
What I am asking is that during the period he was unemployed he was offered a couple of contracting jobs. Unfortunately he had to decline as we have no knowledge of self employment or setting up your own business so were rather worried as to what it entailed especially regarding the tax and insurance situation.
With his current employment now being in a shakey situation again I am wondering if anyone has any advice on self employment as one company has phoned him again offering contract work.
Many thanks for you help. -
Message 47
Posted by Bearhug (U2258283) on Wednesday, 21st March 2012
I would say to the people enquiring that I was interested, but I haven't contracted previously, and would have to set things up. It's possible they would be able to advise you.
I should know more, as I've quite a few friends who've worked as contractors (and in some cases, still do.) But it's not something I'd choose to do myself (and have never been unemployed for long enough to seriously consider it), so haven't paid huge amounts of notice. I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't a ton of info on-line, at least about IT contracting; however, you would still need someone with more knowledge to help you sort the wheat from the chaff. -
Message 48
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Wednesday, 21st March 2012
Hi bishenbertie...sorry about your OH's situation.
I ste up my own business to go freelence...but I am an accountant so I knew my way round it sort of..
I also joined the PCG which is really good for advice and support.
If your OH does not want the hassle of setting up his own compny and doing the admin, you can use what is called an umbrella company - see this one as an example:-
Although they do charge admin fees.
Going it alone, you can easily set up a company using an "off the shelf" company set up. You need to be careful and keep your rcords well and get a decent accountant to help you with the accounts, tax, filing returns etc.
Some agencies will still take you on as a PAYE contractor as well.
Do shout up for more info if required. Best of luch either way!
Cheers
b
x -
Message 49
Posted by bishenbertie (U13222350) on Thursday, 22nd March 2012
Thank you B for your advice, I have been looking on the web for information but different sites gave me conflicting information so I found it all as clear as mud! I shall now have a look at the links you sent me.
Many thanks. -
Message 50
Posted by very_vague (U9649391) on Friday, 23rd March 2012
I'm also looking for work at the moment and I'm finding it such an emotional roller coaster. I don't know about other people but I always feel so exposed when I put in an application and so demoralised when I don't hear anything back. Like others I've also had very mixed experiences of recruitment agencies including a phone call this week saying that they really wanted to put me forward for a role and that they would call me back to arrange an interview followed by...nothing. The woman who called has also ignored my two phone calls and e-mail so I'm guessing that she's changed her mind. How frustrating! On the plus side I do have another interview lined up for next week so hopefully that will go well - even if it doesn't lead to a job I'm looking forward to the practise and I'm pleased to have made it through to the short list.
I do have a couple of tips I'd like to share. Kate you were asking about your personal statement, well I've found that I needed to make any statements/ cover letters/ addressing criteria forms really explicit.When I first started applying I tended to leave some things implicit - e.g. I would assume they know I can navigate the internet as I've completed an online application form. I now know that I need to be incredibly explicit about everything. This is especially true as most companies seem to use either agencies or internal HR staff to screen the applications and often they have a very "computer says no" attitude and often don't know the details of the job they've been asked to hire for.
I've also done lots of temping and I have lots of tips for dealing with temp agencies if anyone's interested. My main one is that you are the product not the client so if you're looking for the best roles you need to ensure your agency sees you as a top quality product. When I signed up to an agency I gave them a 1/2 page summary of my marketable skills - switchboard experience, professional demeanour, use of MS Word including desktop publishing & mail merge etc. Then when on placement you need to make sure you are getting the best possible write ups every single time. This means making a real effort on the first day or two of a placement to do everything asked and then volunteer for more and to do it with a smile. Many temps are easily bored and can be shy so if you make that extra effort at the beginning it can pay off. Make sure you know your agency staff by name and try to speak to them every week so they get to know you. Once you have a reputation with your agency you can be a bit pickier with the placements and I also found I got repeat placements as people asked for me back.
Right, I seem to have gone on quite a lot! I hope people find they have success with their job searches. If any one has any questions about temping let me know.
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