I just lost my job

brokensoul

called in this morning and told that there is no work for me. Finish up at the end of the month.

I have no idea what the hell to do. I have a mortgage, car loan etc.

Iv never in my life lost a job or been out of work.

I just dont know how the hell im going to survive.

Iv worked so hard for the last few months getting sober and stuff and this just feels like a complete kick in the teeth.

evry1sm8

Really sorry to hear that, its got to suck

You have a month though, waste no time!!
Get your CV done up and get it out there.
Look now on all the job sites for another job while youre online...

Tails142

There's loads of jobs out there - chin up!

missingtime

Where and what type of job was it?

There are a number of IT recruiter opendays on this week. One in Cork and in Dublin.

Mr. Incognito

well gettting morose won't help matters. You have to deal with the shock quickly and get into action. Get CV's together asap. Contact recruitment consultants. You can contact the bank and have your repayments put on hold for a few weeks and even months if that what it takes. Don't dwell on it now- dwell on it AFTER you've gotten your ass out there into alternative employment. Who knows -this could be a great career move for you.

is_that_so

Very sorry to hear that OP.

First things first, contact all the financial institutions and notify them of your situation. You will probably have cover on mortgage and may have cover on other loans

Go and see FáS and see how they can help you. At the very least they can offer you advice on what you can do.

Next start planning your CV and decide what jobs you can apply for. The local/national paper may be a good place to start, at least to get a feeling for what is available.

Take a look at your budget. Think about what things you can cut back on.

And most of all be positive. It can be a terrible shock when this happens but not the end of the world however bad it feels now. It can work out for the best.

evry1sm8

I agree with SetantaL, sometimes these things are blessings in disguise

Saruman

Unles you are a builder or work in manufacturing then stop worrying and go get another job.

kmick

First off - dont blame yourself. These things are never personal.

First things first - joing the dole. Its 600 euros a month you are going to need. Secondly chop up credit cards and consolidate any loans. Cancel any non-important expenditure like expensive tv packages, store cards etc. Let your bank know immediately because a mortgage is pretty serious stuff. Tell them in writing (depending on how big your mortgage is) you may have to work out a plan.

If you can - sell your car. They are expensive to run. If you are a salesman and need it fair enough - if not take the bus or walk.

Then get your CV together. Get help from a pro if needed. Contact ALL your busineess associates and see if they have anything. When your CV is done send it to 3 or 4 relevant job agencies.

Keep active go to gym and get up normally each day.

Keep your head together there are plenty of roles out there. Dont mention YET that you are unemployed. Much easier to get a job when you have one.

Good luck and dont even connect getting and being sober with this event- it is not related.

brokensoul

Im in a profession so i have contacted a recruitment crowd already and am waiting for a call back from them.

I know that things are show generally in my area at the moment though.

I also know that i can put off the mortgage for a month or two and stuff like that.

Im just bloody terrified at the moment.

I left a really secure job when i sobered up cos i felt that i needed a fresh start. It looks like that was a mistake.

For the person who suggested selling the car. I would need a car for any job i would get so thats not really an option.

niceirishfella

kmick wrote: »

First off - dont blame yourself. These things are never personal.

First things first - joing the dole. Its 600 euros a month you are going to need. Secondly chop up credit cards and consolidate any loans. Cancel any non-important expenditure like expensive tv packages, store cards etc. Let your bank know immediately because a mortgage is pretty serious stuff. Tell them in writing (depending on how big your mortgage is) you may have to work out a plan.

If you can - sell your car. They are expensive to run. If you are a salesman and need it fair enough - if not take the bus or walk.

Then get your CV together. Get help from a pro if needed. Contact ALL your busineess associates and see if they have anything. When your CV is done send it to 3 or 4 relevant job agencies.

Keep active go to gym and get up normally each day.

Keep your head together there are plenty of roles out there. Dont mention YET that you are unemployed. Much easier to get a job when you have one.

Good luck and dont even connect getting and being sober with this event- it is not related.

+1 for all of the above..........and when you get an interview date and time, prep well for it.
go into easons and buy a book called "being Successfull at interviews" by Judith Varity. It'll cost approx 12-15€ and the best few euro i ever spent.
read it - it'll only take about and hour and put all the tips and instructions into practise for the interview...........and I'm telling you......you'll get the job because it'll put you head and shoulder overs the other intervieweee's!
Best of luck.....! We're all ROOTING FOR YOU!

Beruthiel

brokensoul wrote: »

called in this morning and told that there is no work for me. Finish up at the end of the month.

First off. Don't panic.
This has happened to me twice. Both times I've had a new job within two months. You have the added advantage of having a month before you're out of work. Start looking for a new job today!
If you are worried about the mortgage, talk to your bank, there is a good chance they will put off next months payment if you ask.

gandalf

Well you have a month. Use the current places resources to get a job, normally they shouldn't have an issue with this. Depending on how things are being done they may be able to make a few calls on your behalf.

Had a similar situation happen to me a few years ago and I found a job immediately because of industry contacts. I finished in the old job and the next day started in the new one. As Ruthie says get looking immediately, check with friends who the decent recruitment agents are and stick with them.

Good luck let us know how you get on.

whiskeyman

brokensoul wrote: »

I left a really secure job when i sobered up cos i felt that i needed a fresh start. It looks like that was a mistake.

Never EVER think or say that again. Have NO regrets about things like that.
Clock it all up as experience, and all experience can be good experience, believe me.
Sure, it's not a nice position to be in right now, but keep thinking and acting postive. You'll come across as much more employable in an interview if you're positive and focused.

Best of luck man. I hope you look back at this time in a few months when your in a brilliant job and will be glad how it all worked out.

The Hill Billy

Sorry to hear of your predicament. I'm in a similar boat myself (I just found out this morning), but am working on it already.

A point of practical advice on dealing with recruiters - don't just expect them to get back to you. You will need to chase them up & keep letting them know that you're on the market & want to know what they are doing for you.

Try to adopt a positive & rational frame of mind when you are dealing with them. If you sound panicky or depressed they may not feel too comfortable about putting you forward for jobs.

As another poster said - use your business contacts. Give them a call, tell them your on the look out for new opportunities. Again, be positive.

Best of luck!

PS - If you are in IT & in the Dublin area - drop me a PM. I may be able to point you in the direction of a few people.

syklops

this has happened to me twice before aswell, and in both situations I had a new job within a fortnight. In one situation I had an internview the day I got my notice. Put your CV on Monster asap. I am not sure about getting the dole just yet. Contrary to what people are saying there are plenty of jobs out there and you will have no problem getting another. I have never been on the dole but I assume it is paper work to start it and paper work to get off it. It could just be extra hassle. You have a month to find a job, if at the end of that month, then think about the dole.

What industry are you in? If you dont want to say on the thread, PM me, and Ill keep my ear to the ground.

mickoneill30

It doesn't matter what industry you're in. If you can't find a job in your industry of choice get a job doing anything to keep some money coming in. Dole really doesn't need to be an option in the current climate. I've no idea how much money you can get on the dole but I'd hope / suppose that any job pays more than that. There are piles of jobs out there.

If you can't get the job you want then just get any job and keep looking.

As for the guy that says to keep contacting recuiters that's the best bit of advice here.

1: Tailor every job application you do for the specific job / company. I received an email here recently that was generic sent to 6 companies with his CV attached. It went straight to my deleted items.
2: Ring the recruiter the next day for every job you've applied for. They often don't get a chance to open your application at all. Ringing them forces them to have a look at least.

This is how I've gotten every job and most of the jobs I've gotten weren't the ones advertised. If you wait for the recruiters to get back to you, you'll probably hear from them in 6 months.

Hitchhiker's Guide to...

just as a small note to what someone said - the Dole is actually higher than has been said - it is circa €800 per month (€200 per week). It's also surprisingly straightforward to get. Had to claim it about a year ago and there was no hassle at all.

dublinlawyer

All good advice so far.
Think about getting legal advice on taking a claim for Unfair Dismissal if you've been there for a year. Or if you left a secure job on a guarantee of being in this new job for a certain period of time you might have a breach of contract case.
Good luck.

twilight_singer

Mate same thing happened to me in December I have a mortgage young child etc so initially I was crapping my pants. But once the shock wears off and you get your cv done up and out to agencys and get in the swing of looking for a new job you will be fine. Look at it as one door closing but another opening. I started a new job today in a great company with much better prospects than I had before so it could end up being a good move for you too

Overheal

You have all the luck, brokensoul

I'd just like to chime in from what I remember that you should continue to stay off the drink. As for this; don't panic - keep your composure. You are hardly in any danger yet: start the job hunting anyway but don't run yourself around like a headless chicken - you'll only burn yourself out.

Esel

brokensoul wrote: »

I left a really secure job when i sobered up cos i felt that i needed a fresh start. It looks like that was a mistake.

Any chance of getting back in there?

NortSoide

Hey Boss - quit panicing.

I'm losing my work at the end of March ( and before that, if I can bloody well help it myself ! ).

I did 2 interviews so far and was made 2 offers. But - I turned both down. I think I can get better work and better money elsewhere, if I keep looking. But when I did that - I had a small bit of trouble getting those Recruiters / Agencies out of my life !!!

Sure I worry a bit too - with what I try to do now.
But - for both of us - it could be a blessing in disguise.

Make sure you are dealing with more than one agency - some of them are good and some
of them will drive you daft !

Maybe you will get a few offers in the end and maybe spoiled for choice.

Good luck !

Miss Fluff

brokensoul wrote: »

Im in a profession so i have contacted a recruitment crowd already and am waiting for a call back from them.

Call them again, don't wait for them to call you, it doesn't work like that. Also, choose a few specialist agencies at a time to work for you. I've a lot of experience in the area so PM me if you like.

Mrs OBumble

brokensoul wrote: »

Im just bloody terrified at the moment.

I left a really secure job when i sobered up cos i felt that i needed a fresh start. It looks like that was a mistake.

Seems to me there's two issues here.

The first is that you're scared: fair enough, lots of people would be. And you're probably scared of all sorts of things, like not getting a job, falling off the wagon, losing the house etc. I'd suggest sitting yourself down, and writing a list of the things you're scared of. Then take several deep breaths, and tell yourself that this WILL work out for the best in the long run. Then write down a specific plan to deal with each thing you're scared of.

(I'm quite serious about the deep breaths etc here, am quite convinced that in order for things to work out, you really need to believe that they will work out.)

Second: you're getting lots of good advice here. Some better tailored to your situation than others. I'll add a bit more:

Get a piece of paper: Write the dates of each working day this month down the left hand side. Write "Update CV", and then the name of each of the recruiters etc who you might use along the top. Then plan which recruiters you'll contact on which day .. and which days you'll give them a call-back (as someone said, they won't be calling you, you need to push them).

Even better, put this all on a spreadsheet, and make sure you update it every day with what you actually did, as well as what you planned to do. Then every week (schedule a time, say 3pm Friday), review progress and see how the plan needs to change for next week.
- In short, your job for the next four weeks is to find a new job! Weekends, you can have off initially ... may need to change that plan if the first three weeks don't bring success.

Hmm ... reading my post again, you might even put the manage-the-issue items from the list in step one into the plan too. It can all seem like too much to do, unless you do a small amount every day.



Good luck!

Clare_Guy

If you were made redundant and you have mortgage protection, that should cover your mortgage for 12-18 months.
Ring whoever you have your cover with...
If you need help or info contact your local citizens information bureau...

brokensoul

Hi,

Another question. One of the recruitment crowds i registered with put my cv forward for a job that im not really qualified for. I reckon i could do the job alright, i just dont have alot of experience in the area.

I have the name of the person my cv is going to. do you think it is worthwhile ringing them directly or is that being too pushy?

Cathmandooo

brokensoul wrote: »

Hi,

Another question. One of the recruitment crowds i registered with put my cv forward for a job that im not really qualified for. I reckon i could do the job alright, i just dont have alot of experience in the area.

I have the name of the person my cv is going to. do you think it is worthwhile ringing them directly or is that being too pushy?

No harm giving a ring once they've had a chance to look over your cv, ye gotta be pushy sometimes particularly when it comes to jobs!

mickoneill30

I disagree. People use recruitment companies as a buffer between the applicants and employers. I'd be pretty sure they won't want some stranger ringing up if they're busy. You do have to be pushy but if you go over the recruiters head and the employer doesn't like it, then the recruiter won't like it then you've shot yourself in the foot (twice).

If you think you're extra interested or qualified for a role give your recruitment company a ring and say it to them. They'll push the people they think are most likely to get the job (they get paid if they place someone). If you show extra keeness to them they should show it to the employer. You would be suprised how many people give crap to the recuiters and then wonder why they don't get called for interviews. My last recruitment lady had me sit beside her when she was drafting letters to the employer so I could add or emphasise anything I thought she was missing. You're kind of at the recruiters mercy though. If they're crap then it's the luck of the draw.

NortSoide

Hey Boss.

mickoneill30 - is totally correct there.
Let the Recruiter / Agent deal with his client on your behalf.

Pester the Agent(s) if you want - but not the client.

And, by the way, you don't have to take the first thing that comes along or any aul shoite for that matter.

Make sure you like the job - afterall, you have to do it 8 Hours a day for the foreseeable future. That's a lot of time - and there is no point in feeling miserable about your work or the people you are working with day-in day-out.

Also, if you are made an offer by a Company - but you are inclined not to take the job for whatever reason, watch out for those Recruiter guys. Because at that point, they will try to push you into taking it - otherwise, they will lose their commission from the Company for finding you.

brokensoul

NortSoide wrote: »

Hey Boss.

mickoneill30 - is totally correct there.
Let the Recruiter / Agent deal with his client on your behalf.

Pester the Agent(s) if you want - but not the client.

And, by the way, you don't have to take the first thing that comes along or any aul shoite for that matter.

Make sure you like the job - afterall, you have to do it 8 Hours a day for the foreseeable future. That's a lot of time - and there is no point in feeling miserable about your work or the people you are working with day-in day-out.

Also, if you are made an offer by a Company - but you are inclined not to take the job for whatever reason, watch out for those Recruiter guys. Because at that point, they will try to push you into taking it - otherwise, they will lose their commission from the Company for finding you.

I know i have to beware of that, on the other hand, things are slow at the moment and i have a mortgage to pay so i will take anything half decent to be honest!

haff

I just have to say that you have all restored my faith in humanity to read all this support and advice you are all giving out here. nice one and bualadh bos everyone!

Reading through this thread I see lots of mentions of recruitment agencies, they certainly helped me out in the past and yes I had to keep on at them to get results but I moved away from Eire almost 4 years ago so haven't a clue what agencies are still around, who gets results and who wastes your time...

Can people suggest some recruitment agencies specifically that they have had personal success with that might help out brokensoul?

MIN2511

It depends on what area OP is in, OP if you are in IT pm me and i might have some contacts in agencies that would be worth your while

The_Hustler

It's great you're already at the stage where your CV is circulating so soon. Well done!

steo123

query answered stop feeling sorry for urself.

LuckyStar

OP- CPL are good, they put me forward for jobs I was actually interested in and I was being very fussy. I was out of work for 3 months after graduating from college (I did Biology and we were all scrambling for the same jobs) but now have a job I enjoy.

syklops

LuckyStar wrote: »

OP- CPL are good, they put me forward for jobs I was actually interested in and I was being very fussy. I was out of work for 3 months after graduating from college (I did Biology and we were all scrambling for the same jobs) but now have a job I enjoy.

Can I just say a big fat NO here. I have never once had good treatment from them, and my girlfriend had even worse experience, I wont go into details but in the end I rang the MD, threatening to call liveline to get the issue sorted out. They are a shower. Especially as you are in a stressful position, you dont need extra hassle having to deal with them.

Practically every job I have gotten was through monster.ie, so try that.

Mrs OBumble

brokensoul wrote: »

Hi,

Another question. One of the recruitment crowds i registered with put my cv forward for a job that im not really qualified for. I reckon i could do the job alright, i just dont have alot of experience in the area.

I have the name of the person my cv is going to. do you think it is worthwhile ringing them directly or is that being too pushy?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!

Doing that would give the recruitment agency the idea that you're a loose canon. Until you are invited to an interview, all contact must be between the company and the pimp, and the pimp and you. If you break the rules this time, the recruiter won't want to work with you in the future.

You need to assume that if the recruiter put you forward, they think you've got at least a shot at getting the job, experience or not, given who else they know is in the job market. (You may not be qualified to be a rocket-scientists, but if no one else is either, then they company will sooner or later have to hire someone unqualified).

You always need to remember that the recruiter is working for the employer (who pays them), not you. And that you need to chase them to get things done. But you do need to let them do their job, too.

brokensoul

JustMary wrote: »

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!

Doing that would give the recruitment agency the idea that you're a loose canon. Until you are invited to an interview, all contact must be between the company and the pimp, and the pimp and you. If you break the rules this time, the recruiter won't want to work with you in the future.

You need to assume that if the recruiter put you forward, they think you've got at least a shot at getting the job, experience or not, given who else they know is in the job market. (You may not be qualified to be a rocket-scientists, but if no one else is either, then they company will sooner or later have to hire someone unqualified).

You always need to remember that the recruiter is working for the employer (who pays them), not you. And that you need to chase them to get things done. But you do need to let them do their job, too.

fair enough, i guess i was just panicing!

I have heard of twwo places that "might" be looking for people. I now need to ring the managing partners to suss out the situation ( as i think there is no point in just sending in a cv blind)

Any tips on how best to approach it?

I was thinking "Hi, i have heard that you might be looking for a solicitor in X area. I would be very interested if that is the case. WEould you like me to send in a cv?"


Is that too blunt?

Any adivce would be much appreciated.

Baudelaire

I feel your pain OP, where I'm working at the moment the work seems to have dried up and my contract is up at the end of the month and I haven't heard anything about a renewal yet (I'd usually hear 4/6 weeks before it was up) so I can see me ending up having to look for something new soon but luckly there seems to be a fair few jobs going in my sector at the moment so I'm hoping it won't be to much hassle to find something new

brokensoul

There is no f***ing work out there in my sector.

I feel so disheartened. Every recruiter i talk to tells me the same thing "Oh, it is fierce quiet at the moment. We will keep you in mind if anything comes up"

I have managed to get a break on my mortgage for three months. Im really scared though that when i finish at the end of the month i will have nothing to fill my time and i will find it very difficult not to drink.


Steo123 - im doing my best not to feel sorry for myself but it is very hard. iv have wroked so hard at staying sober for the last 6 months and now i feel like im in a worse position than i was when i was drinking. At least i had a f**king job then.

AAARRRRGGGGG...

dudara

I'm sorry to hear this. Try to keep some positivity in your life. Things have sometimes seemed so cr*p for me, but there has always been some bright light at the end.

I firmly believe that you can make your own luck by keeping a positive mind. Easier said than done, I know, but try to stay (mainly) positive.

MrVostro

There is a network of people here on boards, including myself who know of all sorts of vacancies around right now, but its just not possible to say which ones if we dont know what sector you're in.

If you tell us what sector you're in then people can pm you details of where they know there might be an opening for you.

brokensoul

MrVostro wrote: »

There is a network of people here on boards, including myself who know of all sorts of vacancies around right now, but its just not possible to say which ones if we dont know what sector you're in.

If you tell us what sector you're in then people can pm you details of where they know there might be an opening for you.

Sorry, i thougt i had mentioned it. Im a solicitor, litigation mainly, but all areas considered. Im based in the south, so Cork, tipp, limerick etc considered.

Jackz

I think he might be a solicitor or something.

Lux23

brokensoul wrote: »

Sorry, i thougt i had mentioned it. Im a solicitor, litigation mainly, but all areas considered. Im based in the south, so Cork, tipp, limerick etc considered.

Well keep trying and you will have plenty of things to fill your day looking for work. Its a full time job afterall. I do understand how easy it would to fall off the wagon when you have lost your job and you feel let down. But think how much worse you will feel if you touch a drop of the stuff, all of your hard work would have been for nothing.

Hitchhiker's Guide to...

Jackz wrote: »

I think he might be a solicitor or something.

"she" (i think)

dixiefly

I would say the following:
1. Keep the head up and positive. You are very well qualified and something will turn up.
2. Make a plan for filling the day when you do get laid off, join a gym or see if there is some temporary voluntary work you can do. Going on the drink would not be a good idea for several reasons.
3. Why dont you aproach all solicitors within a certain catchment area. Check if any of them will be hiring in the next few months. After alll you are in a restricted profession and not subject to competition left, right and centre. By the law of averages, some of them will have someone sick, going on maternity leave etc. This could tie you over till you get something permanent.
4. Ever think of moving over to the Public Service? That is what I am doing. I come from a manufacturing/ technical background, am in a very secure job but think that the public sector is worth a go in the longer term.

brokensoul

dixiefly wrote: »

I would say the following:
1. Keep the head up and positive. You are very well qualified and something will turn up.
2. Make a plan for filling the day when you do get laid off, join a gym or see if there is some temporary voluntary work you can do. Going on the drink would not be a good idea for several reasons.
3. Why dont you aproach all solicitors within a certain catchment area. Check if any of them will be hiring in the next few months. After alll you are in a restricted profession and not subject to competition left, right and centre. By the law of averages, some of them will have someone sick, going on maternity leave etc. This could tie you over till you get something permanent.
4. Ever think of moving over to the Public Service? That is what I am doing. I come from a manufacturing/ technical background, am in a very secure job but think that the public sector is worth a go in the longer term.

Thanks - and tis indeed "she" by the way, Roundtower2

I have all my contacts keeping their eye out for any jobs that may be going, I am keeping an eye on publicjobs.ie and i have registered with all the recruitment sites.

I know that drinking wont hel[, i just feel so down. And im a complete f**king pain to be around at the moment, cos all i can do is stress about this and im sure im driving my partner and family crazy.

dellas1979

Someone loosing a job is one of the most stressful times I've ever been through anyways....my partner was out of work for 3 weeks there...he got a job on friday gone. It has nothing to do with what he is qualified to do, but he does it anyways.

I have had the utmosted stress for him too.

Do you have financial security? Do you have any money you can live off for a bit?

iMax

Just a quick one here. It appears you're being made redundant. If you are, you can leave the office this week with full pay for the month. You have no obligation to be there. They also have to give you time off with pay for interviews.

You are also entitled to sing on the dole the minute you get your redundancy certificate. So go tell them you're leaving on Friday with full pay & want everything p45, redundancy cert, redundancy pay (if applicable) on Friday at lunchtime, get straight to the dole office & sign on.