being unemployed

rohe

Hi All

am new to this site,just am looking for some advice. i've been out of since before christmasand am finding it extremely hard. i have no friends and i dont bother with my family as they only ring me when they want a lift or loan of something, they dont contact me other than that, i have my partner, but he works 5 days a week and he has his child at the weekends, and i cant feel like i can talk to him, as he dont always listen and is pre occupied with his own stuff i.e ex wife and kids and job. i have no one to talk to throughout the day and its driving me insane, i just feel so fed up,i buy local papers every week for jobs and have handed in numerous cvs too shops and i still cant find work.i often wake up in the morning with a feeling of dread, of another boring day, another day with no one to talk to!!!!can anyone else relate to this????any advice

The_Conductor

A lot of the recruitment agencies (such as Grafton etc) do have quite a few vacant positions on their books. They may not be local for you- but in your favour the reason a lot of them remain unfilled is because of a lot of them are in the customer services sector and require fluent English, which is even now surprisingly lacking with a lot of people.

geminilady

don't feel down about not having a job the right one will come along. it just might take that bit longer. have u kept in touch with any of ur friends? they might be good to chat too?

mike65

Without getting "heavy" you do need to make your other half understand he is just that, and support you.

As for jobs keep an eye on FAS jobseeker. B&Q are opening here in mid march they recruiting some jobs via FAS, and thier own website

Mike.

Dudess

I know the feeling. I was freelancing in radio last year and just getting the odd bit of work here and there. I was absolutely miserable - I know exactly what you mean about the dreading waking up to another long, boring day. I used to stay up as late as possible so I'd wake really late and a good chunk of the day would be gone. It was horrible. Do you really have no friends? I have plenty of friends but I still felt so lonely because they were all working during the day and knackered in the evenings. Finally I just gave up on it and found a receptionist job through an agency. Best decision ever. It wasn't my dream like radio, but I'm still a million types happier than I was when doing the freelance work.
I'm lucky that I have administrative experience and secretarial skills. OP, what work experience/skills/training do you have? Why not have a chat with someone in an employment agency? Or what about doing a course - the ECDL or a Fás course? These will get you out of the house and into a routine, and lead to a job eventually.

rohe

geminilady wrote: »

don't feel down about not having a job the right one will come along. it just might take that bit longer. have u kept in touch with any of ur friends? they might be good to chat too?

Hi, no have no friends at all, have lost touch with people throughout the years and when i have contacted people some havent replied and others have arranged to meet up only to cancel, and as i said i cant talk to my partner as he has his own probs in life and doesnt relate to what i'm saying as he has a great job and earns loads

rohe

mike65 wrote: »

Without getting "heavy" you do need to make your other half understand he is just that, and support you.

As for jobs keep an eye on FAS jobseeker. B&Q are opening here in mid march they recruiting some jobs via FAS, and thier own website

Mike.

yeah i'm on the fas website everyday and irish jobs, and nixers.ie. and have tried for b&q and recieved a letter saying they'll keep my details on file and that was it, i have tried for so many jobs but best of half of em dont even respond. as for himself he doesn't really want to hear about my stuff the whole time,its just the way he is

Dudess

I don't trust job websites - some of the vacancies continue to be renewed even when they're filled - e.g. there are several Google jobs up but when you actually click on them you're directed to a page that advises you the position is gone. Better off to apply to places directly. And again, why not do a Fás computer course?

rohe

Dudess wrote: »

I know the feeling. I was freelancing in radio last year and just getting the odd bit of work here and there. I was absolutely miserable - I know exactly what you mean about the dreading waking up to another long, boring day. I used to stay up as late as possible so I'd wake really late and a good chunk of the day would be gone. It was horrible. Do you really have no friends? I have plenty of friends but I still felt so lonely because they were all working during the day and knackered in the evenings. Finally I just gave up on it and found a receptionist job through an agency. Best decision ever. It wasn't my dream like radio, but I'm still a million types happier than I was when doing the freelance work.
I'm lucky that I have administrative experience and secretarial skills. OP, what work experience/skills/training do you have? Why not have a chat with someone in an employment agency? Or what about doing a course - the ECDL or a Fás course? These will get you out of the house and into a routine, and lead to a job eventually.

i have supervisory experience and have worked mainly in retail,and have a qualification in computers and business studies, fetac level, but any jobs i apply most dont bother responding back and if they do they just take my details and promise to get back to me but never do, but hey its great to know that your happier in your current job, gives me hope

rohe

Dudess wrote: »

I don't trust job websites - some of the vacancies continue to be renewed even when they're filled - e.g. there are several Google jobs up but when you actually click on them you're directed to a page that advises you the position is gone. Better off to apply to places directly. And again, why not do a Fás computer course?

i enquired into it and theres no more advance courses on at the moment is what they told me, thats my skills are up to date and they wouldn't have a course more advanced than my qualifications

Dudess

You seem more than qualified for the bank. Why not do a secretarial skills course (you can't go wrong with having typing) and apply to banks, building societies, insurance companies etc. Sun Life is in Waterford, that's supposed to be a good place to work.
And call into places with your CV - emailed/posted CVs probably just get lost.

And get on to a reputable recruitment agency. Noel Recruitment has offices in Waterford.

rohe

Dudess wrote: »

You seem more than qualified for the bank. Why not do a secretarial skills course (you can't go wrong with having typing) and apply to banks, building societies, insurance companies etc. Sun Life is in Waterford, that's supposed to be a good place to work.
And call into places with your CV - emailed/posted CVs probably just get lost.

And get on to a reputable recruitment agency. Noel Recruitment has offices in Waterford.

yeah true never thought of going for that type of work,thanks

The_Conductor

www.publicjobs.ie has details of a competition for Executive Officers in the civil service- might be of interest?

old boy

hi girl you are not 2 badly off me i will never be able to work again, never get a bank loan, a car loan, house imp. loan, you are young you have health, get the b.f. to cop on or get rid of him, he is no help to you, bet you can find a guy to give you emotional help, etc. keep trying, for yourself at least, if he does not kelp get shut of him, as he seems very self centered

estar

perhaps you could start retraining or refreshing your skills with a FAS course
and improve your prospects?

there are loads of great courses out there - that provide you with
placements as well as skills and you get paid to do them.

it will also put you in touch with the FAS recruitment agency
which can help you with job seeking and interview skills.

perhaps this is just the opportunity for you to update your
skills and gain even a better job than the one you used to have

best of luck.

jellie

have you tried temping at all? might be something to keep you busy but still be available to go for interviews if you need to?

dont give up, it can take ages to find a job. good luck with it

rohe

sar84 wrote: »

have you tried temping at all? might be something to keep you busy but still be available to go for interviews if you need to?

dont give up, it can take ages to find a job. good luck with it

have tried a few places for temping in office work but they tell me they wouldn't be able to find me work as even though i have a computer and business studies qualification, i have no working experience of working in an office, and the jobs i've had recently have all been in retail as their the only jobs i could get atr the time,but am stll gonna keep trying, do hopefully i will pick up something soon

biko

I feel for you OP.
Was unemployed short term once and it sucked soooo much. Keep looking, something will open up.

Puddleduck

Hi rohe,

Im in the same boat but I just try to keep busy, I look for jobs and all that kinda thing but Ill go for walks, or just do something to occupy myself for a little while. itll help keep some of the bordem at bay and excersise is a good way of avoiding getting depressed.

rohe

biko wrote: »

I feel for you OP.
Was unemployed short term once and it sucked soooo much. Keep looking, something will open up.

yeah am hoping something will turn up soon, as the boredom and stuff is killing me,cheersfor the advice

rohe

Puddleduck wrote: »

Hi rohe,

Im in the same boat but I just try to keep busy, I look for jobs and all that kinda thing but Ill go for walks, or just do something to occupy myself for a little while. itll help keep some of the bordem at bay and excersise is a good way of avoiding getting depressed.

yeah i try and go for a walk each day, i sticks on my mp3 player and gets lost,ha, you ever get many repsonses to your job applications???i've gotten two replies from people, and i've applied for so many jobs, even the type of jobs i dont want,just to earn money, i find it sooooo annoying that people dont even acknowledge or respond when you've sent em an email

Puddleduck

Yep, went almost a year without work..and it wasnt for the want of trying. I just dont take it to heart anymore. Some buisnesses respond, others dont, but you can always call just to 'check' that they recieved your email/application okay. Dont worry hun, your qualified, youll find a job, it could be worse

rohe

Puddleduck wrote: »

Yep, went almost a year without work..and it wasnt for the want of trying. I just dont take it to heart anymore. Some buisnesses respond, others dont, but you can always call just to 'check' that they recieved your email/application okay. Dont worry hun, your qualified, youll find a job, it could be worse

true, thanks for the advice,best of luck with everything:)

echosound

Rohe - been there done that quite recently, and it sucks.

You're in waterford - call noelrecruitment, and la creme, they are both very good and should have something for you within a week or two, I found them very helpful when I was looking, they were calling me with jobs about a week after I went into them for interviews, but at that stage I was sorted anyway. Try not to get down about companies not replying back to you, they are shockingly bad at doing this I found. Also if you can put the feelers out with friends or family (even if you don't have many close friends etc, give anyone you know a call and ask them to keep an eye out in their workplace for jobs, as that's how most jobs seem to be filled in Waterford - through word of mouth or having someone with a bit of pull on the inside).

Also -I know you said your partner has his own stuff to be worrying about, but in fairness, he is your partner, and should be a bit more supportive.

Kepe the chin up, it can get very depressing when you feel like you're banging your head off a brick wall with no-one replying to you when you send in CVs etc. Are you keeping an ear out for the new retail park details? Should be lots of jobs coming on stream soon enough once that starts opening up...or if you're stuck and are willing to do anything in the short term, try one of the call centres like AOL, might not be to your taste but it'd get you out and about again until you find something you really want? Best of luck!

Dudess

And while your retail experience may not be considered appropriate experience for an office (can't see why not though) it would certainly be suitable experience for the bank - that along with your business qualification and you'd be set. And it would be a good idea to do a secretarial/computers skills course in the meantime while you're looking - at least that would keep you occupied. I can't emphasise how beneficial having typing is.

Marksie

rohe wrote: »

respond when you've sent em an email

Dont send emails.

Have you thoght about having your CV overhauled and learning about covering letters?

What about doing night courses to expand you repertoire of skills? and it may lead to social events as well.

FAS may be an avenue

rohe

Dudess wrote: »

And while your retail experience may not be considered appropriate experience for an office (can't see why not though) it would certainly be suitable experience for the bank - that along with your business qualification and you'd be set. And it would be a good idea to do a secretarial/computers skills course in the meantime while you're looking - at least that would keep you occupied. I can't emphasise how beneficial having typing is.

the bank would be ideal for me,i have typing skills, am at 60 wpm, but i have no schooling qualifications as i left school very young and was lucky in the jobs that i got that they didnt ask me about schooling qualifications and some of the other jobs i had i lied, didnt feel i had a choice, as i dont think an employer would take me on with no schooling qualifications, i would love to work in a bank or office environment but i dont have alot of confidence with people,

Marksie

How old are you? can you go back to education to get qualifications?

Dudess

Hmmm... Some places would require that you have the leaving cert - but not all. I know a lot of retail outlets don't require it. What about trying Aldi/Lidl? They're supposed to be good places to work and they have really good manager training courses.

rohe

Marksie wrote: »

Dont send emails.

Have you thoght about having your CV overhauled and learning about covering letters?

What about doing night courses to expand you repertoire of skills? and it may lead to social events as well.

FAS may be an avenue

i am practicaly stalking fas at this stage, i've been to the office, on the website and have rang em, in fairness they give the details for the jobs, i've applied for them and then dont hear anything back, or i've had two interviews 2 weeks ago, and nada nothing back

rohe

Marksie wrote: »

How old are you? can you go back to education to get qualifications?

am 27, am a bit unsure as to what courses i could do, because previously i applied with fas for a course and they said i had to have a least my junior cert?? i wouldnt mind i completed a 2 year business & computers course with distinctions and merits without having a junior cert or leaving, so it should show them that i am capable of doing one of their courses

rohe

Dudess wrote: »

Hmmm... Some places would require that you have the leaving cert - but not all. I know a lot of retail outlets don't require it. What about trying Aldi/Lidl? They're supposed to be good places to work and they have really good manager training courses.

had an interview for aldis about 2 years ago, no long but have tried twice again with them, i've applied for ones even outside of where i live, i was willing to travel that bit further, as i heard the pay is good with them

rohe

echosound wrote: »

Rohe - been there done that quite recently, and it sucks.

You're in waterford - call noelrecruitment, and la creme, they are both very good and should have something for you within a week or two, I found them very helpful when I was looking, they were calling me with jobs about a week after I went into them for interviews, but at that stage I was sorted anyway. Try not to get down about companies not replying back to you, they are shockingly bad at doing this I found. Also if you can put the feelers out with friends or family (even if you don't have many close friends etc, give anyone you know a call and ask them to keep an eye out in their workplace for jobs, as that's how most jobs seem to be filled in Waterford - through word of mouth or having someone with a bit of pull on the inside).

Also -I know you said your partner has his own stuff to be worrying about, but in fairness, he is your partner, and should be a bit more supportive.

Kepe the chin up, it can get very depressing when you feel like you're banging your head off a brick wall with no-one replying to you when you send in CVs etc. Are you keeping an ear out for the new retail park details? Should be lots of jobs coming on stream soon enough once that starts opening up...or if you're stuck and are willing to do anything in the short term, try one of the call centres like AOL, might not be to your taste but it'd get you out and about again until you find something you really want? Best of luck!

i;ve tired for b&q and a few of others, just got the usual response they will keep my details on file, i've tried just calling into shops at random handing in my cv, but their just doesn't seem to be any work out there, but am hopeful as so many new shops due to be opening up soon, as for himself, i dont want to be chewing his ear off with my probs, but as i said am hopeful that something good will turn up,

Dudess

I don't mean to come across as harsh, but you're only telling us about your lack of school qualifications now. I fear that could be a major reason for you getting so many knockbacks. Now I know not all companies require the leaving cert, and it's also not even necessary to put your school exam results on your CV by your age, but in this day and age, it's taken as red that you'll have at least your leaving. Companies that don't expect a leaving usually would expect a junior cert.

Would you consider going back to do your school exams? There are adult junior and leaving certificate courses (with people a lot older than you on them). It might be the best option for you. I know, not the most fun idea but anything that's gonna improve your job prospects has got to be worth it.

rohe

just wanna say thanks to everyone for the posts and advice, its a great help to talk to other people about it.Thanks again:D

rohe

Dudess wrote: »

I don't mean to come across as harsh, but you're only telling us about your lack of school qualifications now. I fear that could be a major reason for you getting so many knockbacks. Now I know not all companies require the leaving cert, and it's also not even necessary to put your school exam results on your CV by your age, but in this day and age, it's taken as red that you'll have at least your leaving. Companies that don't expect a leaving usually would expect a junior cert.

Would you consider going back to do your school exams? There are adult junior and leaving certificate courses (with people a lot older than you on them). It might be the best option for you. I know, not the most fun idea but anything that's gonna improve your job prospects has got to be worth it.

yeah i was a bit embarassed at the start about my lack of schooling thats why i didnt mention it, i dont put on my cv my schooling background, just the schools i went to and my further education i.e the course and training i have done. i did give some thought before about going back and doing my exams just found it off putting the amount of time it takes to obtain these exams and i do be thinking i could be out working paying off my bills, if that makes sense

Dudess

No need to be embarrassed, most people aren't dumb enough to judge someone on not having their school exams completed.

I can see the catch-22 you're in - you want to work to make money but you don't have school qualifications and getting these qualifications means not earning money for a good while, but your job prospects are limited without them... it's a vicious circle. Consider the here and now: you feel you'd be doing something more constructive if you were out earning wages, but you're not earning wages. I know you're only too well aware of that, but maybe this is the time to consider returning to school so? It's a few years yes, but it's only a drop in the ocean in the greater scheme of things, and SO worth it.

rohe

Dudess wrote: »

No need to be embarrassed, most people aren't dumb enough to judge someone on not having their school exams completed.

I can see the catch-22 you're in - you want to work to make money but you don't have school qualifications and getting these qualifications means not earning money for a good while, but your job prospects are limited without them... it's a vicious circle. Consider the here and now: you feel you'd be doing something more constructive if you were out earning wages, but you're not earning wages. I know you're only too well aware of that, but maybe this is the time to consider returning to school so? It's a few years yes, but it's only a drop in the ocean in the greater scheme of things, and SO worth it.

true, dont suppose you or anyone would know if i there any courses in waterford?that do the junior & Cert???and cost etc

Dudess

No, I don't know Waterford. Get googling and contacting Fás. Look at the VEC's website - Vocational Education Committee. It's those kinds of colleges that would offer junior and leaving cert courses. Best of luck whatever you do.

rohe

Dudess wrote: »

No, I don't know Waterford. Get googling and contacting Fás. Look at the VEC's website - Vocational Education Committee. It's those kinds of colleges that would offer junior and leaving cert courses. Best of luck whatever you do.

okay, thanks again

NortSoide

I know several people who left school at 16 and have done really well in life - but they are 'very wide' and 'think outside the box'.

Far from me to encourage a little 'white lie' - but, nevertheless, if you put some sort of 'Inter / Junior Cert' & 'Leaving Cert' result (say, 2 Honours for example) on your CV, I don't suppose 98% of places would actually check that. In the end, with enough work experience, it won't matter anyway.

I wouldn't have too much of a conscience about doing that myself - afterall, take a look at the 100K+ Turkeys running the country and doing a 100 days of so-called 'work' a year - or, what can be better termed : an exercise in pure arse-scratching ! :mad:

You have lots of skills already. Therefore, I wouldn't let the so-called 'system' cheat you out of a job that you are already well able to do - or, indeed, a modest wage.

Also, you have some 'time off' for now. Use it to better yourself and also to relax a little too - a little 'me time', if you like. Afterall, when you get that job, you will not have that luxury and you will have to discipline yourself to show up 'on time' and get the work done. Every day. Eventually, when it becomes routine, you'll probably think to yourself : 'Different Day, Same Sh1t' ... Another Day at the Fun Factory ... I wish I had a few days off ...

It can take a little time to get the right job. I think it is better for you to take that time NOW to find a job that suits you and that you would like the work - rather than just 'any old job'.

Meanwhile, I take it you get some Social Security to tide you over ... be it ever so inadequate.

Anyway, the Best of Luck.

the_syco

OP: f**k work. Whilst unemployed, get paid doing a FAS course, and get a better job out of it. Hell, there are so many courses, you may find one that will give you a job that you'll like:cool:

chris85

Hey OP, just to take a different approach than most people. I would suggest you look at your CV more as well. Sometimes the CV can be laid out in a way that doesnt promote your attributes. Have seen this with a few friends who have left college with excellent degrees but have not had a good CV which held them back for a while

Maybe there is an agency out there that will check the CV. I recently done a half day seminar to sort out my CV for leaving college and it does help so I think it is worth your while to look.

The CV can make the difference. Focus on the good attributes you have on the CV. And make yourself stand out (interesting hobby or interest, etc)

mugginsgalore

I feel if you are cheerful and positive at all times that you will get what you want in life,not right away but it happens,I promise you !!

rohe

mugginsgalore wrote: »

I feel if you are cheerful and positive at all times that you will get what you want in life,not right away but it happens,I promise you !!

am trying to keep positive,am convincing myself that if i hold out long enough the right job will come along:D

Marksie

I may have missed a post somewhere... but what about agencies?

Have you had your CV looked at by professionals? they can really accentuate positives

Puddleduck

Marksie wrote: »

I may have missed a post somewhere... but what about agencies?

Have you had your CV looked at by professionals? they can really accentuate positives

Just my two cents on agencies. Im with like 6 or 7 and yet every job Ive ever gotten Ive gotten myself aand I never hear from them.

rohe

Marksie wrote: »

I may have missed a post somewhere... but what about agencies?

Have you had your CV looked at by professionals? they can really accentuate positives

i am with three agencies in town and have never heard from ever!!!!!i was with another agency before who sent me out on a temp job,told me it was a totally different job than the one i went to, when i got to the place of work they treated me like absolute dirt,never done it again

edel26

Hi, I also find myself in a similar position. Unemployed for over a year now but i do all the Fas courses there is while sending out CV's. I was working in the construction sector and there a no jobs available so I am thinking of doing a traineeship with Fas (if they will let me, its a total career change).

Keep chin up and eventually something will have to give!!