Help for a Boards member who's feeling down

dan_d

Right guys.
A while ago I posted that I had found a job.Unfortunately, after a short period of work, I've now been informed that they no longer have enough work to keep me or a large part of the rest of the company going, and have to let us go.
It's not the fault of the company themselves, so I'm not going to rant and rave about them.It's a combination of delays on work and bank actions. It's not just me that was affected either.
I'm not in a very good place right now to be honest. I just cannot believe that I'm staring unemployment in the face again. It took so much out of me the last time, and I don't know if I can do it again.
So I suppose I'm looking for suggestions. What do I do next? I have a degree, and I'm 5 years out of college...nearly 6. I need to either retrain from scratch (HOW???), or emigrate. I just cannot go on flogging the dead horse that is job hunting, especially in the civil engineering sector.
Any ideas? Even just any inspirational thoughts???:(

AnnyHallsal

Hi dan_d,

I just want to say that from your posts in this forum and elsewhere you've always seemed to be very astute and informed. It's only a matter of time before your talents are put to their proper use. I don't know much about your sector so I can't offer any practical advice unfortunately. Keep the chin up and hopefully others here will be able to offer something more constructive. Best of luck and remember you're not alone in this

Kersh

Hi Dan,

A friend of mine recently (last week) left here for Canada. BUT before He went he was working for a company in Sudan, something like 4 weeks there, 3 here etc etc. on an ongoing basis.

Like you, He also has a degree in Civil Engineering. Afaik the work was in supervising upkeep/building of water treatment plants.

Perhaps a job like what he had in Sudan would suit. All travel/expenses covered, so you get to keep all your wages.

Just a suggestion,

Stay positive.

dan_d

Thanks Kersh.
Canada is an option we're looking at.
For the moment I've basically been told to do nothing this week and look after myself.I'm trying to figure out how to do that, as my instinct is to immediately go hunting through every site out there for jobs. But it was a huge shock and I'm totally overwhelmed by it; there have been a lot of tears.:(. It took so much effort, and just so much of ME to get that last job (as well as the length of time), I'm just sinking every time I think I have to go back to Social Welfare again, and do the whole thing again. I can't believe I'm back here, with nothing once more.I just want work, something that's almost impossible to find these days......:(:(

finisklin

You have a skillset and experience that is waiting to be released helping you grow and any prospective employer that is prepared to take you on.

I think that going through the process of unemployment again (signing on, updating CV, pitching your experience & accounting for your new circumstances etc.) will take an emotional toll on you. Why not consider going to the UK? It is close by and accessible and for every job that's here there's another ten like it in the UK.

Back your bags and go.....it will help you build on the experience you have and give you career confidence.

HoopsLad1888

i think canada would be a great option for you 3 of my friends went to canada over the last 2 months and only one of them had a degree and the three of them are flat out over there personally i would love to get out of this country but have no qualifications and i am dropping out of college soon to persue my dream as an electrician IF ican find an apprenticeship IF being the main word. hopefully ii can and if you guys no anyone that could help me give me a shout

leblanc

Alright man,

I know exactly where you are. I am employed for the second time in 9 months!

This time I'm doing things differently. I have contacted all the volunteer organisations in my area to see what they have to offer. I've got meetings set up with colleges, the local VEC and have started booking appts for myself with the managers of places I would like to work - if only for 2 minutes to hand deliver my CV.

I understand that is hard to keep positive and motivated but while you are looking at your emigration options it is something to keep the grey matter moving and adds a purpose to your day.

A short diary of daily tasks, I've found, works well. It clearly shows me what I've done that day and what I HAVE to do the next and what I COULD be doing also. This makes me find things to do so I feel a sense of achievement every day. It might be something very small like 'clean the car' 'Wash the windows in the house' but its something. With all the extra time available try to set a plan of what you want to do. You're an engineer, put that process driven, analytics and problem solving mind of yours to good use. You didn't spend all that time and money in college for nothing! Google 'SMART plans' and apply that to what you want to do, then figure out how you are going to get there.

You come across as an intelligent chap who wants to get on in life. Thats a very good start. Perhaps look at the problem from a different angle and make different approaches to solving it. Don't do what 99% of people do and sit there banging out online job applications.

Most of all; while you are putting your plan together, keep yourself busy. Look at all the time you have right now as a positive. Learn a language to increase your employment opportunities, get fit, get active in your community - you never know who you might meet and this country works along the 'it's who you know' lines.

There are indeed economies who are not in such dire straits as we are - Hays recruitement in Dublin used to have a lot of international roles on their books, worth a call to see whats happening. I know there is a major regeneration project scheduled for Perth in Australia which will require skilled people like you. The middle east seems to always have a need. Watch the news for big diasters, they always need people to put things back together again.

Best of luck to you.

dan_d

Thanks for the advice leblanc. Interesting take on how to view disasters...!!

Ok. Point one....despite my username, I am in fact a girl of the female persuasion!!!!:p But thanks anyway!!

I'm kind of doing things differently this time around, but I like your pointers and your diary idea.I've taken up a course I should have done the first time round, and I intend to complete a few exams to get myself a few more qualifications (no harm having more letters after my name!!!:p:p)

Emigration is still an option.

Hoopslad.....just saw your post. Check out the ESB and ESBI websites. They are recruiting for electrical apprentices. You'd do very well if you got in there.

leblanc

A girl of the female persuasion eh? ....sorry about that!

Good stuff on the upcoming exams. Indeed a few more letters wont hurt ya!

Its also little things that can make a difference, I was totally down in the dumps yesterday: bad weather, bored, all my mates at work but today is a new day. Just got off the net after securing myself a weights bench and weights for free. Its practically brand new, amazing what people throw away. Not a big deal in the greater scheme of things but exercise always helps me to stay positive and its something I achieved already today.

Next I'm driving up to Kildare Street with a hunting rifle to take pot shots at the windows of the Dail.... wait, I've said too much......