What do I do for the summer?

Mrs Garth Brooks

I'm a mature student. Well just finished a year's long course. I have been looking for work for weeks and nothing came up, so i will be signing on the dole.

This is my first summer free in 10 or 11 years. And I don't know what to do with myself. And to be on the dole, and nothing to get up for, will make it boring.

When I say i have nothing to do for the summer, it sounds as if i have something to go back to in september. I dont know if i do. Some exams went terribly wrong for me but i dont know until i get the results. I have my fingers crossed, and hope i pass as I have the option to progress, which is what i want.

To top it all off, I may be entitled to the back to education allowance in september if im on the dole for 3 months. I was going to take out a loan for next year but why bother when im better off not working. If i work over the summer, its the loan and be in debt when i finish. If i sit on my hole for the summer, i get the BTEA. Nice country, where they offer you more for sitting on your ass. I am so bored, I want to work.

What do I do to pass my time?

I am looking to move also but the place I am in is the only proof of address I have had since I moved here. I need proof of address to sign on the dole. I dont know how much longer i will be here. As soon as i get the dole, im out.

The reason why i want to move, I have posted before about this about a month ago is my housemate. She is nosey, wanting to know my every move. And telling me I need work for the summer. I dont know who she thinks she is but I dont need this kind of pressure.

How do I keep myself busy? Does it get easier over time?

Korvanica

What are your interests OP?

Find yourself a project and work on that. Such as learning an instrument or a new skill.

You mentioned that your exams didn't go as well as you'd hoped... Maybe you could spend a little time looking over notes and reading ahead for next year?

As for the moving house issue, if you meet with you local welfare officer and explain your situation it should be ok.

Your housemate should stay out of your business and mind her own.

Neyite

Why not volunteer for work placement in a company that compliments your studies - it will look great on your CV when you graduate, and maybe help with getting a better understanding of next years studies. You will make valuable industry connections,which may be really useful when job hunting or for career advice.

I did this in college part time, and after I finished my exams, I went full time - preference was given to me over other candidates, because I had already proven I was a good worker.

You could always do 3 days a week there, and 2 in a charitable area, or use the summer to explore hobbies or sports you want to get involved in. It also gets you out of the house and away from that nosy flatmate!

guydub

Hi
I understand where your coming from, I am mature student aswell and off for the summer. Would have loved to get paid work for the summer as i used to do back when I did my leaving but their just isnt any around. To keep myself busy i am doing unpaid work experience in a company which is related to my course and then for the other days I am doing sports to keep fit. Am learning a bit in the company and will be able to use them on my cv for when I complete my course. It is tough being off for the summer and trying to survive on BTEA and social welfare, but main thing is to not let it get you down and try and stay positive.

Wompa1

Do an unpaid internship to get experience in your field of choice and give you a leg up when it comes time to look for a professional job

Mrs Garth Brooks

Great idea about getting some work experience. I am going to call into a couple of places tomorrow. Let's hope I pass my exams, so it won't be a waste of time over the summer. If i fail, it changes everything.

anndub

Not sure that you are entitled to claim dole during the summer when you are a continuing student, unless you are already in receipt of the btea.

You might want to verify that as it might affect your plans

solerina

You could also look into doing Volunteer work, I know this is becoming harder to get as many people now find themselves with more free time than ever, but its worth a try.