Bleak future

nohope

im currently unemployed. wanted to go to college this year but would have to pay nearly 30000 over the next four years. I dont have have that type of money. Now I dont know what to do. Feel like im stuck in a hole. All I do is cry these days. Ive tried looking for jobs any kind of job. But im sick of hearing no or just no reply. I thought going to college was my chance to make my life better. But my future looks so bleak. I have tried all avenues to get the money but just keep hearing no. I also have no money to emigrate. So im stuck here doing nothing feeling like my life will never get better.

username123

What age are you? Are you on social welfare, can you avail of the BTEA?
How come college would be so expensive (forgive me Im not familiar with fee structures these days).
Im doing a distance learning degree at the moment that could be done in 3 years at less than 10k - there are cheaper alternatives to full time on site education.
Whatever about emigrating could you just go away for a year or so somewhere like Canada where you could make good money quickly - what work would you be able to do?
What kind of expenses have you got now, mortgage, rent etc... Is there any way you could shave corners to save up?

nohope

im 23. not on social welfare. live with my parents so they support me but they are suffering cos of the recession too.
I already have a degree however it is absolutely useless as its not from a good college. Thats why it will be so expensive for me to return to college. The only work I have experience in is retail so I doubt I could earn much money wherever i emigrated to.

starlit

Hi OP, would you be able to qualify for a grant for college? You can still get social welfare and do a part time college course with springboard. Maybe consider a night or part time course in colleges, short courses or one year courses rather with than Uni's or IT's as they are cheaper than IT's and uni's.
Have you applied to WPP's/job-bridge internships they seem to be the only options available to people at the moment other than general jobs and graduate placements/programmes but often need to have a third level qualification though for these type of internships. Have you looked into CE Jobs with FÁS? Deadening on what your level of education, age, living circumstances and whether you are dependent or not such as living at home with parents or on your own. Depends what career field you want to get into such as general, craft/trade or professional career fields.

Good luck OP

starlit

nohope wrote: »

im 23. not on social welfare. live with my parents so they support me but they are suffering cos of the recession too.
I already have a degree however it is absolutely useless as its not from a good college. Thats why it will be so expensive for me to return to college. The only work I have experience in is retail so I doubt I could earn much money wherever i emigrated to.

You can go back to college as a mature student. You may or may not be entitled to a grant since you have already done a degree even though you are living with parents. I tried to get a grant too but wasn't entitled cause my parents retired on full pension even after that I wasn't entitled to a grant when I went back to college. Anyway, you could get a job seekers allowance if you are still searching for work. You might be means tested to get any other social welfare, you be entitled to get the dole and still do a part time college course.

Think positive OP, you have work experience in retail, focus on trying to get work in that even if its part time it might help fund your course if you do it full time. What course you thinking of doing? Business/Marketing/Accounting/Management are the areas I'd suggest you look into depending what you degree is, if you could in some way do a course to compliment your degree. What course would you like to do and what career would you like? Do you think you be able for it its just a case of job prospects in it you have to really like and enjoy the subject area to get any chance of a job.

LegacyUser

Hey,
No degree is useless. Good college or not, you went out and earned your piece of paper. Would you prefer to be working or studying again? How about doing some volunteer work to expand your social circle and perhaps make new contacts?
All the best

lace

Hi OP! There are plenty of things you could do to help your situation. As you already have a degree, it might be quite difficult for you to get a grant to do another. Have you considered something like a FAS or Springboard course or a kind of paid work experience? If you are already on the jobseekers allowance you will get extra money (not a lot, but something) for taking part in such schemes and they might help you to gain some training or experience in your area of interest.

I know it's difficult to be positive when times are so tough but keep applying and looking for jobs! Eventually one might crop up somewhere! Until then, work on making yourself the most attractive candidate you can be. Most employers care more about relevant experience than about where you got your degree. If you can show that you've worked in the area and are enthusiastic and capable it will shine through on your CV. I'd strongly suggest gaining some experience with various companies in an area you're interested in (or one related to your degree).

Asides from the job hunting try to find an activity that makes you feel useful. Perhaps you could help out with a local charity group or meals on wheels scheme or something? It would give you a chance to get out and about and make contacts (also key to job searching) but will also look great on a CV - particularly if you work your way up to co-ordinator or team leader!

Good luck!