Bit lost and need advice

judosean2005

Hello all,
Not sure this is the place for this but im really wondering what i should do and id appreciate any advice.
I started my career in dunnes as trainee manager- quickly got promoted to nightpack( 1 year total) then i became manager of a Spar store(4 years). Then joined army but got injured after 3 months and was released on medical terms.
So i was unemployed for over a year and decided to do an internship via Jobbridge in Dell computers. After 9 months, im back to unemployed.

Problem is ive no real education- just about passed leavin cert. out of Retail for so long no one will consider me.
Just a bit lost on what i should do tbh.
Should i go to college and study Business? Will it make much of a difference after 3 years?

Im married with 4 year old twins. And i feel bit crap not contributing to family apart from social welfare. Even thinking applying for staff in stores i was manager in.

Any help/ advise would be greatly appreciate.

Sean

Stheno

Is there anything you have a particular interest in?

judosean2005

Stheno wrote: »

Is there anything you have a particular interest in?

Id like to open my own business- but due to the current climate its just a bad idea.
Otherwise id like to go back to retail management. But the competition is soo tough.ex area managers are getting the managers jobs etc.
aldi/lidl are hiring but have no interest.

KyleJJE

Have a look at the springboard courses. Some of them include work experience which could get your foot in the door.

KyleJJE

Have a look at the springboard courses. Some of them include work experience which could get your foot in the door.

Stheno

judosean2005 wrote: »

Id like to open my own business- but due to the current climate its just a bad idea.
Otherwise id like to go back to retail management. But the competition is soo tough.ex area managers are getting the managers jobs etc.
aldi/lidl are hiring but have no interest.

When you say Aldi and Lidl are hiring do you mean you have no interest or that they have not responded to your c.v.?

judosean2005

Stheno wrote: »

When you say Aldi and Lidl are hiring do you mean you have no interest or that they have not responded to your c.v.?

Had interviews with both-and letters to say they not interested.

boobar

judosean2005 wrote: »

Id like to open my own business- but due to the current climate its just a bad idea.
Otherwise id like to go back to retail management. But the competition is soo tough.ex area managers are getting the managers jobs etc.
aldi/lidl are hiring but have no interest.

What business did you want to set up? You might not be in a position to set it up now, but you could focus on training that will help you and look to focus your employment search on this area also.

judosean2005

boobar wrote: »

What business did you want to set up? You might not be in a position to set it up now, but you could focus on training that will help you and look to focus your employment search on this area also.

To be honest i aint sure either. Yes i could open my own Spar,Mace or even a Super Valu but due to stores like Aldi/Lidl the popularity and income from these franchise are lowering daily. Could open a coffee shop. But who has money to sit and drink "expensive" beverages.

maringo

Reading your post it looks like you are well educated and hard-working too. Plenty of people with degrees can't string a sentence together so don't put yourself down. Look at Charlie Bird - he failed his leaving cert. A qualification in retail management might suit you especially as you did so well at it. Maybe check out education for mature students? Read recently the European ERASMUS is funding courses - might be worth checking out as I don't really know much about it. Best of luck.

eviltimeban

You could do accountancy, if you've any head for numbers and / or time for study. Look at Accounting Technicians Ireland. That takes two years to complete, and gives you a professional qualification. You don't need a degree, just the Leaving. (there might be points requirements but you'd have to check with them).

Having an accountancy qualification would certainly help you with opening your own business.

judosean2005

eviltimeban wrote: »

You could do accountancy, if you've any head for numbers and / or time for study. Look at Accounting Technicians Ireland. That takes two years to complete, and gives you a professional qualification. You don't need a degree, just the Leaving. (there might be points requirements but you'd have to check with them).

Having an accountancy qualification would certainly help you with opening your own business.

One advantage of being unemployed- lots of "free" time. Had a look at springboard courses. Only 1 in My area and not very interestin

eviltimeban

Accounting Technicians do courses all around the country - where are you based?

judosean2005

eviltimeban wrote: »

Accounting Technicians do courses all around the country - where are you based?

Based in Limerick.ill have a look into accounting. As u said its only 2 years- keep me busy.
We even thought to move abroad. But with no qualifictions its just not worth the risk.

Stheno

judosean2005 wrote: »

Based in Limerick.ill have a look into accounting. As u said its only 2 years- keep me busy.
We even thought to move abroad. But with no qualifictions its just not worth the risk.

Accounting Technician is slightly different from accountancy itself.

Still a worthwhile qualification

eviltimeban

Stheno wrote: »

Accounting Technician is slightly different from accountancy itself.

Still a worthwhile qualification

Well yes, but if you do well at it you could go on and do Chartered Accountancy, which would be a major qualification to get, and a pretty much guaranteed job in finance.

judosean2005

eviltimeban wrote: »

Well yes, but if you do well at it you could go on and do Chartered Accountancy, which would be a major qualification to get, and a pretty much guaranteed job in finance.

Most of my roles ever since i started working- its been in a leadership role.
From retail manager, military leader to project manager in Dell.
I think i like the control aspect in work.

Stheno

judosean2005 wrote: »

Most of my roles ever since i started working- its been in a leadership role.
From retail manager, military leader to project manager in Dell.
I think i like the control aspect in work.

How did you find the project management work?

Are you on social welfare? They regularly run training courses to get PRINCE2 certified, definitely in Dublin, don't know about other locations I'm afraid

eviltimeban

judosean2005 wrote: »

Most of my roles ever since i started working- its been in a leadership role.
From retail manager, military leader to project manager in Dell.
I think i like the control aspect in work.

And most qualified Chartered Accountants are in leadership / management / director roles.

Not saying its a slam dunk, obviously there's a lot involved, but I know people who are qualified and they say its the best thing they ever did. Its certainly challenging but accounting technicians would be a good inroad into that world.

judosean2005

Stheno wrote: »

How did you find the project management work?

Are you on social welfare? They regularly run training courses to get PRINCE2 certified, definitely in Dublin, don't know about other locations I'm afraid

I enjoyd the project manager role in Dell but maybe cos the role i was picked for was boring.
I was on my stamps in welfare and was claming for kids aswell. But i just went onto job seekers benefit( which is mean tested) and they reduced by payment by €70. We were just surviving as it was. But thats another story.

Stheno

judosean2005 wrote: »

I enjoyd the project manager role in Dell but maybe cos the role i was picked for was boring.
I was on my stamps in welfare and was claming for kids aswell. But i just went onto job seekers benefit( which is mean tested) and they reduced by payment by €70. We were just surviving as it was. But thats another story.

Well if you are interested in PRINCE2 qualifications, enquire with FAS?

They pay for the course, not sure like I said if it runs outside Dublin

It would be a worthwhile qualification even if you go down the accountancy route.

PLL

I would suggest college maybe? My friend did a course in customer service and retail management which sounds like something you would enjoy and with your experience you would easily be accepted as a mature student. Something to think about maybe?

judosean2005

PLL wrote: »

I would suggest college maybe? My friend did a course in customer service and retail management which sounds like something you would enjoy and with your experience you would easily be accepted as a mature student. Something to think about maybe?

I was thinking going back to college. But i worry my family may not survive on just my social welfare income. Also i dont want a scenario where i spend 2/3 years in college gettin a qualification and the outcome results in the same- no work.

reallyuseful

Hello

Reading your posts here, my initial impression is that you are not in the right mindset to make a career decision. Going to college or becoming an accountant is a long road and you need to be sure that it is for you.

I think you need to speak with someone about your options. You say you are based in Limerick, have you spoken to your local Local Employment services mediator. They are not the dole and can often give very good advice.

Do you have a jobclub in Limerick that you could attend?

Also check out Skillnets They run free one day course for companies and offer free places to job seekers, They definitely run a project management course which would be free and give you an insight into the role.

I would not worry too much about your qualifications, your attitude and mindset are the most important thing. Most jobs in Ireland are still filled by word of mouth so try to project a positive image and expectation in your own network.

I work as a career coach and would be happy to do a CV review (Free of Charge ) and have a telephone chat ( Free of charge ) if you feel it would help. This is not touting for business but reading your posts I just wanted to reach out to you.

judosean2005

reallyuseful wrote: »

Hello

Reading your posts here, my initial impression is that you are not in the right mindset to make a career decision. Going to college or becoming an accountant is a long road and you need to be sure that it is for you.

I think you need to speak with someone about your options. You say you are based in Limerick, have you spoken to your local Local Employment services mediator. They are not the dole and can often give very good advice.

Do you have a jobclub in Limerick that you could attend?

Also check out Skillnets They run free one day course for companies and offer free places to job seekers, They definitely run a project management course which would be free and give you an insight into the role.

I would not worry too much about your qualifications, your attitude and mindset are the most important thing. Most jobs in Ireland are still filled by word of mouth so try to project a positive image and expectation in your own network.

I work as a career coach and would be happy to do a CV review (Free of Charge ) and have a telephone chat ( Free of charge ) if you feel it would help. This is not touting for business but reading your posts I just wanted to reach out to you.

I think there has been some great advice here. But i think i have to agree with ''reallyuseful''.
Last thing i want is to go to college, spend time and money doing a course and having no chance to get a job, or even enjoy the role.

I'm 29 years old. I feel i have a good 30 years work left in me. And I'd like to at least have some interest int he role i will be doing.

I have made an appointment with the Local guidance service. but i've heard poor things from them.

reallyuseful

Judosean2005

Prepare to meet the local guidance service as you would for a job interview. Bring your up to date CV and a positive attitude that they can help you. It really makes a difference. They will direct you based on your ambition. You have been in sales, you now need to see yourself as the "product" and sell your competency and expertise to them.

Good luck

judosean2005

So just thought id give a little update.
I'm struggling so much to get work as is half country i guess.
So i decided to go into a store where i was a manager to
ask for a staff job.
I felt abit weird asking people who i trained to be managers for
a staff job. But they have nothing.

I think i would like to do some do bit of work experience
in the retail sector for area management. since
i cant get a job.
Anyone any ideas on who to contact for this?

regards
Sean

Keano

Would your local Dunnes or Tesco not have jobs? Anything just to get out of the house.

judosean2005

Keano A Legend wrote: »

Would your local Dunnes or Tesco not have jobs? Anything just to get out of the house.

It was in Dunnes i was a manager.
most Dunnes/tesco only offer flexi contracts.
so can offer few hours. And tbh my family cant afford to be getting
less then the Social welfare payments. that Dunnes/Tesco may provide.

Keano

I presume you are getting more than 188 so?

judosean2005

Keano A Legend wrote: »

I presume you are getting more than 188 so?

im claiming for my 4 year old twins aswell.
but thats only an extra €20.
Dunnes can give you only rubbish hours.like 20 hours over 5 days is still less than €180

MouseTail

judosean2005 wrote: »

im claiming for my 4 year old twins aswell.
but thats only an extra €20.
Dunnes can give you only rubbish hours.like 20 hours over 5 days is still less than €180

There are schemes that will help, you can take on contracts like this and still get your social welfare payment. Look up Part time job incentive scheme and family income supplement. Take any hours you can just to get your foot back in the door.

judosean2005

Hey guys,
just thought id give a little update,
After i started this thread, i said to myself.
''Ok Sean, lets sort out the belly,diet first and
then well get into the career''

So i did an advanced Nutrition Diploma and got my body fat down
to somewhere where im nearly happy.lol

then i said right, next is career. signed up to do a Business Management
course through FAS.
2 days before the start, i get a letter that social welfare that they are cutting my social by 50%.

My wife got promoted and pay increase, but the pay increase didnt even cover the added petrol she had to drive to new job.
So now were down the new petrol money and the 50% social welfare drop.

So now im screwed again. Cant afford to do a full time 32 week course.

Gotta love social welfare systems.

never a dull moment.

littlesthobo

Are you based in Limerick city or county?? Would you be interested in starting off again as a trainee manager?

Tasden

judosean2005 wrote: »

Hey guys,
just thought id give a little update,
After i started this thread, i said to myself.
''Ok Sean, lets sort out the belly,diet first and
then well get into the career''

So i did an advanced Nutrition Diploma and got my body fat down
to somewhere where im nearly happy.lol

then i said right, next is career. signed up to do a Business Management
course through FAS.
2 days before the start, i get a letter that social welfare that they are cutting my social by 50%.

My wife got promoted and pay increase, but the pay increase didnt even cover the added petrol she had to drive to new job.
So now were down the new petrol money and the 50% social welfare drop.

So now im screwed again. Cant afford to do a full time 32 week course.

Gotta love social welfare systems.

never a dull moment.

What payment are you on? Is your wife working over 19 hours a week? Can you claim FIS?

SoftMicro

judosean2005 wrote: »

Hey guys,
just thought id give a little update,
After i started this thread, i said to myself.
''Ok Sean, lets sort out the belly,diet first and
then well get into the career''

So i did an advanced Nutrition Diploma and got my body fat down
to somewhere where im nearly happy.lol

then i said right, next is career. signed up to do a Business Management
course through FAS.
2 days before the start, i get a letter that social welfare that they are cutting my social by 50%.

My wife got promoted and pay increase, but the pay increase didnt even cover the added petrol she had to drive to new job.
So now were down the new petrol money and the 50% social welfare drop.

So now im screwed again. Cant afford to do a full time 32 week course.

Gotta love social welfare systems.

never a dull moment.

Have you objected the decision? On the letter they send it should say at the bottom something along the lines of you have 2 weeks to reply.

Do that ASAP and get the decision reversed.

judosean2005

littlesthobo wrote: »

Are you based in Limerick city or county?? Would you be interested in starting off again as a trainee manager?

Im living in Limerick city-beside the parkway.
I dont mind being a trainee just happy to have work.

judosean2005

Tasden wrote: »

What payment are you on? Is your wife working over 19 hours a week? Can you claim FIS?

i think im on job seekers allowance. Yes we could claim FIS but it equals the same as what we on now. (Quote from social welfare and Citizens advise).

I have Appealed the decision straight away. i went into the social welfare office and filled out form there to appeal. but the lady said there is no point really as her supervisor said Petrol isnt classed as an expense.

Wanderer78

id highly recommend some form of education and training. it should increase your employment opportunities thus your families future prospects. choose your course wisely though, so dont rush into it as third level can be very stressful and very hard work. it can also be hard work for families to as you will have a high work load if you do return to education. i would recommend some form of bridging course before going onto a third level degree as it can be very daunting to do so immediately. you sound like a hard working person and a good parent. dont feel ashamed of your position in life, you're not a bad parent for being on welfare. welfare is a stop gap in life so you can keep your family and yourself alive until you can find employment again. dont forget, while you were working you paid taxes, so effectively you're currently getting 'back tax' from welfare. this is how the system works. it sounds like you have worked hard to get to where you are now. best of luck with whatever decision you make

judosean2005

Wanderer78 wrote: »

id highly recommend some form of education and training. it should increase your employment opportunities thus your families future prospects. choose your course wisely though, so dont rush into it as third level can be very stressful and very hard work. it can also be hard work for families to as you will have a high work load if you do return to education. i would recommend some form of bridging course before going onto a third level degree as it can be very daunting to do so immediately. you sound like a hard working person and a good parent. dont feel ashamed of your position in life, you're not a bad parent for being on welfare. welfare is a stop gap in life so you can keep your family and yourself alive until you can find employment again. dont forget, while you were working you paid taxes, so effectively you're currently getting 'back tax' from welfare. this is how the system works. it sounds like you have worked hard to get to where you are now. best of luck with whatever decision you make

thanks very much for the kind words.last year i decided to do a jobbridge programme. to possible get into Dell computers.
but as the saying goes, if i didnt have Bad luck, then id have no luck.

I just cant catch a break. but things have to change-right?

Wanderer78

judosean2005 wrote: »

thanks very much for the kind words.last year i decided to do a jobbridge programme. to possible get into Dell computers.
but as the saying goes, if i didnt have Bad luck, then id have no luck.

I just cant catch a break. but things have to change-right?

no worries at all. ah look, our economy is still very fragile so be prepared for some ups and downs for a while. your best bet probably is to educate yourself as best you can through all this or if something comes up, go for it. as i said, education probably is your best bet but it wont be easy as you have been out of education for a while. i have met many people that returned to education after a long time. these people tend to be very focused and are generally very successful with their studies. chose wisely though, so dont rush into it. mate of mine returned to education after a long time. he done a bridging course first. was advised. best thing he done. successfully passed his degree and is currently employed.

my teapot is orange

If you were to go get your degree, as you have not done one before I think there would be a lot of support available to you. You might need to do some sort of access course based on results. The one thing I emphasize is do something useful that's actually in demand and one with a built in placement is very good, a lot of people go to work for the same place after, or if not have relevant experience.

Wanderer78

my teapot is orange wrote: »

If you were to go get your degree, as you have not done one before I think there would be a lot of support available to you. You might need to do some sort of access course based on results. The one thing I emphasize is do something useful that's actually in demand and one with a built in placement is very good, a lot of people go to work for the same place after, or if not have relevant experience.

some good points made there but i do have a problem with, chose a course on whats in demand. i kinna think this thinking is a wee bit flawed, even though sensible at the same time. economies shift and change, nobody can really tell whats gonna be big in the future, people have ideas, but nobody really knows. whats hot now may not be hot in a few years. your own opinions and interests can change. i think people should trust their gut and study what interests them. theres nothing worse than spending years studying something you hate. how could you get out of bed in the morning to do so?

interesting point though

my teapot is orange

Wanderer78 wrote: »

some good points made there but i do have a problem with, chose a course on whats in demand. i kinna think this thinking is a wee bit flawed, even though sensible at the same time. economies shift and change, nobody can really tell whats gonna be big in the future, people have ideas, but nobody really knows. whats hot now may not be hot in a few years. your own opinions and interests can change. i think people should trust their gut and study what interests them. theres nothing worse than spending years studying something you hate. how could you get out of bed in the morning to do so?

interesting point though

Well something that's in demand that you can live with, not something that's in demand that you hate. I would never study something purely out of love without consideration of the job prospects. I would keep it as a hobby if there weren't any. It's too much of a time and money investment if it doesn't get you anything imo.

Wanderer78

my teapot is orange wrote: »

Well something that's in demand that you can live with, not something that's in demand that you hate. I would never study something purely out of love without consideration of the job prospects. I would keep it as a hobby if there weren't any. It's too much of a time and money investment if it doesn't get you anything imo.

you make a very good point alright but i approach life very differently than most, then again i dont have the responsibilities like most people my age have or like the op. i never really consider job prospects when choosing a course. not exactly sensible if you have a family. i just chose what i want to expand my knowledge on.