Feeling down over Christmas life is in a mess

yosser hughes

MA in journalism and a degree in English. What's the other degree in?
Either way, you've achieved a lot, proven you can commit to something and have a good standard of education.
If it were me, I'd move abroad and teach English. Loads of jobs in that and with a Masters you could get a University job in the Middle East.

spud82

yosser hughes wrote: »

MA in journalism and a degree in English. What's the other degree in?
Either way, you've achieved a lot, proven you can commit to something and have a good standard of education.
If it were me, I'd move abroad and teach English. Loads of jobs in that and with a Masters you could get a University job in the Middle East.

Customer/Client Relationship Management. Ive worked for a lot of people too but they were all job bridge/CE schemes

Goya

spud82 wrote: »

Customer/Client Relationship Management. Ive worked for a lot of people too but they were all job bridge/CE schemes

You seem overqualified for entry level jobs, but perhaps not experienced enough for specialised roles.

If you're in Cork, try all the call centres - minimum wage but it's a job, and it's more than the dole and if you do well you can work your way up.

utyh2ikcq9z76b

Stop defining yourself through work or you will never be happy, pick something you have complete control over

appledrop

Spud just wanted to say dont give up. I remember during the height of the recession a good few members of our extended family were unemployed. Some did retrain + others found jobs once things started to pick up. They are all working now + things have worked out for them so hang it there.

Since you have plenty of qualifications I don't really think going back to college is the answer unless you are going to totally change your career direction + go into something like IT.

You are better off as others said trying to get more experience even if some is voluntary. I would also agree with the idea about once you have a job any job it is always seems to be easier to get the actual one you want. Employers like to see people have a work ethic even if it's in a job that are over qualified for.

spud82

Flimpson wrote: »

You seem overqualified for entry level jobs, but perhaps not experienced enough for specialised roles.

If you're in Cork, try all the call centres - minimum wage but it's a job, and it's more than the dole and if you do well you can work your way up.

I tried call centres when I was studying and it wasn't for me. I was told by my former boss that I had to much of a "heart" for making cold calls and needed to be less emphatic :rolleyes:

maudgonner

You're not a loser Spud, you're just in a tough spot at the moment.

I work in a different area of Media and I've noticed a big slowdown lately - the recession has just kept coming and coming and there's been no recovery, just more cutbacks. And journalism is probably suffering the worst out of all branches of media.

So basically it's the industry that's a little fúcked right now, not you. Try not to take it personally or let it knock your confidence. And you are most definitely not alone.

If all else fails, would you consider teaching English abroad for a year or two? Could be the start of a whole new adventure!

petrolcan

spud82 wrote: »

I tried call centres when I was studying and it wasn't for me. I was told by my former boss that I had to much of a "heart" for making cold calls and needed to be less emphatic :rolleyes:

What about something within the social care sector? And I'm not talking elderly.

aaronjumper

Hmmm. What about a picture to cheer you up?

http://cdn3-www.dogtime.com/assets/uploads/2015/07/file_22161_dog-loves-cows-2.jpg

It's adorable.

spud82

petrolcan wrote: »

What about something within the social care sector? And I'm not talking elderly.

If I go back to college Ill be cut off the Social Welfare you see. I would go abroad but my partner is here, and has a great job so don't know what to do. If I have nothing by summer Ill be going to New Zealand

spud82

Thanks for all the lovely replies xxx

nice_guy80

Plenty of people out there with jobs also feel like crap at this time of year. I know I am always down at this time of year

Keep the head up, hopefully you'll get a break and land a job

lazybones32

spud82 wrote: »

Hi guys


This year has been incredibly different. I was trying to set up my own business and it didn't work. I had to move home too.

I am finding it impossible to find work and I mean impossible I have sent out my CV everywhere, met career advisors, had my CV done over my experts etc. I have a MA and two degrees too, and I am actually heart broken not be working.

I am the only one of my friends not working and it soul destroying, My baby brother just bought a house with his fiancee and got a permanent job. I feel like a massive looser and failure in comparison. I mean who wants to be a boomerang child

I have no idea what to do. I apply every day for jobs phone and sometimes call in to follow up. If I go back to college I will get no financial aid but I think it's something I will have to consider or I will sink further into depression. I am dreading christmas and telling everyone I have no job, i just feel so alone and depressed.

I know how you feel. I was struggling for a long time to find work that paid a decent wage and being on the dole can be soul-destroying; especially for a man, because our sense of identity and self-worth is tied into what we do.

You started a business and it failed - most new businesses do! Don't let that set-back keep you down. Don't let one failure define you.

There are jobs out there but maybe not in the field you want. If writing is your thing, are there any local newsletters or websites that you could donate a few hours a week to? It'd get you writing and get you out of the house. There are many opportunities out there for you but you just can't recognise them at the moment.

Find out if there's a Mens Shed nearby. You will learn a lot of other practical skills there and that could increase the possibility of earning a few extra euro and all while making a few new friends. Even if you're destined to be the worlds best writer, you'll need to learn other sh*t and be proficient at it. Be patient, be resilient and don't give in.

Fleawuss

AH can be fairly to the point but you've got a lot of solid advice here already. It's interesting that not one poster here considers you a failure OP. Not one. Draw breath and think about that.

I always end up saying the same thing in threads like this; it's along the lines of really standing back and taking stock. Really taking a cold look at things and doing that without being cold with yourself. Seriously forget about comparing yourself. The job doesn't make you worthwhile: you are already and maybe one small thing you could do is do something for you. Something you enjoy. Painting, rugby, meme making: do something just for the hell of it. And if you want a bit of ancient wisdom via Joseph Campbell, where you stumble, there your treasure is. I don't know what it means either! Don't stop believing!

lightspeed

spud82 wrote: »

If I go back to college Ill be cut off the Social Welfare you see. I would go abroad but my partner is here, and has a great job so don't know what to do. If I have nothing by summer Ill be going to New Zealand

You can do a springboard college course which is fully paid for my welfare and you continue to receive 100% of your dole money.

I was looking at a degree course in digital marketing with springboard. It might be worth your while checking it out.

http://www.webelevate.ie/our-courses/webelevate/

I registered for one in a completely different area with the view of someday starting a business myself but i dropped out then early on to continue studies for accounting.

Im only a week back working in a job now but i know how it feels. I said to myself id use time off to study for exams but i was so anxious out of work i couldnt concentrate, no motivation and was sleeping crazy hours.

Id suggest doing a list of what areas have high demand and what you might be interested in. If realistically, you would then need to go back and do a masters in that field, do that and then apply for graduate roles.

petrolcan

spud82 wrote: »

If I go back to college Ill be cut off the Social Welfare you see.

There's no need to go back to college. I know in the UK there are plenty of good companies & charities that will take on those that have no experience. I can't see that Ireland would be that much different. I prefer hiring those without experience as they don't had years of bad practice that needs to be hammered out.

All you need is common sense, the rest you could learn

HS3

I know it's a cliché and easier said than done, but don't look to what others are doing. It's all a case of the tortoise and the hare. Whatever successes it seems to you others are having, your time will come. You must be a hard worker to have accomplished all that you have. Most people, I would think, understand the climate we're living in and jobs are so difficult to come by. If they don't, or you feel someone is judging you, they're really not worth worrying about. Even when you get an interview it's all about your work experience, how are you supposed to gain any unless someone offers you work! Talk to a friend or family member about it, they will help you take the pressure off. Very beSt of luck!

HS3

I know it's a cliché and easier said than done, but don't look to what others are doing. It's all a case of the tortoise and the hare. Whatever successes it seems to you others are having, your time will come. You must be a hard worker to have accomplished all that you have. Most people, I would think, understand the climate we're living in and jobs are so difficult to come by. If they don't, or you feel someone is judging you, they're really not worth worrying about. Even when you get an interview it's all about your work experience, how are you supposed to gain any unless someone offers you work! Talk to a friend or family member about it, they will help you take the pressure off. Very beSt of luck!

RasTa

Take a break from Ireland. Go over to Korea or Japan and teach English for a year or two.

Irish Guitarist

If you have real friends they won't judge you for not having a job. And don't judge yourself because your life isn't the same as your brothers or anyone else.

jos28

Spud, you are far, far from being a failure. You are currently out of work and your confidence has taken a beating. Trust me, I've been in your position. I was made redundant and really struggled to find work. I eventually went to see a career coach who really boosted by confidence and made me see that I had valuable qualifications and experience. I have no way near the level of education that you have. I changed my mindset and stopped appearing subservient to employers. Looking back I think some of my cover letters/applications sounded desperate as opposed to confident. I stuck at it and found a job that I am really happy in.
You WILL find work, this is just a blip in your working life. Don't be so hard on yourself, be kind to yourself. On a practical point, try not to apply for jobs that you are over qualified for. I know you are desperate for work but it really only serves to undermine you. Have faith in yourself. USE your contacts,does everyone you know realise that you are job hunting ? Email, phone, connect with people that might know of opportunities for you.Keep your Linkedin profile sharp and it doesn't hurt to follow companies that you are interested in.
Keep busy, keep a daily routine going, eat healthily and get fresh air. With your background why not start a blog. Contact your Local Enterprise Board, lots of small businesses would love someone with your experience to help them raise their media profile. Sorry for rambling but I'm just trying to say that there are lots of opportunities out there. Have faith in your abilities, you will succeed.

Randle P. McMurphy

spud82 wrote: »

... If I have nothing by summer Ill be going to New Zealand

There's your answer right there. Even if you find a job here you won't have much of a future. Your education is your ticket out. Find a country that appreciates educated hard workers and go for it. Leave this ****hole behind and never look back.

BorneTobyWilde

What was business you were trying to set up ?

ChikiChiki

Op if ive learned anything over the years it is that your fortunes can all change so fast. Keep on going. I'd imagine digital marketing/social media/blogging might be the best way to expend on your qualifications in todays world. There's a few part time courses that you can do and which will help to get your foot in the door.

You've achieved a lot. Keep going, I wouldn't think your to far off getting that job.

Day Lewin

A thought occurs...with good degrees in English and journalism, why not start a blog and then a website with a certain topical focus, [whatever your main interest is] and plug them in a businesslike manner for pageviews and ads?

I know someone who DID this - they happened upon a very good, recognisable Domain name (that was also available) and they now make a steady trickle of income from it, and their name is getting better known for reporting.

And you sound depressed, and small wonder. But this too will pass. Don't compare lives, it's a sure route to discontent. Try to have some fun with your own. Money isn't everything!
And best of luck!

maudgonner

Randle P. McMurphy wrote: »

There's your answer right there. Even if you find a job here you won't have much of a future. Your education is your ticket out. Find a country that appreciates educated hard workers and go for it. Leave this ****hole behind and never look back.

Ah Jesus, this is not the thread for your negative bullshít. Take it elsewhere.

BorneTobyWilde

Go to New Zealand? Why, you have whole of Europe.

I always find it strange when people immigrant to Canada or Australia or New Zealand.

Hello, UK is to you right there, you can't miss it!

Norway, Denmark !!!!

And the best of the lot , little known Liechtenstein with an average monthly wage of 5500 euros, over double Irelands.

Oodoov

spud82 wrote: »

Hi guys


This year has been incredibly different. I was trying to set up my own business and it didn't work. I had to move home too.

I am finding it impossible to find work and I mean impossible I have sent out my CV everywhere, met career advisors, had my CV done over my experts etc. I have a MA and two degrees too, and I am actually heart broken not be working.

I am the only one of my friends not working and it soul destroying, My baby brother just bought a house with his fiancee and got a permanent job. I feel like a massive looser and failure in comparison. I mean who wants to be a boomerang child

I have no idea what to do. I apply every day for jobs phone and sometimes call in to follow up. If I go back to college I will get no financial aid but I think it's something I will have to consider or I will sink further into depression. I am dreading christmas and telling everyone I have no job, i just feel so alone and depressed.

OP. I felt like this back in the 1990's (yes i'm old). I walked into a travel agent and bought a flight to New York. One week later i was working as a waiter in a bar in Manhattan and 4 years after that i was manager of that same bar all whilst having the time of my life. I guess what im trying to say is sometimes it's best to say f u ck it and do something different. Im not saying you have to go to NY it could be anywhere else but maybe spreading your wings will make the world of difference for you.

Remember you are not a failure. You have your whole life in front of you this is just a bump in the road. Good luck.

petrolcan

Randle P. McMurphy wrote: »

Leave this ****hole behind and never look back.

Where did you move to?

spud82

BorneTobyWilde wrote: »

Go to New Zealand? Why, you have whole of Europe.

I always find it strange when people immigrant to Canada or Australia or New Zealand.

Hello, UK is to you right there, you can't miss it!

Norway, Denmark !!!!

And the best of the lot , little known Liechtenstein with an average monthly wage of 5500 euros, over double Irelands.

The Lions and Rugby