No idea where to start

LegacyUser

So I'm in my mid 30's reasonably intelligent and yet i find myself in this situation.

I've had some issues with depression over the the years but nothing that should have me where I currently am. I've been unemployed for 10 years now and once I got over my initial issues and was capable of work again (industry that is booming now) I thought I would get my life back on track. Fast forward a few years of not even getting an interview and I've had help from professional/government employment services and nothing.

I for the last 10 years have spent 20-22 hours a day in the same room coming out for meals and visits to shops, but out side of that I can't recall the last time I had a reason to leave the house for more than 2 hours at a time or even left town. Before this I was doing ok for myself and was independent and outgoing but now I've no friends and don't talk or interact with anyone outside of direct family on a daily /weekly/ or even yearly basis.

I don;t mean to paint this as I'm a hermit or something by saying i spend that length of time in my room. I'm not isolating myself thats just where my things are and have nothing else to do or places to go other than to sit at my computer or watch the TV. Every day is a repeat of the last more or less and you'd imagine time would drag but it feels like the blink of an eye since I was "normal". I feel that even if i do rejoin the work force again that i'll be so out of touch socially that i will struggle to fit in now

Rubberchikken

i know it's been done to death but could you do some volunteer work in your area? you say you're not getting any interviews, so how does your cv look? could it do with being looked at by someone who could tweak it a bit?

if you're signing on, hcould you apply for a CE place in your field. they get a person out there, gaining experience and a great reference at the end if the effort is put in.

Airyfairy12

Why dont you try and get a hobby? like read books? they really help to broaden your interests, go for walks, do a part time course, you could volunteer in a local charity shop for a few hours a week to ease yourself back into the world, some charities and organisations look for office staff to answer phones and emails, some need people to befriend older or disabled people and spend about 2 hours a week with them. You dont say where you are? if youre in a rural place or small town I understand how isolating it can be but you need to make the most of whats around you. If youre near a city you have everything you need to get a life for yourself so its only yourself that stopping you.

If youve been on social welfare for 10 years havnt you saved anything? I know its hard but I managed to save a fair bit of my social welfare when I couldnt find work, I then used my savings to pay for further education studies to get a job. Maybe you could think about saving and investing some money into your own future?

Would you consider using this free time to do something productive? like teach yourself to play an instrument or learn another language? Duolingo is a great website to help you maybe an online course? If you did a Tefl you'll get a good paying job in Asia no problem.

Wesser

Baby steps OP. Start by doing something that makes you engage with others. Anything at all that puts you out and about. Then build from there.

LegacyUser

Thanks for the responses. My CV is OK and I have done online courses and sat official exams to keep my skill set current . Up to 2 years ago. There are plenty of jobs in the industry I previously worked in but I'm at the stage now, where I'm applying for the same ones over and over and to the same agencies or companies. For the last while I've been applying for basic entry level ones which you would not need experience for just college and start at 20k but I guess they see a 10 year gap and bin my application.

I've had 2 agencies basically tell me to stop sending them applications as I'm "basically unemployable" on the other hand I've had positives from some who tell me under no circumstances should I try to explain the gap and concentrate on now and going forward and being willing and able to work.

I fear fear for my future I really do, at the minute I'm sheltered by family but it's not what I want. I feel angry and ashamed that I've let it come this far and that I;ve wasted 10 of the best years of my life. Like if others think about what they have done in the last 10 years???? Then compare to me it's actually horrifying to think about

chicorytip

It is unlikely that you will ever again be offered full time paid employment. Having been inactive for such a long period is an insurmountable obstacle to overcome in the labour market where having an impressive C.V. as well as a network of influential contacts is paramount.
What you need, therefore, is to acquire a skill or qualification - in an area that genuinely interests you - which would enable you to become self- employed. If you don't drive, even something as basic as taking lessons and passing the test would provide you with a sense of purpose and instil a little bit of self - confidence. You probably need to get outside more and take plenty of physical activity. Walking, cycling and swimming, for example, cost nothing and can help keep depression at bay.

Buck Turgidson

chicorytip wrote: »

It is unlikely that you will ever again be offered full time paid employment. Having been inactive for such a long period is an insurmountable obstacle to overcome in the labour market where having an impressive C.V. as well as a network of influential contacts is paramount.

I strongly disagree. CV and contacts can help you in the door for interview that is all so nothing insurmountable about op situation.
OP should avoid agents and target potential employers directly. Check out "what color is your parachute" book and website. Good luck with it.

NIMAN

How did you lose your job 10 years ago? Were you let go or did you leave of your own accord?

10yrs sitting in a room for 20hrs a day is heavy stuff, you must have had very bad depression?

Have you any friends who you could socialise with? You really need to get out and about. I can't understand how you didn't even go out for walks etc rather than sitting in a room on a PC or watching TV. That alone would wreck me.

As for advice, hard to offer any. There are plenty of people who have been long term unemployed, and getting back into the workforce isn't beyond the realms of possibility. But perhaps you need to lower your expectations of the type of job you could walk into? I would say take anything at all to get you working again, meeting people, living a normal life.

Skibunny77

Op what about offering to work for free or intern in a company? Freshen up your cv, show your skill set. You may need to demonstrate your worth as an employee in more creative ways (ie working for free for a period of time). You could contact the Hr team of companies directly with a proposal around this.

LegacyUser

NIMAN wrote: »

How did you lose your job 10 years ago? Were you let go or did you leave of your own accord?

10yrs sitting in a room for 20hrs a day is heavy stuff, you must have had very bad depression?

Have you any friends who you could socialise with? You really need to get out and about. I can't understand how you didn't even go out for walks etc rather than sitting in a room on a PC or watching TV. That alone would wreck me.

As for advice, hard to offer any. There are plenty of people who have been long term unemployed, and getting back into the workforce isn't beyond the realms of possibility. But perhaps you need to lower your expectations of the type of job you could walk into? I would say take anything at all to get you working again, meeting people, living a normal life.

I do got for a walk most days for a half hour.

The recession set in i was let go along with many others , after a few months depression set in and I basically allowed myself to sit and rot for a long period before help was sought for me but for that I'd likely still not have acknowledged I had a problem. I've lost touch with anyone I was friendly with though I was never one to maintain relationships anyway or seek them out. Even now I would be horrified to think that someone else depended on me.

Once I got my depression under control I basically reverted to what I knew best .... being along and routine. So the job hunt began and I took what ever social welfare offered , did 4 courses online to bring my skill set up to date and did industry recognised exams but I'm at the point where you can't expain away a 10 year gap. you;d imagine even some right minded person would look at me and say ok they've not worked in a while but we can get them cheap and he has some expertise. revenure pay 10k to companies who take long term unemployed so 20k a year is 15k to them. I have that I'm registered for this on my CV but even that doesn;t work

gline

How about an internship? A good way to get some current experience on to your cv. Or a CE scheme?

pwurple

How do you even function? I mean... is there someone enabling this lack of independence? Is your mum still shopping, cooking, doing your laundry?

LegacyUser

pwurple wrote: »

How do you even function? I mean... is there someone enabling this lack of independence? Is your mum still shopping, cooking, doing your laundry?

My mother passed when I was 12 , I'm staying with family for the last 2 years and contribute my jobseekers to the household, they always try to refuse it even now but I just leave it on the counter. I cook and wash for myself as I have done since I was 12.

sReq | uTeK

pwurple wrote: »

How do you even function? I mean... is there someone enabling this lack of independence? Is your mum still shopping, cooking, doing your laundry?

Bit of a moronic post and not in the least bit constructive.

Anyway back to "trying" to help. OP you say you're looking for work in your field that's all well and good but in your case beggars can't be choosers. I'd get into every fast food and bar/restaurant you can find and try and find something.

You need a change. There is nothing wrong with a short term career change to facilitate a long term goal. A couple of stints here or there and your CV isn't looked at with disdain anymore

pwurple

sO HERE GOES wrote: »

My mother passed when I was 12 , I'm staying with family for the last 2 years and contribute my jobseekers to the household, they always try to refuse it even now but I just leave it on the counter. I cook and wash for myself as I have done since I was 12.

Sorry to hear about your mum.

So, Someone else buys the food? You never need to go to a shop?

They maintain the house, repairs, cutting grass, gardening, painting, cleaning windows....

It's just the 2 hours per day outside the room is so short. Even maintaining yourself physically in a house takes more than that.

I'm asking, bcause There's no driver to leave that room. You have absolutely everything taken care of.

LegacyUser

OP, have you had any form of psychotherapy / counselling recently? I know you say you got help, and got the depression under control. I presume that was in the past / early days.

It would be very difficult to go from your current situation back into a workplace without some intervention to help you to make that move.

I understand that there are long waiting lists, like most things health related in this country, unfortunately, but I would suggest looking for psychotherapy. You will need help to build your confidence and work on strategies for dealing with working with others, after such a long period of isolation.

Maybe some of the services such as AWARE might be a good port of call, as a starting point?

LegacyUser

Hi OP, sorry to hear about your situation.

my advice to you would be short and sweet - but you should focus on this as a backbone to stop yourself feeling down about the situation you find yourself in>

"dont compare yourself to others".

i've seen so many people become depressed at even the likes of facebook etc - as they are constantly comparing themselves to other people. the things you see and hear about from others are always going to be told to you in a "good light" through rose tinted glasses etc.

they are not better than you, and nobody is. you are you, and you have found yourself in this situation.

as others have said - go out for a longer walk and even down to a coffee shop to read the paper for an hour or so.

it is tough and you probably feel like you are alone suffering with this, and the job (or lack of) doesnt help your thoughts either.

just remember that things will get better.
if you feel low - there's only so low you can go before beginning to climb again.

try and remember that things will improve, and you will find happiness again.

just stop comparing your life to that of other people.
most other people are miserable in their own ways too.

Wesser

Pwurple I think you are being harsh and not compassionate. The OP has already says that he goes to the shop. Obviously he has been very unwell and gotten himself into a real rut. Take it easy.

Op. I think k it's too much to expect if yourself to start a full time job . I think you need to start with something easy part time and ease yourself in. If you go full time straight off it might be too much for your mental health. Start small and build from there. Baby steps.

via4

I was in that way of life a few years ago. I know how easy it is to slip into staying indoors all day when you are out of work only leaving to go to the shop and for a walk. There is only so much walking around town you can do when you have no money. I feel for you OP.
I would often write on boards and about my situation and people were so kind when I was at my lowest point and I was given the advice of going to meetup.com events and volunteering.

At first it was a mount Everest to do these things but it saved me. I have met new people as I had exhausted all options as trying to reconnect with all my old friends. They just didn't want me around them and they had new friends and relationships. I was heartbroken as I became isolated and had no one to head out with. I even tried to reach out to a family member and I was the worst in the world for suggesting we can go to a movie sometime or meet up so I could try and get out of the house for a bit as it was getting me very down. I was made feel like a bad person and I was actually shouted at by another family member for making the suggestion of an outing. I almost gave up on life as I felt like no one wanted to be near me and I felt even more isolated then.

I knew in my own heart as scary as it was the only way I was ever going to build a new life was to restart again with completely new people as hard as it was. I started online dating and met nice guys no spark but it was very nice to build the confidance meeting new people. Volunteering kept me busy and meeting new people. Meetup was a success I met people who text me almost daily now and I always have somewhere to go if I choose to.
It took a lot of courage and time but I have built up a new life. Strangely even the family member recently was begging to call and suggesting things and wanted to head out after making me feel like a piece of crap but I give them a wide berth these days.
Old friends are messaging apologising years alter for their behaviour and wanting to be in my life again but I am enjoying my life now I only let the nice people in and the rest I just leave them be.
You can live a good life its baby steps but it is possible. You need to make the decision no on can do these things for you. I know its hard but think do you want to sit in the house for the next 20 years doing nothing you will regret that. Best of luck hope I advice I gave made sense xxx

LynnGrace

Very well said via and it's great to hear that you are out the other side.
It can't have been easy for you.

OP, I think via's advice is spot on.
There is a stage between moving from where you are now, to getting back to work. You will need to work on regaining your confidence and start with small steps as regards mixing with others. It will be frightening, as via has described but it will be worth it, in the long run.
I'm not sure if you have done any form of counselling, but it would be worth considering as a first step.

My heart goes out to you, I can't even imagine how difficult it must be. There are a couple of threads / posts on boards and elsewhere that are worth reading, in my opinion, and would give you great encouragement, in terms of getting back your life. I will do a search and see if I can find some that I think would be very positive for you to read, and link them on here.

I wish you all the very best, and I hope that posting on here helps you.

LynnGrace

This piece by Conor Cusack is well worth reading, in my opinion.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=87251786

Also the thread started by De Vore

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056481009

pwurple

Hmm. I think people are foisting their own assumptions on me there. those are simple questions to see what the home situation is, not accusations.

Are you familiar with maslows heirarchy of needs?

OP has everything they need except maybe the very top of the pyramid.
They have physical needs taken care of, safety and security in a place to live. Love and belonging in the form of family who they live with. So it's self esteem and self actualisation where there are gaps. And self esteem isn't too bad, education is there, and they feel reasonably intelligent.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/Maslow's_Hierarchy_of_Needs.svg

A job in mcdonalds is not going to provide that.

I would think further education or self employment is the way here. OP, can you create something? Start a small business of any kind?

Skibunny77

via4 wrote: »

I was in that way of life a few years ago. I know how easy it is to slip into staying indoors all day when you are out of work only leaving to go to the shop and for a walk. There is only so much walking around town you can do when you have no money. I feel for you OP.
I would often write on boards and about my situation and people were so kind when I was at my lowest point and I was given the advice of going to meetup.com events and volunteering.

At first it was a mount Everest to do these things but it saved me. I have met new people as I had exhausted all options as trying to reconnect with all my old friends. They just didn't want me around them and they had new friends and relationships. I was heartbroken as I became isolated and had no one to head out with. I even tried to reach out to a family member and I was the worst in the world for suggesting we can go to a movie sometime or meet up so I could try and get out of the house for a bit as it was getting me very down. I was made feel like a bad person and I was actually shouted at by another family member for making the suggestion of an outing. I almost gave up on life as I felt like no one wanted to be near me and I felt even more isolated then.

I knew in my own heart as scary as it was the only way I was ever going to build a new life was to restart again with completely new people as hard as it was. I started online dating and met nice guys no spark but it was very nice to build the confidance meeting new people. Volunteering kept me busy and meeting new people. Meetup was a success I met people who text me almost daily now and I always have somewhere to go if I choose to.
It took a lot of courage and time but I have built up a new life. Strangely even the family member recently was begging to call and suggesting things and wanted to head out after making me feel like a piece of crap but I give them a wide berth these days.
Old friends are messaging apologising years alter for their behaviour and wanting to be in my life again but I am enjoying my life now I only let the nice people in and the rest I just leave them be.
You can live a good life its baby steps but it is possible. You need to make the decision no on can do these things for you. I know its hard but think do you want to sit in the house for the next 20 years doing nothing you will regret that. Best of luck hope I advice I gave made sense xxx

This is one of loveliest, most honest posts I have read. I'm glad things have worked out for you - showing how a little bit of courage and self belief can change your life will hopefully inspire our OP. I'd just add that Aware meetings are a wonderful resource.

LegacyUser

Thank you all for the advice so far, it's heartening to know that even complete strangers will take time to help me.

@via4 thank you for sharing that with me. It gave me a great deal of hope. and @LynnGrace Thanks for the links, I saw a lot of myself in some of those posts and some great advice there too.

@pwurple I didn't take those as accusations at all don't worry. I appreciate hearing something honest but maybe hard to hear than have it sugar coated and you are right I mean I am sheltered and live in security in terms of a roof over my head, family etc.


One thought that stuck me recently when someone visiting said something along the lines of "does the time not drag being stuck at home all day.?" What struck me was that it was the complete opposite , days, weeks and months seem to just fly by.

My attitude at the moment is not a case of if I'll do something, but finding something even if it's just starting with a longer walk or not going to the shops while I'm out so that I would have to go out a second time or having a coffee while I'm there. I'm also going to mention to family members (I don;t want to go into great detail about the what and why with them though I'm sure they realise all is not right with me) to mention if they are going somewhere and that I'll go along , they have become so used to me saying I wasn't interested they usually don't ask if I want to go anymore. Which I understand and am not upset about.

LynnGrace

You are more than welcome. Well done for planning on taking those steps. I'm glad that you found the links helpful.

Another great plus is that you have that support from your family. Take care of yourself and I wish you every strength as you move forward. Remember - one step at a time. All the best.

LegacyUser

sO HERE GOES wrote: »

I do got for a walk most days for a half hour.

The recession set in i was let go along with many others , after a few months depression set in and I basically allowed myself to sit and rot for a long period before help was sought for me but for that I'd likely still not have acknowledged I had a problem. I've lost touch with anyone I was friendly with though I was never one to maintain relationships anyway or seek them out. Even now I would be horrified to think that someone else depended on me.

I know your main focus now is mainly just getting out a bit more and getting a job and like others have said, baby steps but have you ever thought about why you are not interested in maintaining relationships and seeking them out?

In most friendships, people do depend on each other somewhat. It can be a bit scary but after you've established a friendship with someone, it should not be horrifying, you usually become more comfortable as time goes on. Friendships are more about having someone to have fun with or you share interests with, maybe sometimes someone to confide in. Friends do that for oneanother and thats why friendships are so rewarding. You can still keep boundaries.

Is there anything that you are particularly interested in, like a hobby that you could take up that doesnt cost too much money? Maybe you could join a group and make an effort to get to know some people. You have to show people and let them know that you actually want the friendship though otherwise people will just think you are not interested in them but thats just as simple as sending the odd text, asking them to a gig or something.

You say that you let yourself get in such a bad state until help was sought for you. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. Or even, in relation to maintaining friendships, are you reluctant to show people that you are interested or care or that you like spending time with them?

I can be a bit of a loner at times myself but i still need someone that i trust to talk to every now and then even if it's just saying that i've had a bad day or to talk about a show i love or a joke I thought was funny. I think you definitely should go out with your family more. Maybe if you have a sibling, ask them to go somewhere or do something that YOU would like to do rather than waiting for them to invite you along to something they are doing.

LegacyUser

@XYZS I really have no good answer for any of that truth be told.

I've always done my own thing even when times were good. I mean I got on with people I worked with was friendly and talkative with them and still am should the opportunity arise but after work I used to go home and shut my door. I did have some people I would meet with from time to time to go to concerts I'd known from school or college but they've long since moved on.

I guess I just feel that I don't really know anyone or ever have that I would talk to 100% openly to whether in a romantic relationship or platonic one that I would tell everything to. I was told something once when I was maybe 18 or 19 by a partner who said she thought I wore a lot of masks and it took me a long time to realise the meaning of that and what she meant and it's probably true to a point.

pwurple

I think social interaction would come along with some work.

Did you consider self employment at all? You didn't say what your qualification was, or what you soend your days doing on the computer.

Can you do freelance programming? A bit of graphic design? Proofreading? Heck, become a blogger or You-tuber? Pewdiedie is over I'm told, he made a living doing voiceover for video games.

LegacyUser

sO HERE GOES wrote: »

@XYZS I really have no good answer for any of that truth be told.

I've always done my own thing even when times were good. I mean I got on with people I worked with was friendly and talkative with them and still am should the opportunity arise but after work I used to go home and shut my door. I did have some people I would meet with from time to time to go to concerts I'd known from school or college but they've long since moved on.

I guess I just feel that I don't really know anyone or ever have that I would talk to 100% openly to whether in a romantic relationship or platonic one that I would tell everything to. I was told something once when I was maybe 18 or 19 by a partner who said she thought I wore a lot of masks and it took me a long time to realise the meaning of that and what she meant and it's probably true to a point.

Well I suppose everyone wears a mask a little bit with different people. Most people have lots of different sides to them and when you were in that relationship at 18/19, you were probably still maturing and finding out who you are and that is continuous throughout life.

You will not really get to know anyone if you refuse to be known yourself though and it sounds like you are content with that or would prefer that so it's hard to give any advice really if you don't see that as an issue.

I suppose the best thing to do is focus on getting a job to get you out of the house and feeling a bit more productive. Then maybe making a few aquaintances from there to gain a bit of a social life. Be open and apply for other job positions that are out of your field.

I think there are courses that jobseekers are required to attend by social welfare which help you work on your cv. If youve been to those already, maybe you could request to go again and there they may be able to help you draft up and word a good cover letter to attach to your cv that describes your desire and commitment to get back into the workplace in a professional way but in a way that is honest and acknowledges the gap without making it sound negative.

All the best.

LegacyUser

XYZSO wrote: »

Well I suppose everyone wears a mask a little bit with different people. Most people have lots of different sides to them and when you were in that relationship at 18/19, you were probably still maturing and finding out who you are and that is continuous throughout life.

You will not really get to know anyone if you refuse to be known yourself though and it sounds like you are content with that or would prefer that so it's hard to give any advice really if you don't see that as an issue.

I suppose the best thing to do is focus on getting a job to get you out of the house and feeling a bit more productive. Then maybe making a few aquaintances from there to gain a bit of a social life. Be open and apply for other job positions that are out of your field.

I think there are courses that jobseekers are required to attend by social welfare which help you work on your cv. If youve been to those already, maybe you could request to go again and there they may be able to help you draft up and word a good cover letter to attach to your cv that describes your desire and commitment to get back into the workplace in a professional way but in a way that is honest and acknowledges the gap without making it sound negative.

All the best.

I was with Turas Nua before they "cut me loose" last year. I got a new CV out of it but they referred me back to the department after 6 weeks saying they could do nothing for me. I had an interview meeting with DSP then and was told they would look at alternatives and 10 months later I've yet to hear back

Most recruiters are not your friend for anyone else reading this, I did have one honest one who did tell me and I may have said already under no circumstances explain the gap, focus on moving on and being willing and able. Which I thought was better advice than the nothing i got from the others who would think you had an out of date cv then look to get off the phone asap once they realised how long you were out of work.

Big Bag of Chips

Have you followed up with any of those departments though? Or followed up with agencies? It's no good going to one meeting and then waiting to hear from them. Do you know how many others they will have met that day? Week? Month? You need to be the one to make the contact. Keep yourself in their mind. It's what other people are doing, and that is why you've not heard back from them. They've forgotten about you!

It's so difficult to lift yourself out of a rut like the one you are in, but it us possible. Maybe try rearrange a meeting with an agency/whatever dept you were last with. Remember the name of who you met, and then ring them, at least twice a week to check if there's anything suitable. Even temp administrative work would be a start for you and ease you back in to the work force.

Nobody is going to do this for you. You need to be the one to go looking for it. And keep reminding people that you are there and available.

LegacyUser

sO HERE GOES wrote: »

I was with Turas Nua before they "cut me loose" last year. I got a new CV out of it but they referred me back to the department after 6 weeks saying they could do nothing for me. I had an interview meeting with DSP then and was told they would look at alternatives and 10 months later I've yet to hear back

Most recruiters are not your friend for anyone else reading this, I did have one honest one who did tell me and I may have said already under no circumstances explain the gap, focus on moving on and being willing and able. Which I thought was better advice than the nothing i got from the others who would think you had an out of date cv then look to get off the phone asap once they realised how long you were out of work.

Ye I know that you should not focus too much on the gap but it is the gap that is preventing employers from taking you on. If there is no explanation for this then employers fill in that gap themselves.

I know it's not great and you don't want to sound desperate when applying for jobs but even if you do get to an interview, they are going to ask about your career gap. That is why I am saying that it might be a good way to aknowledge it somehow in a cover letter rather than ignore it.

Something short but honest and sincere. Like maybe explaining that you were let go along with others during the recession and unfortunately had a few health problems but you have no health issues now, have upskilled in this time and you are 100% dedicated and ready to get back into the workplace, that you would really appreciate a chance to prove and use your skills. Or if going for a job that does not require your skillset, then you find basic qualities that you need for the job that were also needed within your previous experience. You can nearly do this with any job. I.e accuracy, pay attention to detail, good working on a team, good at making decisions by yourself etc you know.

I know this is not ideal but maybe worth a try since what you are doing now is not working anyway and you are not even getting to an interview stage.

You also must do some volunteer work to show your loyalty, attendance, commitment and that you work well with others.

You may not appreciate this but imo you should also work and make an effort at forming meaningful and fulfilling relationships with others through a new hobby or through friends of your family or something as you are relying on work only as a form of social contact and when you lost your job that is part of the reason that you ended up isolated and spending that amount of time in your room. Not only that but when youre a bit more social, you get people putting in a good word for you in jobs or you hear about jobs through word of mouth etc.

LegacyUser

XYZSO wrote: »

Ye I know that you should not focus too much on the gap but it is the gap that is preventing employers from taking you on. If there is no explanation for this then employers fill in that gap themselves.

I know it's not great and you don't want to sound desperate when applying for jobs but even if you do get to an interview, they are going to ask about your career gap. That is why I am saying that it might be a good way to aknowledge it somehow in a cover letter rather than ignore it.

Something short but honest and sincere. Like maybe explaining that you were let go along with others during the recession and unfortunately had a few health problems but you have no health issues now, have upskilled in this time and you are 100% dedicated and ready to get back into the workplace, that you would really appreciate a chance to prove and use your skills. Or if going for a job that does not require your skillset, then you find basic qualities that you need for the job that were also needed within your previous experience. You can nearly do this with any job. I.e accuracy, pay attention to detail, good working on a team, good at making decisions by yourself etc you know.

I know this is not ideal but maybe worth a try since what you are doing now is not working anyway and you are not even getting to an interview stage.

You also must do some volunteer work to show your loyalty, attendance, commitment and that you work well with others.

You may not appreciate this but imo you should also work and make an effort at forming meaningful and fulfilling relationships with others through a new hobby or through friends of your family or something as you are relying on work only as a form of social contact and when you lost your job that is part of the reason that you ended up isolated and spending that amount of time in your room. Not only that but when youre a bit more social, you get people putting in a good word for you in jobs or you hear about jobs through word of mouth etc.

Thanks I appreciate your advice. !!!!

In better news for me I got a call today about a job I applied for a few weeks ago and had forgotten about given the volume I apply for. Thick Dublin accent and asked about the gap on the cv "ya weren't in jail were ya?" to which I pissed myself laughing and said no and he said "I had to ask, come 'ere the cv looks fine otherwise, you've the courses done and and are current, I just saw the gap and though this lad must have been through the wringer and is likely getting no joy. "

So after 20 minutes on the phone he asked me to call in for a chat on Tuesday and stressed chat "don't rock up here in a suit pal"

Fingers crossed for me

stop animal cruelty

Fingers crossed for u op!!

Big Bag of Chips

Great news OP. Best of luck with it.

pilly

sO HERE GOES wrote: »

Thanks I appreciate your advice. !!!!

In better news for me I got a call today about a job I applied for a few weeks ago and had forgotten about given the volume I apply for. Thick Dublin accent and asked about the gap on the cv "ya weren't in jail were ya?" to which I pissed myself laughing and said no and he said "I had to ask, come 'ere the cv looks fine otherwise, you've the courses done and and are current, I just saw the gap and though this lad must have been through the wringer and is likely getting no joy. "

So after 20 minutes on the phone he asked me to call in for a chat on Tuesday and stressed chat "don't rock up here in a suit pal"

Fingers crossed for me

Excellent news, sounds like you could have got a break here. It's obviously someone who believes in giving people a chance.

What industry is it in if you don't mind my asking? Just so that people can give you tips for the interview.

I've been out of work for periods before and you're right, the time does just pass you by sometimes and it's so easy to get into a rut but I found volunteering was definitely a way that I felt I was making myself useful and also an outlet to meet people.

Even if you don't want to build close relationships, any kind of social interaction just lifts the mood.

Very best of luck with the interview.