Discussion
I'm forty five and I have never in my life been unemployed............until now that is.
I don't think I'm can be the only sad git sitting at home at the moment, so come on what are you up to fellow house husbands?
Word of warning do NOT go to your local shopping centre, it's like a scene from "Shaun of the Dead " and really depressing until you suddenly realise that you are one of them, then you just want to weep.
I don't think I'm can be the only sad git sitting at home at the moment, so come on what are you up to fellow house husbands?
Word of warning do NOT go to your local shopping centre, it's like a scene from "Shaun of the Dead " and really depressing until you suddenly realise that you are one of them, then you just want to weep.
Graham said:
What have you always wanted to do?
start there..
Trouble is, there are so many things that people want to do when they have time to do them but then when you are out of work you are probably living on a limited budget and worried about spending the money ........start there..
Currently looking for work whilst looking after young son. With a milion jobs and projects that need finishing but can't because of a) cost and b) child minding.
Now if the OP has a little time on his hands there is a 3 year old that needs looking after whilst I rebuild an engine...
I've been unemployed a few times now, I would suggest mixing the day. Allocate the morning for improving your CV and applying for jobs, then do something fun for the afternoon as a reward.
Sign up on the dole straight away too as you might as well benefit from all the taxes you have paid before.
The main thing is to keep positive.
As well as full time jobs, go and talk to some recruitment agencies about temping and contractor jobs. Theres a lot of companies that hire temporary staff to test them out before offering full time positions.
Dont let yourself fall into a rut as its hard to climb out again.
Sign up on the dole straight away too as you might as well benefit from all the taxes you have paid before.
The main thing is to keep positive.
As well as full time jobs, go and talk to some recruitment agencies about temping and contractor jobs. Theres a lot of companies that hire temporary staff to test them out before offering full time positions.
Dont let yourself fall into a rut as its hard to climb out again.
You need to read "What Color is Your Parachute." It's an excellent book on how to get your dream job, or start your own business. It covers tonnes of stuff and was, unusually for me, quite difficult to put down. I have an older version, but the 2009 version is now out. Amazon linky
Genuinely good advice there, thanks.
I am home brewing, I have always dabbled,so I have dusted it off and I will at least be able to take up alcoholism if all else fails.
Trouble is I am self "employed" so technically I can't really look for other jobs. Ask any professional about "run off" cover for indemnity insurance and they will start to sweat.
It's like being in a cold dark shop that has to stay open but has no one walking through the door.
Thanks for the child minding offer but still have two at home, and memories of looking after toddlers are still way too fresh!
I am home brewing, I have always dabbled,so I have dusted it off and I will at least be able to take up alcoholism if all else fails.
Trouble is I am self "employed" so technically I can't really look for other jobs. Ask any professional about "run off" cover for indemnity insurance and they will start to sweat.
It's like being in a cold dark shop that has to stay open but has no one walking through the door.
Thanks for the child minding offer but still have two at home, and memories of looking after toddlers are still way too fresh!
Skyedriver said:
Graham said:
What have you always wanted to do?
start there..
Trouble is, there are so many things that people want to do when they have time to do them but then when you are out of work you are probably living on a limited budget and worried about spending the money ........start there..
Currently looking for work whilst looking after young son. With a milion jobs and projects that need finishing but can't because of a) cost and b) child minding.
Now if the OP has a little time on his hands there is a 3 year old that needs looking after whilst I rebuild an engine...
Where abouts on Skye are you?Timsta said:
You need to read "What Color is Your Parachute." It's an excellent book on how to get your dream job, or start your own business. It covers tonnes of stuff and was, unusually for me, quite difficult to put down. I have an older version, but the 2009 version is now out. Amazon linky
Very sound advice - my 2002 copy is on the table next to me while I work out what's next.madrob6 said:
Dismantle your car and rebuild it and then once you understand how everything on it works charge to take apart other peoples cars and put new bits on for them.
Hi! I just butchered my car; gimme £20 and I'll do the same to yours, making it less stable and more likely to fall apart on the motorway and kill you! 
Heskey said:
madrob6 said:
Dismantle your car and rebuild it and then once you understand how everything on it works charge to take apart other peoples cars and put new bits on for them.
Hi! I just butchered my car; gimme £20 and I'll do the same to yours, making it less stable and more likely to fall apart on the motorway and kill you! 
I was made redundant at age 46 after 28 years at work (not for the same employer unfortunately, so no huge payout). I spent 18 months kicking my heels, travelling quite a lot and generally really, REALLY enjoying living without the stress of work and discovering how good it feels to sleep well for 8 hours night after night after night! Then I got bored so now I'm a full-time student and expect to be for the next 4.5 years whilst I train into a different profession that I think I might actually enjoy. To my surprise, I am absolutely loving stetching the old grey matter again and subjects I loathed / just didn't understand in my school days I now find fascinating.
By the way, as a mature student, full-time means 4 days a week, from 9.15 to 2.45 (yes, really!) and I do more than most coz I'm taking 4 subjects whist you're only obliged to take 3. Oh, and if you are entitled to benefits (I'm not) you can also claim a £30 p.w. adult learner grant. Oh and of course there are the holidays......!
By the way, as a mature student, full-time means 4 days a week, from 9.15 to 2.45 (yes, really!) and I do more than most coz I'm taking 4 subjects whist you're only obliged to take 3. Oh, and if you are entitled to benefits (I'm not) you can also claim a £30 p.w. adult learner grant. Oh and of course there are the holidays......!
Mc Lovin said:
sit and swear at daytime tv, works for me when i'm ill.
I can do without the "nuts and sluts"I listen to Radio 4 because it helps me to believe that I am clever enough to be working. If I only has something to do.
I have heard of that parachute book from someone else, so maybe something to look into.
A pistonhead has also PM'd me a possible job lead, so something there too!! This is a great place
The OH has been sat at home in the same predicament too since August. She is a very talented but very out of work Graphic Designer / Art Director and other than a few bits of freelance work, the job market in the North West is dead. The 3 interviews she has attended have all ended in "we would hire you, but we have decided to not recruit anyone due to a slowdown in work".
She can’t claim dole because of the bitty freelance work and she can’t ‘enjoy’ her day in case the phone rings for an interview or for other short notice freelance jobs.
Anyone else want a 27 year old Midweight Graphic Designer in the Manchester area for a bargain price? She ait half bad to look at, either.
It also puts a huge strain on me, I’m working a full time job and running a small business just to get by.
She can’t claim dole because of the bitty freelance work and she can’t ‘enjoy’ her day in case the phone rings for an interview or for other short notice freelance jobs.
Anyone else want a 27 year old Midweight Graphic Designer in the Manchester area for a bargain price? She ait half bad to look at, either.
It also puts a huge strain on me, I’m working a full time job and running a small business just to get by.
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