I need a job...

emre43

Well-known member
I'm 22 and desperate for a job. I have never had one nor even any work experience but I want money. I live with my parents and I want to become independent but I am anxious about having to communicate with other people as much as I would have to in a working environment. I also really want a girlfriend but I don't know how I could get one whilst unemployed...
 

MikeyC

Well-known member
Looking for work drains confidence and is a very unsatisfying chore. However, we all need to work.

I can understand your anxious around people. I would suggest going into an "actor" mode and handing out resumes to various places. There's no warm-up period for that - just out and do it. Once you get home there'll be time to panic and vomit if needed. :)

Do you know anyone who is able to get you a job? That will probably be the easiest way to land yourself something.

I hope you get one soon, mate. I know how hard it is to find work.
 

emre43

Well-known member
Cheers, I've asked family members to help me but not one of them is helping in any way. I spend a lot of time searching for jobs, despite having loads of studying to do, but when I ask for help they just say "You've got to do it yourself". They are quick enough to moan at me for not having one but do nothing to actually help me.

Also, every job that I think I may be able to do requires experience of some kind and I have zero.
 
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MikeyC

Well-known member
Cheers, I've asked family members to help me but not one of them is helping in any way. They are quick enough to moan at me for not having one but do nothing to actually help me.
Sometimes it's hard, mate. Have you asked them for some help? Maybe if you specifically say, "I need some help," they'll assist you.

I think the workforce is getting worse and it'll never get better. I hope you don't slip through the cracks, mate.
 

Niteowl

Well-known member
Yeah, finding a job can be quite difficult unfortunately unless you're exceptionally lucky. >.< Not to worry though - if you need work, you'll get work one way or another. I should really suggest some voluntary work, to start with, if you're very anxious about having to communicate with people - that's what I'm doing right now - because when you do make those first job applications, you'll have far more confidence in knowing that you DO have some experience, and something to talk about when asked in an interview. Volunteering won't stop you looking for a paid job, and it's not all care work if you're anxious about seeing the same people regularly - the people that I have to talk to are all visiting the city often from as far as the United States, so it's unlikely I'll ever come across any of them again. Knowing that makes it easier somewhat. :p

That's really just so you've got some previous experience to talk about, if that makes you any better when applying for work, but depending on what you do - a little extra confidence could come out of it, and there's no commitment. If it doesn't work, find something else if you have to. Not everyone wants to do voluntary work, of course, and understandably - I just think it's great for people who want to start working. Otherwise, just send out applications to ... everywhere that suits you! London is it? Lots of jobs on the Directgov website even for a city like mine! Uhh, reed.co.uk is a good one to look at too, and I know there are others ... maybe websites for shops that you like, HMV, etc ...

If you wanted to think about volunteering, there's a good UK website for it - do-it.org.uk - where you can fill out a form once, and then use that information to apply to as many as you like. One ... two ... sometimes you might not hear back, but that's just in the case that they already found someone I guess. Personally I sent just two applications, and was able to start with one of them the following week. Have a look, I'd say there probably is something for everyone.

Best of luck with whatever you think is best for you.
 

emre43

Well-known member
Yeah, finding a job can be quite difficult unfortunately unless you're exceptionally lucky. >.< Not to worry though - if you need work, you'll get work one way or another. I should really suggest some voluntary work, to start with, if you're very anxious about having to communicate with people - that's what I'm doing right now - because when you do make those first job applications, you'll have far more confidence in knowing that you DO have some experience, and something to talk about when asked in an interview. Volunteering won't stop you looking for a paid job, and it's not all care work if you're anxious about seeing the same people regularly - the people that I have to talk to are all visiting the city often from as far as the United States, so it's unlikely I'll ever come across any of them again. Knowing that makes it easier somewhat. :p

That's really just so you've got some previous experience to talk about, if that makes you any better when applying for work, but depending on what you do - a little extra confidence could come out of it, and there's no commitment. If it doesn't work, find something else if you have to. Not everyone wants to do voluntary work, of course, and understandably - I just think it's great for people who want to start working. Otherwise, just send out applications to ... everywhere that suits you! London is it? Lots of jobs on the Directgov website even for a city like mine! Uhh, reed.co.uk is a good one to look at too, and I know there are others ... maybe websites for shops that you like, HMV, etc ...

If you wanted to think about volunteering, there's a good UK website for it - do-it.org.uk - where you can fill out a form once, and then use that information to apply to as many as you like. One ... two ... sometimes you might not hear back, but that's just in the case that they already found someone I guess. Personally I sent just two applications, and was able to start with one of them the following week. Have a look, I'd say there probably is something for everyone.

Best of luck with whatever you think is best for you.

Thank you very much *bows down*, I'll check those sites out. I live on the outskirts of London and I have enquired about voluntary work at some local places but they all respond to me with messages along the lines of "I'm afraid we are in difficult times and are unable to recruit any more people at the moment - including voluntary staff". Personally, I find it difficult to believe that they are unable to recruit somebody who is willing to work for them for no pay; there must be another reason.
 

Niteowl

Well-known member
Thank you very much *bows down*, I'll check those sites out. I live on the outskirts of London and I have enquired about voluntary work at some local places but they all respond to me with messages along the lines of "I'm afraid we are in difficult times and are unable to recruit any more people at the moment - including voluntary staff". Personally, I find it difficult to believe that they are unable to recruit somebody who is willing to work for them for no pay; there must be another reason.

You're most welcome. ;] Yeah, that is quite unusual. You'd think they'd appreciate a bit of FREE labour to see them through the difficult times. All I can think is that they don't have enough staff to supervise volunteers, if the places involve ... handling jewels or something, haha. Well, you know it's nothing personal, so you'll easily find something if voluntary work is something you're keen on doing. I'm still feeling anxious each day before I do mine at the moment, but much less so than I was a fortnight ago.
 

Richey

Well-known member
I think its important to talk to people. I know it seems hard, but most people can tolerate really awkward situations anyway, because they have to everyday in business. so if you approach companies in person (or even just an email directly), you could be rejected in terms of a job but that doesn't mean they rejected you as a person, you could also be hired, you have to remember that businesses are often looking for new staff but delay advertising for work so rely on word of mouth. Most people that you speak to will have similar problems to you, most people share the same problems of everyday life, rich or poor.

Don't put everyone up on a pedestal, that is half the problem with low confidence in job hunting. Yes there are many people who have degrees and have years of work experiences, but many were not geniuses at all, they are just normal people, like you are, the difference is that they just decided to jump in the pool and weathered the storm which you can do as well. it really is just a matter of doing it, embrace rejection, its a good thing, making mistakes is also positive, because that is how good standards are created through the experience of reaching goals, no matter what roads you take.

have you ever met a famous person and had a conversation, famous people are idolised in a sense but if you spent a day with them you'd realise that they are just people like you are. their circumstances and luck just gave them an opportunity.

you have to change your perception a bit and you'll start to understand. ever watch dirty jobs on the discovery channel? its about a film crew who work at obscure work places everywhere, its really insughtful in terms of opening up to what forms of work are out there and empathy to that world outside of just, IT, Lawyer, Retail, Graphic Art aka the status quo.

There actually is an infinite amount of work out there but often it's not advertised, or it is but not in the obvious places. There are all these loopholes, mazes, diversions and hidden palaces of opportunity out there that can be grabbed outside of just looking on the obvious online sites.

People mostly judge on others in the NOW. meaning you could be 24 and never had a job, you could have felt like a basket case, but you can always turn things around and can maintain self respect and others respect by just showing some consistant hard work each day. The understanding and concept behind hard work is the feeling of contributing to progression of society and for yourself in terms of, just skills, mostly. Once you slip into the groove of skills you'll be happy waking up in the morning.
 
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emre43

Well-known member
@Niteowl I just registered with Reed and immediately found a vacancy at a business where I live. No experience is required; 40 hours a week; all that is needed is that I can type at 60 words per minute, which I can; 20-25k p/a. It seems too good to be true but I have applied for it.
 
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Kinetik

Well-known member
I think just by steering yourself in the right direction (ie. trying to find a job) you're already showing that you're moving forward which is one of the most important things a person can do. The actual landing of the job is secondary compared to your drive to better yourself. As long as you hold on to that drive, you'll get what you want.
 

Seabreeze

Well-known member
Looking for work drains confidence and is a very unsatisfying chore. However, we all need to work.

I can understand your anxious around people. I would suggest going into an "actor" mode and handing out resumes to various places. There's no warm-up period for that - just out and do it.


O.P: I have to disagree with this. After throwing college aside because of SA I was out of work for quite a while as I just physically and emotionally was unable to go out and get a job. Well I should say I probably could get the job but coping with it and keeping the job was a different thing.

I would advise you to try and find some sort of "back to work course" something that will build up your confidence, help you deal with people skills, the work environment and also help with trying to find the right job to suit you.
I did a 6 month back to work course (for people who were coping with issues like alcohol addiction, depression etc). It was the best thing I ever did as it was tailored for people who were sensitive and needed to be built up emotionally to cope with the work-force. we got to research our "ideal job". As for me, I ended up getting a job in the company I had researched which was fantastic as it suited me having SA :D Build yourself up gently and you will be well equipped to deal with a job.then you can concentrate on getting the girl :D
As for me I have been nearly 11 years in my job..not bad for somebody living with SA ;)
 

Section_31

Well-known member
Hey Emre,

I just wanted to say, try not to take too personally what they say, those i mean who are giving yuo a hard time about finding work.

Its VERY easy for someone in an established position to sit back and say how easy it is to find a job. Many people have been comfortable in their area for so lon theyve forgotten how hard it can be. That obviously isnt the case with all, but ive seen this attitude alot.

Stay strong man, hang in there and stick to it. You WILL find somthing.
 

emre43

Well-known member
Hey Emre,

I just wanted to say, try not to take too personally what they say, those i mean who are giving yuo a hard time about finding work.

Its VERY easy for someone in an established position to sit back and say how easy it is to find a job. Many people have been comfortable in their area for so lon theyve forgotten how hard it can be. That obviously isnt the case with all, but ive seen this attitude alot.

Stay strong man, hang in there and stick to it. You WILL find somthing.

Cheers man, I just read about your accident, hope all is well.
 

emre43

Well-known member
@Niteowl I just registered with Reed and immediately found a vacancy at a business where I live. No experience is required; 40 hours a week; all that is needed is that I can type at 60 words per minute, which I can; 20-25k p/a. It seems too good to be true but I have applied for it.

Although their ad mentioned that no experience is required I just got an email from them informing me that my application was unsuccessful as I lack the relevant experience. I just want to be given a chance and I can't find anywhere that is willing to give me that. I have sent emails enquiring about potential vacancies/apprenticeships/voluntary positions that would be available and most don't even bother responding. There are courses that I would like to take but that is difficult as I am studying full-time; which I hate and can't afford to take an extra course without some income; I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.
 

Niteowl

Well-known member
Although their ad mentioned that no experience is required I just got an email from them informing me that my application was unsuccessful as I lack the relevant experience. I just want to be given a chance and I can't find anywhere that is willing to give me that. I have sent emails enquiring about potential vacancies/apprenticeships/voluntary positions that would be available and most don't even bother responding. There are courses that I would like to take but that is difficult as I am studying full-time; which I hate and can't afford to take an extra course without some income; I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Aw, sorry to hear that. I know what you mean. So many jobs demanding experience yet so few offering it. Some voluntary positions, usually the retail ones, say something along the lines of 'experience preferred, but training will be provided'. That could be valuable, but you're right, some don't respond. I've heard that it's easy to get into a care-type job after doing some caring volunteering, not sure how true that is but something to think about if you'd consider care work. Otherwise, keep your head held high I guess - rejection is really tough, but you'll find something soon enough. Keep sending those emails. Some won't take the time to reply, sadly, but there's no reason you shouldn't get one soon, especially for volunteering. Any idea what sort of work you should like to be doing, ideally? I expect you'll have that extra edge if you can work towards gaining experience in that area, particularly in working with people. How many times have we all read this now? "Ideally you should have at least 12 months experience of working with the public". <taken from Directgov jobs.
 

emre43

Well-known member
How many times have we all read this now? "Ideally you should have at least 12 months experience of working with the public". <taken from Directgov jobs.

Bloody hell! Ideally employers would give more people the chance to gain that experience.
 

Feathers

Well-known member
You can get experience by volunteering or part-time work... It's easier if relatives or friends might be with the same organisation/biz already... You can also do DIY volunteering (with relatives, friends, neighbours...) You can put some of it on an application letter if you're vague enough about it :)

Twiggle and NiteOwl have some good suggestions...
Remember some people send out 100+ CVs/application letters... You might also wanna research how to write a good CV/application letter if you haven't been getting good responses to at least an interview... and/or talk to people 'in your preferred/maybe fields'...

Some industries/organisations may be 'downsizing', some may be 'on the rise', it's good to do some research on the firms/orgs looking for volunteers/workers... And look around locally, where might help be needed? (some shops might have notices in windows)

Also, if you work on your general wellbeing and present high energy and enthusiasm, you're more likely to get a good response... (goes for e-mails or phone calls too, personal visits/interviews especially) A friend told me in London you need to call an agency by phone and go there personally, yup... Maybe you can find a friend to go with you? Or agree for a meet up or something fun afterwards? It might not be so easy to find a job in London, I've read, so you might consider some other places too? Anywhere with good transport connections (trains/buses)? Or would you consider relocating, any relatives or friends in other places?
Just a few things to consider... I recommend the book 'What Color Is Your Parachute', very inspiring and helpful!
 
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