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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

The current job market is dire?

77 replies

breakingpoint20 · 13/10/2025 19:53

Or is it just my area?

Theoretically, theres jobs. Getting them however is another story.

My son is 23. He lost his last job in January. Im not sure of the ins and outs, but he worked for a company that was contracted to do a role in another larger company and the contract was downsized and therefore their staffing levels reduced. He had worked there 18 months so was let go. Since then, nothing. Hes got basic maths and english gcse but no other qualifications that matters. He did 1 year of painting and decorating and 1 year if bricklaying but didnt go into either when he left college so has no experience. He cant drive. Hes applied for everything, from office jobs, to care roles, to warehouses, to factories. And getting nothing back. Office he is very dyslexic and doesnt get past the application stage, care want experience, warehouses and factories all want fork lift or driving even if its not specified on the job description. His mental health is in the floor. He had 1 interview last week and the man interviewing told them they wouldn't hire him looking like he does as he has a few ear piercings and a forearm tattoo! It was for cold calling telesales! Not even a public facing role.

He needs a job, he needs focus and something to do with his days. This is literally destroying him.

i need him to get a job. I have two other children in college and high school im supporting. All 3 are at home. Im a single parent, no financial help from their father (and not an option ive been fighting CMS for over a decade) my wage cant keep supporting all 4 of us. But despite his efforts, hes been unsuccessful. Ive done his CV for him, we look on indeed, glass door, directly to local businesses etc daily. He applies for everything he can, 100s of applications. But nothing.

is it the same everywhere?

OP posts:
Hotpotnot · 13/10/2025 20:01

Whilst the job market is not great it doesn’t sound like he has much experience or many skills to offer? Why did he give up on the trades? Maybe an apprenticeship would be a good opportunity.

WorriedMutha · 13/10/2025 20:00

I would strongly recommend he aims at voluntary work in an allied area. There are care roles or retail and they would help build his CV, plug the growing unemployment gap and build his self confidence. There will soon be Christmas retail opportunities and if he had a spell in a charity shop, he could get lucky. It really is just dumb luck but even though he might not be inclined to, voluntary work is a good all round option for his situation.