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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To Dread Leaving University

23 replies

LollipopViolet · 10/05/2012 20:39

I've got approximately one month before I'm all finished at university. I'm seriously dreading it.

I've recently found out, that getting work in my field (TV/Film production) will be next to impossible for me, as I'm medically not allowed to drive. EVERY entry level position in the area I want to work in, demands a driving licence. This is for mostly office based runner duties, with occasional errand running.

So I'm trying to think of other jobs I CAN do, I'm drawing a blank.

Due to my eyesight, there are some jobs that I don't feel comfortable with the idea of doing - such as waitressing where you're balancing a lot of food and drinks on your arms, or factory work.

I seriously don't know what to do. I live at home at the moment and I've always had an agreement with my parents that I wouldn't pay rent til I was earning (I don't LIKE this agreement btw, was always trying to give them some of my wages from summer jobs, but they'd never take it). They've said as soon as I've finished, I'm to go on jobseekers and start giving them rent. No problem there, but seriously, what can someone who can't drive, can't see well and has trained in totally the wrong area, do for a job?

I'm a bit scared the job centre will try and force me into a job where I don't feel confident in my abilities to do it, or safe, with the whole eyesight thing.

AIBU to worry about life after university? :(

OP posts:
AnyoneforTurps · 10/05/2012 20:47

This sounds really tough but I'm sure there are ways you can use your degree. Apart from very vocational courses like nursing, most people end up in careers that aren't directly based on their degrees. Does your university have a careers service? If so, make an appointment. If not, does is there a charity that supports people with your eye condition who might be able to advise or to put you in touch with someone who can.

LaFataTurchina · 10/05/2012 20:47

Hmmm.....

Drama/Media Studies/English Lit Teacher?

Script Writer?

Continuity Checker?

Dramaturge?

Plus the job centre gives you 3 months where you can turn down jobs/look for whatever job you like - so hopefully you'll find something, even if it's just temping by the time the 3 months is up.

Original poster
LollipopViolet · 10/05/2012 20:52

Thanks for the advice - much appreciated. Problem is, I've not got one definitive eye condition, it's loads of stuff.

I'll figure something out. I need to, really want to get out of the family home although that'll mean sorting through the boxes of stuff that I'm CONSTANTLY being moaned at about

I'm just fed up, and with deadline day looming it's all been brought into very sharp focus.

OP posts:
BookFairy · 10/05/2012 20:52

If it helps, I'm a graduate on JSA living with my parents. I have been told by the job centre I have 12 months grace to find myself a job. I have a health condition so can't just go for any job either. Try calling the National Careers Service or check out their website (on phone so can't link). You can investigate different sectors and read descriptions of jobs within those sectors. I called them and spoke to a lovely man. Keep positive :)

BonnieBumble · 10/05/2012 20:56

BookFairy, what do they mean by having 12 months grace to find a job? If you don't find a job, they stop your benefit, is that how it works?

mrsbugsywugsy · 10/05/2012 20:57

Are you not allowed to drive because of a disability? If so then they might not be allowed to discriminate against you, in fact some employers have a scheme where they guarantee to interview disabled applicants.

There will be lots of TV jobs in London where no one drives, could you move there?

AnyoneforTurps · 10/05/2012 21:01

If you are too visually-impaired to drive, then charities like the RNIB will support you - you don't have to be completely blind.

squeakytoy · 10/05/2012 21:02

Depending on where you live, if you are able to get to London there are lots of media companies and plenty of jobs if you have the skills and they will be looking for graduates.

It will be a case of scouring the right websites, looking on twitter by keyword searching, as not everyone will use agencies if they are looking for a temp and will just "advertise" using social media networking.

frillyflower · 10/05/2012 21:03

Laughing at the thought of there being loads of tv jobs in London - or anywhere!

Original poster
LollipopViolet · 10/05/2012 21:08

mrsbugsy, even in London they want drivers (a friend has had a lot of work experience down there and has heard this from his company and a few others). They seemingly don't know about things like Access to Work...

It's happened already - I'll apply, and they won't SAY it's because I can't drive that I've been turned down, but then I know people with very similar CV's to me are getting similar jobs. The only difference is that they can drive. They might not have cars yet, but they can drive.

The lecturers have said it all along, so did my college tutors, I was just too daft to listen, it seems :(

It's horrible being sat in a lecture and they keep going on about "the best way you can all improve your chances is by learning to drive." I want to scream at the top of my lungs "Yeah, well some of us can't, so what are we supposed to do?!"

I'm just disillusioned and grumpy tonight.

Need to do a skills audit really, then go from there. The things I'd LIKE to do, I'd need re-training for, which I can't do right now (need a job to afford it), things like massage, working with children, particularly those with SN, photography (although I've got that as a hobby so maybe I'll keep it as one), things like that.

OP posts:
squeakytoy · 10/05/2012 21:11

sites like this are a good place to register for free

www.starnow.co.uk/

FallenCaryatid · 10/05/2012 21:13

LollipopViolet, most students are worried about leaving uni and hitting the jobs market and most of them have a quarter of the determination, imagination and independence that you have shown over the years.
Use your brain, concentrate on what help is available and don't get railroaded or guilted into anything you feel you can't cope with.

BornSicky · 10/05/2012 21:18

Have you had a look at: www.mandy.com or www.artsjobs.org.uk

Might give you a few ideas for what you could do with your skillset.

WMDinthekitchen · 10/05/2012 21:30

Good website, lots of filters, includes the arts www.goodmoves.org.uk/

Good luck!

Katienana · 10/05/2012 21:39

My husband works in film and he said
that not being able to drive is a disadvantage but also that it would be helpfulto know what exactly you want to do - wanting to work in tv/film is a bit like saying "i want to work in a hospital".

Original poster
LollipopViolet · 10/05/2012 21:49

Katienana, yes, I've just realized that Blush

I'd really like to work in post production - give me an edit suite and a load of footage and I'm happy as you like.

I've got Apple Certification to Level 2 standard in Final Cut Pro 7, something very few students on my course have. I'm going to try and do another round of CV sending over the weekend, with this info on there, to see if it helps.

OP posts:
Original poster
LollipopViolet · 10/05/2012 21:49

Katienana, yes, I've just realized that Blush

I'd really like to work in post production - give me an edit suite and a load of footage and I'm happy as you like.

OP posts:
Original poster
LollipopViolet · 10/05/2012 21:50

NO idea what happened there - apologies for the double post!

OP posts:
Katienana · 10/05/2012 21:53

dh says you should go to london and work at one of the major post-production houses as a runner which is basically preparing hot drinks and no driving required! Good luck.

BookFairy · 10/05/2012 21:59

Sorry, I meant that as a graduate I have 12 months to find a job - no work programmes, or forcing me to apply for vacancies below my qualifications etc. I don't know what happens after 12 months....
Lollipop the BBC runs a paid grad scheme for disabled graduates, there is a link on their website :)

exoticfruits · 10/05/2012 22:19

Unfortunately it is tough, and worse than ever this year, DS finishes and I am dreading it. It is the toughest time in my view, you jump through all the right hoops and BANG - you are up against real life. Sorry- not much help.

Sallyingforth · 10/05/2012 22:44

When I applied for a job in post production I was tested for eyesight and colour vision. Is your vision problem not a limitation apart from the driving?

SaintsFever · 10/05/2012 22:52

Could you talk to a charity maybe the RNIB, I know your not blind but they might have some advice on getting into the job market with an eyesight problem

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