Chances of ever getting my first job?

[hopingforamiracle]

I'm 24 and due to illness have never worked. I have a degree from the OU, but that is it. What are my chances of finding a paying job?

well done on getting an OU degree

and go for it! you have as much chance as anyone else

Should be fine as long as you are prepared to go where the work is.

I don't see why you haven't as good a chance as anyone to be honest. Bare in mind that it's still fairly competitive in terms of numbers of applicants for positions but that'd be true regardless of your work history.

Your biggest limitations will be self imposed in terms of salary and industry but if your flexible it widens up the search a lot.

Would you consider temping? It's not as easy as years ago, but it can be good experience, a chance to network a bit and test out the kind of thing you're after. Pay isn't generally great but again it's a stepping stone not a job till retirement.

Are you only looking for jobs relating to your degree? That might restrict you somewhat. If you're just looking for ANY job, then I'm sure you have more chance than me! I don't have a degree and have been offered every job I've ever interviewed for (am 25).
I tried to do an OU degree and couldn't do it - hats off to you!

I'm looking for any job, but has to be fulltime. Also I don't drive, so that makes things more difficult.

Temping is a good start. Most agencies do a typing etc test so they are less reliant on work history. I temped for a surveyor once who was just grateful I wasn't a sulky 16 year old!
If you don't have work history what about other types of responsibility? Any voluntary work?
What's your degree?

I know someone who's 24, has never worked before due to always being at uni. They took a volunteer position where a paid position became available within the office. They were offered an intifor proving themselves dedicated in the unpaid role. Could that be route you'd be open to? Anyway, don't worry too much, the degree will help!

Some public sector jobs only want to know class of degree and not subject or where obtained. If I were reading your application I'd probably give you extra kudos for getting an OU degree. I think it tells you something about a person's determination.
As for health issue - see above re ou degree.
Best of luck

Are you restricted by location? I used to work in London, no-one drove there as public transport was so good.

I'd recommend a book called What Colour is Your Parachute, it's got excellent job search advice.

PS don't drive as in never learnt, or don"t drive because of illness? If the former, it might be good to take lessons.

We use Brook Street tempting agency to get temps for the office, they provide temps for the NHS, local government & HE sectors. It might be worth tempting for a year in your chosen field to get experience whilst hunting for a permanent job.

www.brookstreet.co.uk/

Have a look at the Guardian careers page for advice on getting your cv sorted & consider putting your profile up on linked in to get exposure to potential careers & employers.

I got my first job at about that age 23/24 (can't remember!). I'd previously not worked due to a combination of childcare, illness and studying. I didn't have a degree though.

I looked for something I was genuinely interested in doing and thought I'd be well suited for and then really sold them that at interview and got the first thing I applied for. Turned out to be an excellent job for me and led on to lots of opportunities.

Best of luck with your job hunt OP.

Thank you all for the info :) Going to have a look into temping agencies.