To think I am never going to work again

[Soyamilkisniceintea]

Or something slightly less dramatic, but seriously, is this how it works nowadays?

Endless applications and letters and nothing in response. NOTHING.

On a more serious note, I am starting to wonder if my days of permanent, normal employment have ended and all I can hope for is short term, no contract, no pension, positions. Is this true for a lot of people?

You could set up your own pension. See a financial advisor.

Probably Rainbows. Gleam, yeah, but I need money for that :)

I'm a supply teacher. I pay into a private pension and into the government Nest workplace pension, as do my supply agency on my behalf.

Yes, but it would be nice to pay into the teachers pension fund given I am a teacher :) anyway, it is more than a pension

I think I know what the issue is, as I am in exactly the same situation. As you have experience you are further up the pay spine. The schools are going for nqts who are I'm sure able to fulfil the job at a cheaper cost.
I have made it through to Interview, done well in obs and then. Zilch. Other candidates are nqts generally. I was a deputy Head who just wants a part time role. I totally understand xxx

Sorry, just to add, when I have attempted to get a non teaching job I have got nowhere. And I have applied for loads, unskilled upwards!

Thanks beelzebop Depressing!

I'm not a teacher but am finding the market sluggish (mid level professional field). I would always be able to line up interviews and never went more than 1-2 months before finding a job even in the late 00s recession. This time - applying for lots of stuff and nada. Luckily I have a job (just don't like it any more ) so i'm not desperate to move, but it may take some time...

Are you secondary? I had a career break when my dh was seconded and was really worried about getting a job when I got back from abroad.

I got in touch with friends at private schools, as well as writing emails to head teachers of private schools and I had a job within a few weeks. They have their own employment rules and will often consider you if you are strong. Try it.

Secondary yeah ... a bit despondent at the moment. I am probably finished as a teacher but I don't know what else to do!

Seriously, canvas your nearest private schools (prep too) if you are happy to work in one. You never know what they're after and it's a nice change if you've been in state for a while. Don't be frightened to write an email to the head - I've done it and it works!

We don't actually have many nearby. Only a private school in town and one prep school - I can try but I'm not hopeful

Tutoring on line is growing and can be done anywhere. Exam marking? Invigilator? Tefl?

YANBU. I was made redundant last September (not a teacher), I've just started a new job last week on an 80% pay cut because that was the best I could do after 130 applications in my old industry. I'm a 41 yr old apprentice. It feels like I've just landed on the biggest snake on a snakes and ladders game and slithered all the way back to the start.

Why not college?
could you work teaching those who HAVE to get a GCSE or Level two.
I've been both student and teacher in this environment and you could gain a lot of satisfaction.
I'm not sure how flexible you'd have to be regarding working a night.