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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Job-hunting panic - handhold (and a pep talk) needed please!!

14 replies

PerfectParisian · 17/07/2017 04:18

Sorry I'm posting so late!

AIBU to ask for your tips on staying motivated and focussed when applying for jobs please?

I've been out of full-time work since resigning from a job just before last Christmas, although have been involved in part-time work and volunteering since spring this year (which I'm still doing).

I would really love to be back in a full-time job though.

I've been applying for quite a few jobs recently, but have been getting more and more stressed as my current rental contract runs out at the beginning of next month, so I won't be able to stay in my current town if I don't find a job before then.

Feeling very low and a bit stuck. Happy to give more details if needed - sorry this is so vague.

Just looking for a handhold and some practical tips please on job-hunting. It's been a nightmare really :(

OP posts:

Original poster

PerfectParisian · 17/07/2017 04:48

Anyone?

OP posts:

e1y1 · 17/07/2017 05:07

There is a lot of job hunting advice on sites like reed.co.uk and indeed.co.uk.

There are also some sites (I think it is indeed), that will offer to go over you CV, so they can suggest changes to make your CV more appealing.

There will be others who will have more experience than me, hopefully they'll be along when everyone starts getting up (it's not all that busy on MN at this time of the morning).

Good luck.

Supersoaryflappypigeon · 17/07/2017 06:43

Is your CV online? What area do you work in?

Groupie123 · 17/07/2017 06:48

Go to Reed or Hays in person and ask for contract/temp positons. Tell them you can start immediately and they should be able to get you a job within a few days.

Original poster

PerfectParisian · 17/07/2017 08:01

Thanks everyone for your posts

(Sorry this is going to be such a long post. Feeling so down and desperate).

I'm just feeling really confused and stressed because I still feel really directionless and a bit hopeless when I should be feeling decisive and clear about what job I want to do and how I can go about getting it

I went to see my GP at the end of last year after resigning from my old job, and was referred to counselling by them.

Through the counselling, I was able to access free careers support with a local careers coach. This has been hugely helpful, but I've had the careers sessions since February and I feel like I should be making much more progress. I feel bad for the careers coach, and just don't feel like I'm progressing at all. I've got an appointment with the careers coach later this morning, and will be updating them on the jobs that I've applied for, but have already had some rejections come through.

To be honest, I didn't put as much effort as I should have done into looking for jobs from February onwards, as I've been struggling with anxiety and depression during the time (the counselling has been helping with this) and I spent a lot of time single-handedly organising a huge event for a close relative last month (was originally supposed to be organise with two other people who then dropped out).

Anyway, since last month, I've re-focussed on the job search and have really put a lot of energy into it. But I just feel totally lost and directionless. I feel so lonely as well - in a rented houseshare with two housemates (who used to work with me in the job I resigned from - the house came with the job) who basically ignore me, and I don't have the energy to go out most days unless I've made firm plans and have a reason to go out. Just tend to sleep most of the time.

Any guidance please? It all feels really shit. Please help. As many replies and ideas for practical support would be brilliant.

OP posts:

Original poster

PerfectParisian · 17/07/2017 08:05

Sorry about the typos and missing words in my last post Hope it makes sense.

I'm just so worried about going into another job in case I rush into one out of desperation and end up resigning or getting sacked (the job I resigned from was teaching, and it was horrific. I really struggled).

And just feel a lot of pressure in general - for example, my family. My siblings have all got great jobs that they work really hard in, and my parents - who are fairly elderly - keep on mentioning how they just want to be settled in a job and happy. And I'm not managing to do this. I'm really struggling.

OP posts:

Original poster

PerfectParisian · 17/07/2017 08:31

Anyone with any advice please? :)

OP posts:

Original poster

PerfectParisian · 17/07/2017 09:08

Bumping :)

OP posts:

Original poster

PerfectParisian · 17/07/2017 10:25

Anyone with any advice please? :)

OP posts:

napmeistergeneral · 17/07/2017 10:50

You talk about staying motivated and focused - is still being up at 4am the best way to achieve this (I'm guessing you were "still up" as you say it's late rather than early)? It's awful feeling anxious and despondent but self care is really important - decent diet, plenty of sleep (good sleep hygiene), regular exercise.

So I would say treat the job hunt like your job - get up and ready to "go" at the same time every day, have a goal for the morning, take a break for lunch, etc. Routine can be boring but on the flip side also reassuring.

Now I don't know what sort of roles you're applying for but your OP mentions two different pressures: one, that you need a job to get a rental contract, and two, that you want to find a job that's "good" and perfect for you (that you won't want or have to resign from like before). But I think you have to accept that the time pressure is more urgent and maybe widen your search - stop looking for the ideal job and start looking for the ideal job right now, even if that's something you don't want to pursue long term. Good luck.

areyoubeingserviced · 17/07/2017 11:07

Agree with nap about trying to find the ideal job for now. Perhaps something that is not too stressful. It's actually easier to find work when you are actually in some type of work,
Please DO NOT give up. I know so many people who have had difficulty finding their ideal job but end up doing something they really enjoy

Groupie123 · 17/07/2017 13:12

You need to prioritize. Paying rent is the priority right now and so you should try to get a temp/contract position. Any related job will help you find the right job later.

user1492692527 · 17/07/2017 14:09

Getting a job is a numbers game. Just apply for everything and anything, so long as it's feasible for you to get there. There's a reason why you are supposed to do 35 hours a week jobsearch when you are on Unemployment Benefit - it takes a lot of effort!

Good luck!

indigox · 17/07/2017 23:43

You post here quite a lot with the same issue yet you never seem any further forward in resolving it. With your degree, language skills and experience gained through teaching you shouldn't be having this much of a problem. Are you applying to enough roles? Obviously part of the problem is not knowing what you want to do career wise, but finding any job and gaining experience and networking opportunities should be a priority over figuring out a specific path right now.

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