To not know how to get back on the (work) horse?

[sharkirasharkira]

I unfortunately lost my job just before Christmas. They gave me virtually no notice.

The 'official' reason was that they didn't have the hours to give/money to pay me anymore, as they said the business was not performing enough to justify it.

It was a small independent company and I was on a zero hours contract so I really can't do anything about it but I had been there nearly a year and had built up a really (I thought) good relationship with the other staff (small team). I genuinely considered them all friends.

I supplied quite a few bits of my own equipment that are currently still there as I just can't face going in there and picking them up. I'm worried that there is something else going on they haven't told me or that they have been talking about me behind my back and the thought of going in there with my metaphorical tail between my legs to collect my stuff is humiliating. But I don't want to lose all my stuff either! and on a slightly bitter and petty note I don't want them to benefit from it anymore

I'm just so down now. Aside from being screwed financially my confidence is just completely and utterly shattered. I tried so hard at that job. Really really tried. I cared deeply about making the business work and do well even though I was only being paid minimum wage. I tried to come up with marketing strategies to make the business more visible, went out in my own time to deliver leaflets, brought in my own equipment and paid for supplies out of my own pocket that I was not reimbursed for. I stayed late most days and took on tasks and responsibilities that were not in my job description to help them out, with no extra pay. I even declined another, better paying job because I didn't want to leave them in difficulty over the Christmas period.

And after all that I just get dropped at the first opportunity. I am so broken and hurt. I keep trying to tell myself it was just business and not personal but it feels very personal and I just can't believe that is true.

Now I'm really struggling to get another job and part of me just wonders what the point is. What is the point in putting my heart and soul into something when they obviously won't care one iota about me? Aibu to feel so rejected and hopeless over a stupid job? How do I get over it and move on to something better? At this point I feel like even if I could get another job I would be useless because I'm terrified it's going to happen again

I found Out the week before Xmas that my company had gone bankrupt and we were all instantly out of a job.
Within 3 days I had found another job, you will find something. Look around, send CV to agencies and apply for everything you can vaguely do.

I have applied for a few things but heard nothing back (not surprising as over Christmas & new year).

I can't travel too far as I live quite rurally and don't drive a car so anything more than about 15 miles away just isn't feasible. I also work in an industry that tends to be seasonal (holiday area) so I know the likelihood is most places won't be looking to hire until at least Feb/march. I want to be positive and not make excuses but I am just so down right now it's hard. I will keep looking though.

Before anyone suggests it - I have already retrained and am getting nowhere as I have no experience in my degree field and I need further study to be eligible for graduate stuff anyway. Also, I can't move. I have no money for it and I already live very cheaply.

Get registered with all the recruitment agencies you can find and you should get something. Good luck!

You should go and get your things back - especially as you paid for them. Go back, with your head up (make an appointment if you like), chat to everyone, keep on good terms. If it's a dip in business, then it may pick up and you can get back.

(is there a reason you think it was not lack of work? If not, get that idea out of your head! )

More than that, I want to wish you luck. Sounds like you had a really positive attitude and used your initiative a lot. I fully believe that you will find work again, a better job. Can you go back to the company you turned down at Christmas? If not for that role, at least for future work?

My only suggestion, and this will help protect you from some of the low-ness you are feeling now, is that suggesting ideas is great, as is going the extra mile (sometimes). But it should not be at your own expense. For instance, next time (and there will be a next time) you could say: I think marketing campaign X would be really effective. If the company can buy Y, then I can get started. Or "I think leaflet deliveries would be good advertising. I'll do a round tomorrow morning and come into the office after". You are still having and implementing good ideas, but not at such personal emotional and financial expense.

When you go in, make time to talk to the boss. Ask if they might be a referee or put something on your linkedin. Mention you are available for bits and pieces of work.

Meanwhile, look at how you can get that additional experience you said you needed. Charities/volunteer work. Freelance. Remote working?

Above all, be kind to yourself. You sound like a great person to have in a business. It is possible to care and work hard, while still protecting yourself. . Good luck!

I agree, go in, head held high and collect your stuff. They might only realise what an asset you were now you've left and it's always good to remain on friendly terms with ex colleagues.

They could very well have been having financial difficulties and it's nothing to do with you personally.

You should start looking straightaway for another job. If you're as enthusiastic as you sound you'll find something soon.

When I got the call to tell me about the job loss I asked about a reference and they did say they would give me one so maybe it isn't that bad.

The thing that makes me worry there is something else is that I was the only qualified, fully flexible member of staff (that didn't have restrictions on hours/days because of childcare etc) there, out of a team of 7/8. I was the only one who could happily perform any role and had a lot more experience than some of them - it's why they hired me in the first place! I wasn't paid any extra though, we all got the same wage and yet I was the only one to be let go. Logically I think it just doesn't make any sense to get rid of the one qualified, experienced, flexible member of staff who is willing and able to work 7 days a week if necessary - unless they just don't like me as a person or there are other factors at play.

It probably doesn't help that all the other staff members are either friends or relatives of the owners before hand and I wasn't.

I have been looking and applying but there is just nothing I can do available at the moment

Everything around is either in the NHS, accountancy, or similar jobs I'm not qualified or experienced for. I've been turned down for McDonalds and KFC, even Asda isn't hiring. Feels like 2 steps forward and 1 step back all the time. I haven't had to claim any benefits in 3 years and worked really hard to be in that position and now I'm back to square one - the only money I have coming in is my outstanding holiday pay and that's it until I can get another job. I'm screwed.

Thank you for the suggestions pp but in my industry freelancing, working from home etc are not an option unfortunately.

"all the other staff members are either friends or relatives of the owners before hand and I wasn't.". That's it in a nutshell. Plus, some may have been employed longer (and after 2 years it is harder to remove people). Plus, plus, if others have children there's a misguided sense that they need the money more.

Your flexibility and experience etc is great and will really help later. Here, though, it was about pre-existing relationships.

You sound like you gave it your all, but in your next job I think you need to take a step back. Firstly, try to protect yourself against zero hours contracts ( easier said than done I know). Working for a larger company will mean that their recruitment policy is set in stone. Even if it is a supermarket job you will be better protected. Using the old MN mantra, only give what you can afford to lose. By all means do the best job you can but don't give give give when it won't be reciprocated. And I know work can be all encompassing, but the best way to avoid it becoming your whole life is to try and develop some other interests, whether that be OD (not sure if you are single) running, theatre, book club, anything!
Unfortunately until you have been in a job 2 years you are pretty disposable, which is something we all have to face, but best of luck for the future!

All the other staff we employed the exact same amount of time as me - it was a brand new business so we all started at the same time.

But yes I suspect that the relationships were a big part of why they are still employed and I am not.

Don't feel bad about claiming benefits whilst you look for a new job. They are there to help people and you've been paying taxes.

I don't feel bad about claiming as such it's just that I tried so hard to get off them after relying on them for years and it was a real big step for me to be totally self reliant. Plus I've heard so many horror stories about claiming now, people having to job hunt for 35hrs a week, being told to accept jobs a 90 minute commute away and being sanctioned for everything - not to mention their UC not being paid in months with 5 weeks.

It's just really a situation I didn't want to be in again although I know these things sometimes happen. I've never not had a job for more than a few weeks since I've had dc's.