So poor and jobs are impossible.

[BellaJessica]

I am increasingly getting down about my life. Today i have finally realised how poor i am. I earn £5000 a year working 14 hours a week in a job that was supposed to increase in hours but 2 years later and 3 new people later they are actually trying to get rid of me instead. I am applying to other jobs and just not hearing back from them at all. I have a degree in the arts and even jobs i would be great at wont accept me due to no experience or less than 2 years experience in that field. I think this is just a rant really. I have no savings and a big loan (£1,000). I can pay the loan off in time but its depressing isnt it? I live with my dm now and she works short hours so we get by but neither of us have savings or free money to do much. Just need to spend hours job searching again until someone accepts me.

Has anyone got experience of Open learn free courses? You do it in your own time and get a certificate of completion which seems pretty worthless but would it go on a cv or is it pointless?

There are several providers of good free on line courses. Futurelearn is another and groupon often have cheap it ones. Google classroom for digital media ones.
I would suggest getting decent volunteering experience and topping up it skills is the best investment of your time.

As you've been working in retail and enjoying it how about a graduate scheme? Some have set application times but some recruit all year round. have a look at this article.

Did you get a 2:1 OP? all the retail graduate schemes

I did get a 2:1 rather insanely! Thought I was a failure from the get go. Thats worth looking into thanks. I have been looking but not applying today just to see whats out there.

You sound as if your confidence has been destroyed. To build it up and build resilience because applyin* for jobs requires both, make a list of all your achievements- you just mentioned 2.1. Just to remind yourself who you are. Then please get someone to review your cv- a base one you tweak for each role. And do not underestimate networking- so many jobs are never advertised. Are you on linked in? V powerful network.

What about doing some temping? I signed up with a temp agency for some office over, I impressed and am still there 6 months later.

Office cover, not over!

Bella please don’t be downhearted. In mid twenties I had a world class degree and all my uni friends were doing amazing things but by contrast I was temping on a zero hours contract living in my mums spare bed. I don’t know exactly what happened but it was linked to mental health issues that had festrrrd since my uni days. I couldn’t see a way out, no money to retrain and I was so ashamed. Now I’m five years on and earning an above average salary, renting my own flat for the past three years and I am happy. I got here by taking what seemed like a fairly low level admin job and really applying myself, nothing was too much trouble. I learned to work hard at something- whatever it was. I changed companies and took a step up in role, then did that again, and over the circa five years it immeasurably improved my life. Without retraining you can apply the skills you have now to something and really impress. If I can do it you can do it! I don’t know if that helps but I truly believe you can turn this around. It might be boring or frustrating at first but everyone is good at something. Best of luck xx

I haven't read the full thread so apologies if this has beeen covered.

Have you tried an agency? My daughter has literally just finished her law degree and joined a recruitment agency as a back up plan, she's been bloody inundated. Everything from care work to admin. She's sorted in her chosen field but there is no shortage of work.

I really would recommend that route to get more experience and show willing. There is no point in holding out for something you're struggling to get whilst working 14 hours a week in unstable employment. It's not going to help you and rhe years will continue to tick by as you wait.

Thank you all I appreciate everything you are saying. I am feeling both optimistic and massively nervous about the future job hunting but I need to do it. Need to jump ship on my current work who don't appreciate loyalty and hardwork. (Never taken a sick day even with heart problems and family hospital diagnosis).

I am determined I will get a better job this year.

It is always easier to get a job when you are in a job so just take care. But please take on all the advice here from some wise people and get out there. Good luck!

Well for whoever said my cv would not get me anywhere with the untrained teacher job, they have emailed me saying they want to phone me today.

Good luck OP

Ohhhh, exciting, how did the call go?

Ok so she said in the email "I endevour to call you by the end of the week." She meant next week. Oh dear. So I will expect the cal next week. They have a range of short term and long term positions so who knows I may get some work from it. At least I know my cv is decently written and I can get work. Thank you for helping me.

Keep going op. It is worth adjusting cv to suit jobs but it sounds like yours is working as a great base for any additions.

Absolutely. Ditto cover letters for each job. I will start writing them whenever I see any jobs I like the sound of. Its not a dream job as its still a zero hour deal but its a start with my confidence.

Yup, keep building confidence and push yourself to learn new pc stuff. Onwards, you'll get there!

Thanks for your support

I would suggest applying for jobs at hospitals, councils, unis, local companies, schools where you may have opportunities to receive free training and progression. I would leave your creative writing for your spare time. My second suggestion would be to get two jobs, one day time and one evening.