Why can't I find a job

[iloveorangejuice]

My contract in my last job came to an end about a month ago. I have been applying for any suitable jobs I've seen for at least two months. I have mental health issues that mean I'm not able to work full time at the minute, so I'm looking for part time retail work (my previous job was in retail so I do have experience). I do not declare the health issues on the application form. I keep hearing that there are lots of jobs going at the minute, but that's not my experience. I look on job websites multiple times a day but there aren't very many that are relevant to me.

I have applied for 20+ jobs recently and I either don't hear anything back or they don't even want to interview me. Most of the application forms are online forms which only require basic information about my contact details, education and sometimes my work history, so it's not as though I can be messing up all the application forms. I did get one invitation to interview, but the day they were interviewing didn't suit me (I was out of the country, typical, the first time in two years!) and I contacted them twice to ask if there was an alternative date but didn't get a response.

I really just want a job - that is manageable with my health issues - and to get out and contribute and earn some money! Why can't I find anything?!

YANBU OP. I seem to have the same problem - with a very different employment/skills profile to yours. Even accounting for these it is pretty inexplicable that I haven't landed a single job (only 2 interviews) since I started applying in August. I'm 59 so I've been through a few ups and downs in the jobs market over the years.

Apparently there's lots of jobs out there but seemingly not for me (or you). No idea why....

Can you open yourself up to more than retail?

yeah can you not do something other than retail? have you thought about the care sector there crying out for staff. care assistant in a care home or on the wards in the hospital. If its only retail that you can do. im sure something will turn up soon, keep trying and good luck. ive been in the same situation many years ago its disheartning applying for jobs and not hearing back.

I knew it wouldn't take long for someone to suggest "care work" to the OP. Just to add, I've not restricted myself to retail or any other 'sector' and have even applied for some caring jobs - although none have been for 'elderly care' as I'm really not well suited to that.

Maybe, as most of us are going to get old and need some "care", they should bring back National Service - so everyone has to spend 2 years in a "caring role". Not just for the young, bring it in for anyone deemed capable of working and under state pension age.

So that would include even the comfortably off early retirees, HR workers and a smattering of Civil Servants (already paid to Volunteer for a few days).

Then whilst all these people are fulffilling their 2 years of Caring National Service, it might give a few of us some non-Caring temporary work.

Our local asda always seem to be hiring. Have you tried that kind of retail? They're a great employer, flexible, mental health aware. I've worked for them before and would happily do so again. I know several people who have and all had good experiences.