To be embarrassed to walk into the Job Centre?

[DenimFawn]

I’ve been looking for work and need to visit the Job Centre, but I can’t shake this feeling of embarrassment about it. I know it’s a place meant to help people, but it still feels daunting. AIBU, or do others feel the same way? How do you cope with those feelings?

I know it this won't help much, but seriously don't be embarrassed. The people who judge you for it would do better to focus on themselves because it can happen to anyone. I went to a job centre once, looking for full time work. Their only suggestion was a lollipop lady. I was so frustrated. On the walk home I saw a job ad in the window of a pharmacy. I wasn't qualified but went in and asked and got the job pretty much on the spot. I'm only sharing that story because it shows how quickly things can change. One minute you're riding high, the next you are in the job centre. But equally one you could land a job the same day. Just think, you might stumble upon a great opportunity. Best of luck with your job search. Stay positive

Sorry for typos 😅

Who's going to see you anyway, apart from the people already in there?

YABU to expect the staff to help you
But try not to be ashamed /embarassed

Don't be. A few years ago I had to go into the job centre to sign on for universal credit temporarily. They helped (as they are supposed to do) and I felt better after and now a few years and a job later. It's a memory, however the man who helped me while I was in there is actually a very nice memory. Anyone who judges is not worth thinking about.

Don't be! I got so worked up over this once and they were so laid back it was insane. At the end of the day they are there to support you, and will be happy as long as you're looking for work.

Be conscious of the fact they may not have great suggestions if you're used to being in a corporate role (or anything over NMW) and come out with some wacky ideas ~ my CV was awful apparently, and I needed to adjust my salary expectations (it wasn't, I didn't, and landed my dream job weeks later). Good luck 💐

Jobcentres don't help these days, they do as much as they can to stop people from claiming.
If I was you I would be fearful and anxious, not embarrassed.

It's pretty much all online now & you don't need to go in there at all to do job searches

You only need to visit if you have face to face meetings with your work coach if you are claiming certain benefits.

Lovely 🤣🤣🤣

I put off going for so long, and got into so much debt. My local one has a wall of security guards you have to go through to get anywhere, which was intimidating.
My CPN used to go with me (I had to go every 2 weeks until I had my WCA), but honestly, my work coach was lovely. After a while, I was ok going on my own. I was offered phone appointments, but I was preferring to get out the house and see her. Really supportive and easy to speak to. One time, she messed up my appointment, so I turned up early and a different coach put me in a side room with a cup of tea. They were lovely.
I was going through some old paperwork this week, and found some old UC statements. My work coach used to post me them incase I needed them as proof of being on benefits. She would attach a Post-It note on saying it was that month's statement... along with a smiley face.

I know it is easy to listen to all the horror stories about the Job Centre, but people don't tend to share the ones where the staff where nice.

Good luck with your job hunting.

Don't want to disappoint you, but they won't help you find a job, i have been searching for a job for 5 months and after visiting job centre a month ago i was told i need to look for a job myself . I had to fill in loads of form for about 40 min and thats it.

What are you talking about. Of course the staff can guide and advise.

Don’t be silly op. Get your bum down the job centre. They have contacts to jobs you don’t necessarily have

Yeah because they get a pay rise from the government when they stop claims from happening

You’re not alone, I burst into tears because I felt like such a failure having lost my job, and then being rejected from peace of piss jobs I was overqualified/experienced for. You will get through this.

I’m sorry you’ve had a hard time, but this is not helpful

Anyway - I think your feelings are normal OP, but as you know you’ll feel much better once it’s done -

People are in there for all sorts of reasons so don't worry. I had to go for PIP when I was heavily pregnant. They let me go up in the lift instead of taking the stairs. Never had issues with them

I work in a job centre but not in England so not DWP run as such and we try to make it as welcoming as possible. We do help people to find jobs but we can only help in our local community and jobs are limited with us locally. However we are able to refer people to lots of different charities to help with all sorts of free training, help with funding and local mentoring for people wanting to go self employed. We also have access to grants and loans for claimants. The vast majority of our work coaches genuinely care about claimants but we work within restrictions that we didn't set.

Please don't be embarrassed or ashamed, people are working there to help where they can, I certainly know that I do.

Ok… lovely! 🤣

Am sorry you feel this way. You should not. You should feel proud that you are making every effort.

What are your skill sets? Both from a professional and a hobby point of view? Depending on your skill sets you could also look at freelancing which could tidy you over. It might not bring enough money (at least at the start) but may keep populating your CV and bring in something. Good luck

I'm sure your projection has made the OP feel much better 🙄

20 years ago, I had to "sign on"at my local city centre job center. I'd been through a horrific time and had PTSD. My lovely Dad used to drop me off and wait outside because there were some undesirables. I remember the first week I wore a suit and EVERYONE stared at me. I went more casual after that.

You have NOTHING to be worried about, if I could do it then you can do it now. Remember that they're supposed to help you!

I have to take my unemployed DS to JC+. Normal looking casually dressed people in the waiting area, the advisor comes and calls by first name (after the first visit they know you) and the desks are separated by screens for privacy. They are helpful although probably more geared to hopeless cases like my DS, lots of "get ready for work" schemes and basic skills training. If you are a grown up making sensible efforts to find work and logging it in the journal you should be fine.

Everyone else there is in the same situation, no judging.

But yes the point of the job centre meeting is to prove you are actively looking for work so they can pay your Universal Credit. The actual job finding is down to you, assuming you don't need telling basics like writing a CV and looking on Indeed.

You can't just walk in ,it has to be appointment only with a work coach either weekly, first 13 weeks of a UC claim..then fortnightly.

You aren't alone in feeling that way - its a horrible feeling, but please don't let it put you off what you're entitled to.

I was made redundant a couple of months ago, I held off for 3 months but recently applied for JSA to help until I find something else. I'm claiming the one you can get for 6 months, only if you've made the NI contributions (so in effect I've already paid for what I'm being paid). But I still hate that walk into the job centre every fortnight and hope that no-one who knows me sees me. Illogical I know, but I can't help how I feel.