Made redundant, husband stressed about money. Feeling guilty

[Jidemummu199]

So I was made redundant in December. I've signed on to Jobseekers and universal credit. Have not had much luck finding a full time job. An ex colleague referred me for a job vacancy and I'm currently freelancing there roughly 2 days a week. I also interviewed for a permanent position at said company part time as this is the first interview I've had in three months! Not ideal but better than nothing. Husband works fulltime but doesn't earn much (I was earning more before redundancy). I'm still applying for full time work non stop but still not having much luck. It's been almost three months. I have helped out with rent using my redundancy pay but now I really need to earn more. And we found out that our rent will increase by £100 in April so he's started to panic even more. Before he was confident that I will find find something by now. It just makes me feel so guilty. I'm trying my best. His stress is making me even more stressed than I already am. His mum has asked if I found work yet and he told her about the potential part time position. She seemed deflated for me...not really a question to ask per se, I just feel very shitty at the moment.

You are absolutely correct! Your post reminded me of one manager at Aldi, who told me (gently and in quite different words) that he doesn't want to lose a lot of effort and train someone, who will leave the position as soon as they find 'real' job.

@Jidemummu199 what is your usual area of work expertise as a matter of interest, and what rough area do you live?

Just in case any MNers have anything going at their work in your area (you never know)

Can you temp, try contract work? What area are you in?

Are you only using linked in or other sites with CV library or indeed?

I recommend CV library. If your role is at all in demand you will get chased by agents once you update your CV on there. DH works in IT and was getting send several roles a day once he activated his account.

Agree with this, indeed is also good for this.

I have used Reed but I've not found it overly good the last few years.

Have you spoken with recruitment consultants specialising in your field?

No intention to teach you to suck eggs. I know it's awful being made redundant.

Health and social care - support or care work. As long as you pass the DBS process you could walk into a job. The pay is crap but it’s better than nothing and employers don’t care if you’re using it as a stop gap, they just need staff. I’ve said on here before that it’s often relatively lucrative - you can earn up to £1K in a week.

Please everyone on UC be aware that any rise in April, you will not actually receive in your payment until approx. mid May. This caught a lot of people out last year who were expecting extra money in their April payment.

Sorry yes I should have mentioned that as UC paid in arrears.

Not saying everyone should be a 'higher earner', but at the same time they could swap roles in the household and stop putting the pressure on the OP. Maybe you don't understand how from a breadwinners perspective, it can apply a lot of pressure to appear successful.

If anyone wants anything badly enough, it's not actually that hard to get more money - I dont know why people think it is and would rather use an excuse as "not everyone can have that" rather than doing something about it. Some people like to just plod on lower pay jobs for a variety of reasons, but it shouldn't be down to one person in the relationship. As a minimum, they could at least try.

The lower earner could always TRY to step up and do something about it. For example - go for a team lead opportunity / make a sideways move to another company / career redirection.... so many options!