Am I being over sensitive?

[lifesteeth]

I joined a course for lone parents which gives you work placements so that you can gain experience hence making you more "employable". I expressed an interest in NHS Admin as it was the closest thing they had to what I want to do career wise (social worker) and so alongside my nhs admin placement I am also studying with the OU for social work qualifications.

Anyway I do like the placement and its made me more determined to follow this kind of career but certain comments sometimes put me on a complete low. For instance they never have much for me to do so I always feel like I'm giving THEM extra work finding me something to do, when I got there this morning, the woman I work for told me to sit at the desk (she was on the phone) and when she'd finished she looked at me and said "right, erm..." and looked around the room obviously at a loss to what she could get me to do and everyone else in the office started laughing, I know its more work for her me being there and it makes me uncomfortable.

I'm being shared between 2 different places and today the woman I am supposed to be working with tomorow came in and said she had to go to a meeting tomorow so could the other place "Look after" me, the other women looked a bit put out (but remained very nice) and agreed but I could tell she was thinking "oh great, what am I going to do with her tomorow".

Whenever anyone asks someone to introduce me to them I'm referred to as "One of those job centre trainees" or "on work experience" which makes me feel like a little kid.

They're all very nice to me and they do try but I feel like a spare part constantly in the way, I don't know if its just me being sensitive as I love the kind of work they do and I suppose when they talk like this it reminds me that I don't have a real job and it brings me back to reality.

Am I being too sensitive about it all? I love going but when something like this is said it makes me feel quite down and like I'm never going to get anywhere.

I don't think you're being overly sensitive about this. I've been in similar environments, and it's awkward and draining.

If the job suits, I would stick it out for now. No doubt you'll end up doing all the crap jobs for a while, but it will improve with time.

Just grit your teeth and take the money

I don't get paid for it which makes it a bit more draining lol, I'm just so desperate for work but I feel like I'm stuck in limbo, this is the best chance I have but its so depressing being there its wierd because I love the placement and the people are nice but at the same time it depresses me, I suppose its because its a constant reminder of what I don't have, a job.

Sorry, lifesteeth. I didn't click that you weren't getting paid.

I think you're doing the right thing .. it's just obvious that something needs tweaking. Hopefully, when you've been there a bit longer, some more actual work might come your way.

If it's getting you down, you could just come out with it ... mention that you feel uncomfortable about the lack of stuff to do, etc. If nothing else, it will help your workmates to realize that you're feeling it too. It could relieve the tension and lighten the atmosphere up a little?

You're not being oversensitive, I would feel just the same in your situation.

Desiderata is right - the best thing to do in this situation is openly acknowledge that there doesn't seem to be very much for you to do. They probably don't realise how uncomfortable they're making you feel, but if you say to them that you're aware they're having to find you jobs to do and that you know it's probably a bit of a pain for them, you can all have a laugh about it, rather than you feeling like they're laughing at your expense.

However, in the longer term, I'm not sure how much use a placement in admin is going to be in terms of preparing you for a career in social work. Do you think it might be an idea to contact your local volunteer centre and seeing what opportunities they've got for you? Something like advocacy, befriending, or other person-to-person support work would be much more useful experience for you and give you more confidence too.

And! That would also mean that in six months or so, you could start applying for paid support work positions, once you've got some relevant experience under your belt.

Can you type (a bit) already? Can you do basic filing? Use MS Office packages at a basic level at least?

If so, I would try and find out which of your local employment agencies handles the temps that your NHS Trust uses. I temped for my local trust whilst I was pregnant and had constant work. The agency I used was Reed but I guess it would differ between towns.

You don't sound over sensitive to me. It sounds like the placements haven't been very well thought out. Believe me, the NHS employs loads of temps and there is plenty of paid so you could at least be recompensed for what you are doing.

CAT me if you want any more information about the agency work, etc.

Oh, lifesteeth! I work in the NHS and I would LOVE you to come and help me! I can't believe they can't find you something interesting to do. I bet there is another department or person who would really appreciate a willing volunteer. Have you asked?