I need to talk through my job prospects (or lack of them)

[helpineedajob]

I am a qualify tax adviser but was made redundant in May 2011 (5 weeks pregnant) i was unemployed for 4 months then found a temporary role for 13 weeks before going on maternity allowance. DC2 now 8 months and my maternity allowance has stopped.

I have been looking for a job for a few months now had one interview and heard back today that i havent got it.

Im feeling very un-confident now as maybe I was crap at my job and thats why i was made redundant and why i didnt get this new job. I know if i was in the job i could do it but as i haven't done it for so long i cant get back to speed at home as i dont have the time head space to do it so may find it hard to impress at interview.

I dont want to be home all day with the DC anymore, i want a job, but what to do??? I was on good money (£18K for 3 days) and want that again to beable to provide for my DC and there future but if i cant find a tax job there is nothing else i can do that would bring in that money.

I have thought of doing catalogue work in the evenings, such as Body shop or betterware, but long term where does that leave me? and I would still be with the DC all day.

I had thought of retraining to be a counsellor but what if i do that (would take years and would still need an evening job) and Im no good at it and dont get a job at the end of it.

Just waffling now, getting my thoughts out.

Got to sort the kids out, will be back later to see if anyone has any thoughts

Have you thought about speaking to a recruitment consultant who specialises in your area of expertise? I've done that in the past and found them helpful in terms of what is and isn't out there, realistic about prospects etc.

I don't think that being made redundant means you were rubbish at your job. But I can understand that it must have knocked your confidence. I think having time out, having a baby etc knocks confidence anyway so I do understand where you're coming from.

Have you explored any personal contacts you have? I've had a couple of good opportunities come about from 'networking' (hate that phrase but you know what I mean!)

Have you looked on the Milkround website recently? Today I saw they were offering jobs at HMRC in Tax. Have a look. I put in "Graduate Training Schemes" as the only criteria when I was looking on behalf my DS2, due to graduate next year.

Also look on Timewisejobs.co.uk which has good part-time jobs.

Thanks for the replies.

I am registered with lots of agencies, I think they say what you want to hear but they all say it is quiet out there on the job front.

I haven't heard of the Milkround or Timewisejobs so will look on those websites later when I get chance. Interesting HMRC are recruiting, they havent done for yers so gave up looking there, thanks.

Feeling more positive today

I wonder also if there is a refresher/whats new course you could do to update your skills. It would help remind you you are good at your job and show potential employers that you are keen to keep your skills up to date even while not in work. Good luck.

I did a update course in July, although i did understand it all, i dont remember it all (i do have the notes). I have another interview tomorrow! I only got the call today, feeling very under confident for it but will just have to see what happens

How did the interview go? Hope it went well

Have you thought of lecturing at the local college or university in tax. Our one is crying out for tax lecturers and pays about £30-£40 per hour for people on contract. You can pick and choose the hours you work during the day or in some cases the evening.

Do you have a degree. Large accountancy firms recruit potential tax accountants and you earn whilst taking exams. Surely you'd get an interview and then earn tons when qualified?

I was similar to you.

Was made redundant, had previously availed of 2 maternity leaves, so it felt as I was constantly in and out of work.

After being out of work for 10 months I took up a 3 month maternity leave position. It was tortorous, as in I was essentially left to run the business myself as all staff either went on mat leave or left, BUT I learned so much and got well and truely back into the swing of things. The three month timeframe kept rolling on and ultimately I was there for 5 months before getting a more concrete 1 year contract. I was begged to stay on in the slightly chaotic place, this was of course a coonfidence boost. The 1 year contract got me into a new, more vibrant area. I have just finished up that contract but I am fairly confident that I will get something else shortly.

My advice is to be open minded about what you are willing to do, returning to work is the key, even if it for a short contract.