Where do you go for really good careers advice?

[LaTrucha]

I need some as I am driving myself mad trying to work out the best thing to do. I have lots of different issues to consider and need someone inventive and informed.

I don;t mind if it is online or on the phone or a comapny. I would be prepared to pay but as a SAHM I don't have a lot to spend.

Please!

Is it just careers? Or might it possibly involve education or some kind of access course?

I only ask as I went for a careers interview offered by my local college, where they are happy to point you in the right direction for most things not just the courses they offer.

The man who I saw was like a tiny dynamo on speed He was amazing the interview was only four weeks ago and I am now doing a degree! I am taking him a thank you card in today actually.

Might be worth thinking about. I was amazed by the amount of short free courses on offer that might make you more employable.

Don't know but am watching with interest as I'm in a similar boat.... (Sorry)

Interested in responses.

It might involve retraining. I am currently a SAHM, will possibly be single mum before too long. I can't go back to the career I once had. I am partially deaf and I need something very flexible and possibly portable in case things work out with DH and I need to move abroad. It's a conundrum indeed!

bump!

Gobblersknob - thanks. I'll look into that idea.

Feeling so unconfident. Keep putting off going to agencies etc. am a SAHM and have not worked properly for five years. I feel I need to work for my self esteem (not to mention the money!!!) but don't feel able to make it in the work world when head is stuffed with remembering, ballet kit, violin, pack lunches, loo roll for construction project and that is just some of the things I had to do this morning!! I used to be a very efficient administrator but have not kept up with computer skills among other things

I know that we have a lot of free courses in computer skills etc around here in Flying Start areas or Communities First buildings, but we're in Wales so it could all be different with you.

I wonder if there are free online resources for computer skills?

So there isn't anything?

Maybe we should start one for people like us!

bumping again

If you're in London, I would recommend Women Like Us. They do different courses as well as one on one advice. I did an interview skills session with them and got a lot from it.

i have heard of them. Unfortunately, I'm in rural West Wales!

bump

LaTrucha - noticed you said partially deaf. I think Access to Work may do consulations in your situation to help you go through various situations where you might or might not have problems and whether equipment might help in them. However some assessors are much better than others - a firm called Access Made Easy do some of them and are excellent.
Action on Hearing Loss (was RNID) do similar and let you borrow kit to test.

Hi goldmum, do you have a number or website for Women like Us? I also need some advice. Dont no what to do next with my life whether to go for a degree? Where can I find free short courses if Im in Essex?

Anyone tried the National Careers Service? they also have offices all over the country

nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx

You might consider looking at any charities or professional organisations that work in your specific sector and/or career path. For example, the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries offers advice, or MentorSet (Women in Science, Engineering and Technology), and so on. Rather than general advice, I'd start looking at places which can offer you something more specific (and if that fails, widen the net to more general careers advice).

Yes try national careers service as above they also contract out to providers who offer free careers advice sessions in libraries.

If you are partially deaf you could ask a disability employment advisor at your nearest jobcentre plus to refer you to a place like remploy or the shaw trust who could advise you on employment options and help u determine any reasonable adjustments you might need and to access Accessto Work funding for equipment.

Alison.com free online it courses

My DH wrote a book on changing careers last year that might be useful. Your local library may well have a copy. He wrote it for The Guardian, who do online careers advice seminars from time to time. Have a look at their careers section - it's very good.

Sorry. I've just seen all these replies. Thanks very much I'll go through them when the children are in bed.

Your DH's book gets excellent reviews on Amazon!

Asianmum - their website is www.womenlikeus.org.uk. Good luck!

Have you tried Careers Wales? I'm in Scotland but we have a national service for both young people and adults.

I haven't yet but I plan to. Thanks.

Hi all!

I'm a coach who works with women who want to change career, become self employed or start up a business - projectoyster (dot) com

...and LaTruncha, I have a Birthday Offer on so PM me for details, I'm sure we can work out something that fits for you