After 10 years, I need a job - where to start???

[firstchoice]

Oh God...

I have been on a 10 year 'break' (to do with health/kids) but didn't really have a 'career' before that.

Went to jobcentre and they sniggered basically.
there are no boards up with jobs on, and the 'terminals' were closed, so you had to speak to an advisor. It was excrutiating and totally unhelpful.

Where is the best place to look for a job?

(I need school hours and pref from home too as I am rural single parent)

I'm doomed, aren't I?

I understand the feeling as I am also looking for a job after a long spell being a SAHM.

I decided not to claim JSA as they were so unhelpful last time. Do you have a particular area in mind or do you not mind what you work as? I'm being quite picky about my hours and to some extent the employment area. Try applying through temping agencies, look at county council websites for vacancies in your area and look at www.indeed.co.uk.

Good luck.

What jobs have you done before? What qualifications do you have?

You can access all the jobs advertised though the job centre on their website.

Hi.
Previously: Counselling.
V hard to get work in this area though.
NHS don't tend to employ and private is hard to get, esp rural where I am.

I would like to do something online to fit in with school hours and no commute too...

The only online at home jobs I have been advertised at the job centre has been of an adult nature.

I think I will struggle to find that kind of job. Would you consider commute or use of childcare?

*I should be you

cant use childcare no.

"adult" jobs at Jobcentre????

surely not

Yep! I was shocked too. But I suppose they have to advertise some where. I think the advert said something along the lines of webcam work, must be comfortable with some nudity.

Sorry I have no advice for you. I hope somebody else comes along.

I'm my experience the job centre is rubbish and depressing. I think the first thing is you just need to start anywhere you can! Try not to be too fussy and apply for everything.

The jobs market is not easy at the moment it's easier to get a job once your in one!

Have you thought about volunteering for a bit to get back into the working zone? With a counselling background you could work from home for a charity. Child line? The Samaritans? Other charities too have volunteers who are prepared to offer a listening ear & support. If you could choose something that really resonated with you, it's surprising what else it could lead to...As well as getting more recent references, you will become part of a team, gain confidence, and perhaps new skills too: e-guidance is the new buzzword.

In terms of jobs offered at the JobCentre, they are all online, so you can search from home:
www.gov.uk/jobsearch

One of the most helpful resources IMHO are job aggregators. If you register with www.indeed.co.uk/ or www.adzuna.co.uk/ you can be notified of all new jobs within your search parameters right to your inbox.

If you are puzzled by the sorts of job that might suit you, check out nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx. If you live in England, you can also arrange to see/speak to a Careers Adviser through them.
In Wales, look at: www.careerswales.com.

Good luck

CareersDragon

THANK YOU SO MUCH

That is more good advice than I have got from the Jobcentre for over a year!

Really grateful!

You're very welcome firstchoice

PM me if I can help.