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Original poster

Perfect job - but I can't get there!

163 replies

Thesisquibble · 19/04/2023 08:34

I have been made redundant a few months ago and have struggled finding a new role. I live in an area where jobs are usually seasonal so anything officey is quite unusual.

The perfect job, perfect pay and perfect hours has been advertised.

BUT I can't get there. There's no public transport. And I cannot drive for a while due to blacking out. I repeat: I cannot drive due to blacking out (and currently in the midst of tests / diagnosis). I had tomsay that twice for all the posters who say "learn to drive"... I can drive already, thanks!

Should I bother with the interview and hope that I can lift share? I live in a City and the role is in a town - 25 mins away by car. As far as I can tell they don't offer WFH. (WFH is unusual here)

DH can potentially give me a lift but he works FT and it'll be difficult to squeeze it all in to his workday.

DVLA won't reassess my driving license for a while.

I just feel sad about being made redundant and sad thst I'm stuck. And sad that my perfect role seems unattainable.

Wwyd?

OP posts:
Greensleevevssnotnose · 19/04/2023 10:12

You could pay a driver if a taxi is too expensive. My friend likes to work in the car so has a driver.

AllTheOtherNamesWereTaken · 19/04/2023 10:13

Do you have a Facebook page for people living in your area? You might fine a lift share by checking on there?!

NineToFiveish · 19/04/2023 10:15

OK, now it's time to spread the good luck job dust around. 😆 Don't be greedy!

Wnikat · 19/04/2023 10:16

electric bike?

Newestname002 · 19/04/2023 10:23

Thesisquibble · 19/04/2023 09:58

And someone just messaged me on LinkedIn with another job oppprtunity!

More hours and one that I can get to all independently in a jiffy!

I may not get either but this is nice.......Good things are finally happening 😂

Fingers crossed for you @Thesisquibble!🌹

Username84 · 19/04/2023 10:27

If there's a disused train line is it a Greenway? They're much easier to cycle on and often faster than driving as direct. I used to use one to get to work.

Other than that, it's possibly worth ubering if possible or taxis if it's not more than you earn anyway. There's also no harm in asking for short term reasonable adjustments i.e. working from home. And put your linkedin on looking for work mode so more recruiters can see you.

PermanentTemporary · 19/04/2023 10:38

Yay! [Shakes pompoms]

pontipinemum · 19/04/2023 10:43

@Thesisquibble sorry I've read your updates but not all the thread. I understand the frustration of not being able to drive right now, but having a licence. I can't due to medical and won't be re-assessed until Sept. I live on a farm in the back arse of no where. When I posted here the other week many people were very helpful but some just dug in on the no driving bit.

Anyway, I think you did the right in the applying. If it's only 2 days per week and DH can get you there at a squeeze you might find someone to job share with when you start. There might be a notice board you could post on.

Or that other job that came up through linked in 😀

TidyDancer · 19/04/2023 10:44

Congratulations on getting your interview OP, that's great news!

Have you checked how much it would be for you to get an Uber the rest of the way from where your DH could drop you? Since they can be pre booked on the app to meet you at the drop off point that could be an option if the bus proves unreliable.

RB68 · 19/04/2023 10:56

you cant tell someone temporarily suspended from driving due to black outs to get on a bike - what do you think happens if she blacks out on the bike!!!

Look at access to work, check if they have a works minibus or similar, ask if they have a staff notice board for liftsharing - talk about sustainability and how minibus or liftsharing would contribute to reducing their scope 3's ...

I would go for interview and look at the transport options and if nec apply for access to work especially if your suspension becomes permanent (I know they are changing some of the rules around this as a friend has an issue with this - debilitating migraines OK PTSD not!! ie if you have PTSD DVLA will suspend your license and request medical information etc)

Xiaoxiong · 19/04/2023 11:02

Good luck with the interview!! I'd definitely ask them about work transport, I know that there are so many large employers in a similar scenario - the public transport isn't good enough for their employees to get to work, and they don't have enough parking either, so they're laying on buses not just as a perk but actually to be able to get their workforce in on time. I was just reading about customs officers in Dover being bussed in as they weren't able to get to work on time due to traffic jams!!

FriedEggChocolate · 19/04/2023 11:14

The blacking out thing can count as a disability. Access to work can fund taxis to enable people to get to work where someone wouldn't otherwise be able to work. We have someone with a visual impairment who has funded taxis to get to work.

Don't let the illness put you off applying.

pingster · 19/04/2023 11:32

There are liftshare website where you can find people doing your commute who are looking for a liftshare - I think you can specify that you are just looking for a lift. I can't remember the site name but should come up on Google

IMustDoMoreExercise · 19/04/2023 11:42

Go for the interview. It is good practice anyway and they might let you wfh once you have proved yourself, you never know.

IsAGirlMumma · 19/04/2023 11:58

I would go for it. What have guy got to lose? If you get it, maybe they can make allowances in the short term for wfh? And you could get lifts from DH or lift share if that's available

Haus1234 · 19/04/2023 14:20

Congratulations OP, the second opportunity sounds good too! Hope your bus service works well enough as that sounds like a good plan.

Mortimercat · 19/04/2023 16:13

Cleoforever · 19/04/2023 08:35

Sadly not the perfect job then

Without even reading that posters comment, I was also thinking it isn’t the perfect job. Being in the right location is pretty important to a perfect job!

It would seem pointless applying if you can’t get there, unless you need the interview practice I suppose.

Original poster
Thesisquibble · 19/04/2023 16:31

Mortimercat · 19/04/2023 16:13

Without even reading that posters comment, I was also thinking it isn’t the perfect job. Being in the right location is pretty important to a perfect job!

It would seem pointless applying if you can’t get there, unless you need the interview practice I suppose.

Show quote history

almost as pointless as replying to a thread you haven't read or can actually advise on 😂

If only pointless people could stop doing pointless things eh

OP posts:
Nickiholly · 19/04/2023 17:47

This happened to me before - applied for a job, they said having a car is preferable, I didn’t have one and couldn’t drive anyway (the job didn’t pay for much so I wouldn’t have been able to afford one).

I ended up getting the job but my boss said he would fire me unless I got a car in the next few weeks. He ended up getting fired!

I used to cycle to and from work in all weather. Anyway, things have a strange way of working out.

OrthopaedicShoesPlz · 19/04/2023 17:54

OP is it theoretically possible to cycle IF you felt confident enough? Loads of councils offer free 1-2-1 cycle lessons for people wanting to commute but who are nervous. I used this and it was BRILLIANT!

Also, have you got a quote for a cab/uber/bolt just to see if you could absorb the cost?

I DEFINITELY think this is a surmountable issue!

ShowUs · 19/04/2023 18:13

Can you drive there?

Only joking 😁

That is so frustrating!

I would not rely on lift sharing as not many people are willing to do that and it makes it difficult if they’re off sick or something.

The only thing I can suggest is getting public transport half the way and walking the rest of possible.
Or DH dropping you to the public transport and leaving slightly earlier those 2 days.

ittakes2 · 19/04/2023 18:14

I would go to the interview - you never know you might be able to share a lift with someone - worst case scenario at least they have met you and might be able to offer you something in the future.

Noodles1234 · 19/04/2023 19:25

I’d go for the interview, ask about wfh.

Look into options of Uber / cheap taxi (maybe ask firms what deals they could do).

maybe look into paying for taxis for the short term, or even stay in a local travel lodge Mon-Fri, with your OH driving you there and back if everyday is too much for him.

even if just for interview experience, you could find in the interview you don’t like it anyway.

celticprincess · 19/04/2023 19:37

swanling · 19/04/2023 08:40

Access to Work can fund transport costs for people who can't drive due to disability. It's intended to get people into work (or stay in work) who would otherwise be excluded, which seems to be what you're facing.

www.gov.uk/access-to-work

I came on to say the same thing. Worth looking into as they may find taxi.

greyhairnomore · 19/04/2023 19:39

Noodles1234 · 19/04/2023 19:25

I’d go for the interview, ask about wfh.

Look into options of Uber / cheap taxi (maybe ask firms what deals they could do).

maybe look into paying for taxis for the short term, or even stay in a local travel lodge Mon-Fri, with your OH driving you there and back if everyday is too much for him.

even if just for interview experience, you could find in the interview you don’t like it anyway.

The job is two days a week.

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