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Original poster

DS 20yo needs work

32 replies

Duckcurtains · 08/05/2023 12:33

To cut a very long story short, as a result of significant trauma DS has failed at what he's tried to do since he left school.

He initially had a trainee tech job, but that was wfh once Covid arrived, with very little supervision and that, alongside his MH struggles meant he didn't do what he should have done and he resigned before he was forced to leave.

Then he went to Uni (foundation course, no Alevels) where his MH got worse and the same thing has happened, he hasn't done the work.

He's going to come home, have some medical help and hopefully a fresh start.

As part of his plan, he wants a job where he will be busy. I.e. where the work is in front of him and won't go away, rather than him sat at a desk with no one checking. He's not worried how menial it is for now, physical would probably be good. So shop, catering, labouring, warehouse, cleaning etc. Unfortunately though, he started learning to drive and that was also interuppted by Covid so is still a work in progress.

So, he has good GCSEs but nothing else. Can't drive, limited work experience and is 20yo. We do live in a largeish town and he cycles. There is work here, but he's not going to be a particularly attractive candidate.

What sort of suggestions would you make as to where to look?

OP posts:
WateryDoom · 08/05/2023 12:34

I think he just applies for anything and everything to be honest. Good luck.

nirbil · 08/05/2023 12:35

McDonald's could be a good fit. It's fast paced, lots of different shift options, training and progression.

Original poster
Duckcurtains · 08/05/2023 12:39

nirbil · 08/05/2023 12:35

McDonald's could be a good fit. It's fast paced, lots of different shift options, training and progression.

Yes, that's certainly on the list. My older, much less bright (on paper) son has made an excellent career for himself after starting out in McDonalds and I have to say they were superb employers during Covid. Really looked after their young staff in a way that the tech company didn't.

OP posts:
Needmorelego · 08/05/2023 12:40

Factory/Warehouse work?
If it's shifts they sometimes have staff buses or people car share.

MayBeeJuneSoon · 08/05/2023 12:41

I recommend B&Q or Wickes type places

Lots of work to tire him out and lots of people to make friends with. Also, he can learn to operate their equipment safely

drspouse · 08/05/2023 12:52

Is cycling an actual hobby? If so maybe bike shop?

Original poster
Duckcurtains · 08/05/2023 12:53

drspouse · 08/05/2023 12:52

Is cycling an actual hobby? If so maybe bike shop?

No not really, it's just one of many excuses he used not to finish learning to drive - he can get about on his bike, which was fine in the first job and while he was at Uni.

OP posts:
Clymene · 08/05/2023 12:57

Hospitality. It's busy and he'll learn how to be responsive, be part of a team, and customer service skills. It's also a job where initiative and responsiveness is rewarded.

TheSparkling · 08/05/2023 13:23

What about bus driving? The main bus company here is advertising for applicants, they train people to pass the driving test and then employ them.
Just a thought, as the learning to drive would give him a confidence boost.

MrsSkylerWhite · 08/05/2023 13:24

Second McDs. Student youngest really enjoys it. Good people, reasonable pay and very flexible around their schedule.

Frogsdinner · 08/05/2023 13:32

Call centre? The work is right in front of him. No slacking

Original poster
Duckcurtains · 08/05/2023 13:34

TheSparkling · 08/05/2023 13:23

What about bus driving? The main bus company here is advertising for applicants, they train people to pass the driving test and then employ them.
Just a thought, as the learning to drive would give him a confidence boost.

That's a good idea, but I've just looked and the company here will train you to drive a bus but ask that you've held a car licence for 6 months.

OP posts:
Hellocatshome · 08/05/2023 13:40

Frogsdinner · 08/05/2023 13:32

Call centre? The work is right in front of him. No slacking

Having worked in call centres I would not recommend to anyone with fragile mental health.

Hellocatshome · 08/05/2023 13:42

McDonald's or other fast food outlet
Bar work
Waiter
Warehouse
Production Line

A good start would be register with an agency. He could try out quite a few different things that way.

Clymene · 08/05/2023 13:44

Hellocatshome · 08/05/2023 13:42

McDonald's or other fast food outlet
Bar work
Waiter
Warehouse
Production Line

A good start would be register with an agency. He could try out quite a few different things that way.

That's a good shout. I was registered with a temp agency at that sort of age and did all sorts of weird and wonderful things. It was really helpful to see what I did and didn't enjoy in the world of work.

thesandwich · 08/05/2023 13:46

what about the princes trust? Opportunity to learn skills and develop?

NeedingCoffee · 08/05/2023 13:47

Tesco distribution centres are always advertising for workers round here. Or if he likes being outdoors, gardening /landscaping businesses are at their busiest at the moment and always looking for workers. You can find them on Facebook or in local magazines and worth a speculative message.

Mogginsthemog · 08/05/2023 13:54

Any kind of retail jobs, supermarkets etc .
Hospitality .
Postman ?

I would avoid call centres.

MrsSkylerWhite · 08/05/2023 13:54

thesandwich · Today 13:46
what about the princes trust? Opportunity to learn skills and develop?”

Think OP’s son need paid work, not volunteering?

Paq · 08/05/2023 13:57

Gardening? Outdoors and physical work can be good for MH.

lemonyellows · 08/05/2023 13:59

How about an apprenticeship? Great time of year for recruiting

Original poster
Duckcurtains · 08/05/2023 14:13

lemonyellows · 08/05/2023 13:59

How about an apprenticeship? Great time of year for recruiting

Yes, maybe when he gets himself sorted, but for now he doesn't "trust himself" with the study element.

OP posts:
rwalker · 08/05/2023 14:16

TheSparkling · 08/05/2023 13:23

What about bus driving? The main bus company here is advertising for applicants, they train people to pass the driving test and then employ them.
Just a thought, as the learning to drive would give him a confidence boost.

You need to have passed your test it the extra bit to drive buses they’ll train and put you through

CuteCillian · 08/05/2023 14:19

Tesco distribution centres are always advertising for workers round here
This, and Asda etc. Opportunity to earn reasonable money (which will improve self esteem), the name looks good on CV, and there is no hanging about!

Dotcheck · 08/05/2023 14:29

What sort of tech?

I’m a bit confused- did he do a foundation year, or a foundation degree? Was it an art foundation year?

Did he not do any level 3 qualifications? If not, how did he get on a foundation course?