Can’t find a job and terrified - suggestions?

[MerLOWnomore]

I was made redundant seven months ago. Background in communications for the past five years (copywriting/campaign management was my focus.) Also have some admin experience.

I had a severe mental breakdown at the end of December, involving a hospital stay, and it took me several months to recover. Also several bouts of physical illness - recently diagnosed with a lifelong chronic illness.

As a result I only started applying a few months ago. I think it isn’t helping that I now live in a tiny city (South-West) and there are just not that many jobs compared to where I was before. I’ve got about a month of living expenses left and then that’s it. Already on UC, but it doesn’t cover my rent - there’s a fair shortfall. I’ve had to stop paying credit cards too, so I will likely default unless a job comes up soon.

I’m seriously in panic mode now. I’ve registered with at least 20 recruiters in total, but have moved my focus to just getting a temporary job, hopefully in admin/office support. There’s only about 6 recruiters in my city in this area, so I’ve registered with them and then the ones in neighbouring towns.

In the past, I’ve usually been able to get a temporary job quite quickly and, perhaps stupidly, thought this would be the same this time around. I’m still applying for perm jobs, but the reality is that the recruitment process is usually quite long and I just need some money coming in.

My mental health is still pretty bad and I feel quite hopeless. The stress makes me feel sick daily and I can’t stop worrying.

Beyond recruiters, is there any other way of finding a temp/temp ongoing job? I’m wondering if I’m missing any ideas.

My illness does limit me somewhat - can’t really do heavy lifting without causing myself injury, but I’m open to doing things outside office work, though I’m not sure if they’d want me without the experience.

Sounds like you’ve been through a truly horrific time, and this must really be adding to your stress.
Have you tried widening your job search to whole of uk but remote only, for any work from home roles? Are you on LinkedIn? That’s another platform that is useful for job hunting. Especially as you can connect with old colleagues/bosses and check if they know of any suitable roles going.
As well as keeping an eye on job sites, it might be worthwhile regularly checking on business websites for roles they could be hiring for, such as companies you can think of that are in the industry where your main experience is.
If you drive, have you thought about a job that involves driving such as delivery person, courier, bus driver etc.
I really hope you find something soon, even if it’s not something you completely want but enough to get you by while you continue on the job search.
Please remember to make your self care and well-being a priority during this stressful time x

Thank you for your kind words.

Unfortunately, I don’t drive, which rules out a fair few job opportunities.

I am on LinkedIn, and have applied to several jobs through them. I had been sticking to searching for remote roles in my field, but expanding it to other jobs is probably a good idea.

I think my main concern at the moment is the urgency of it, as I feel like most jobs that don’t come through recruiters are typically perm jobs. Not that I’d turn a perm job down, but I really just need money coming in for next month’s rent and bills, which I’d imagine would come more out of a temp job.

I’m trying to keep my chin up but it’s hard to remain hopeful. Part of me is kicking myself for not starting applying sooner, but then at the same time it wasn’t really possible with my health. There is a possibility I may be able to ask family for a loan if there are no other option, but I hate the thought of doing that - but if it’s that or not making next month’s rent, I will have to.

You wasn’t well so you wouldn’t have been able to tackle this any sooner, none of this is your fault.
Have you looked up if there are any government/local authority type grants/schemes to help cover things like your next months rent in emergency circumstances like this?x

Some mental health teams now have employment specialists who are geared up to getting people back into work, especially after an admission or diagnosis of severe mental health condition. If you are still in contact with your team, do ask if they have this provision. If you've been discharged back to your GP it might be worth seeing if you can get back in touch with them.

Have you tried looking on your local council's website for admin jobs? Depending on where you are there might be a district or borough council and a separate county council.

As long has you have experience, agency work may be better for you. But you need experience, the good news is that is the only big requirement, and the legal right to work. The pay for agency is higher and it can lead to more opportunities for permanent work.

What about looking on NHS jobs for admin / communication roles?

Maybe expand your industry

So if you've always worked in finance for example, look at education/manufacturing/healthcare etc

Maybe try Fiverr and similar copywriting freelancing? It's pretty competitive so I can't imagine high pay, but if you have a niche from previous experience, it might bring in a small amount of cash whilst you look for a permanent job.