Unemployed and panicking - what do I do?

[SunDragon]

I was made redundant around a year ago. I started applying for other jobs the day I was made redundant and for the past year I’ve spent every day writing job applications. No holiday, no break, just job applications.

I’ve not managed to get any work since. For context, I was at a fairly senior level, think for example, Head of Marketing (not that, but that sort of level). Jobs at my level are not overly common and often go to someone in the team ready for promotion, so it’s hard to get as an external candidate. I looked into senior-level consulting in the relevant field but didn’t get any interest. Jobs at a more junior level are turning me down for being over-experienced and likely to move on quickly to something else (real feedback received multiple times), even though I make it clear I’m willing to commit.

I’ve also tried to get “just any job” that everyone suggests would be easy. Cleaning, supermarket, etc. I’m not managing to get anything at all! No one will give me any work.

I’m running out of money and I’m in a state of panic about what to do. I applied for benefits, I get some money each month but it doesn’t cover all my outgoings so I’ve used up all of my savings and I’m starting to build debt.

Panic panic panic! What do I do? How can I get some work - any work at all? I’m desperate to earn some money. Any suggestions really welcome.

To add: I’m on a couple of apps advertised as a dog walker, but there are so many around here I’ve not had any takers with that.

Could you register with an agency? Make your CV more generalised and multi skilled and explain you are looking for some temp placements. If you'll consider non-management positions make sure your CV highlights the skills you have rather than the jobs you've held.

Sorry you are going through this.

Following closely - in exactly the same boat and my already fragile self esteem is taking a real battering. In this week alone I’ve had a refusal from a Tesco role I applied for, invited to an interview that was meant for today but they cancelled on Tuesday due to the position no longer required and this is on top of being unsuccessful last week on a 2nd stage interview. Not to mention the 10+ jobs I’m applying for every week, some applications so in-depth, as well as applying for anything I could do, cleaning, chambermaid, you name it!

For me, I’m mid 50s, been out of work due to an illness for 4 years, but like you claimed benefits but not enough to cover outgoings and had to use savings as back up. I have to work, I am in debt but just feeling more and more panicked and this war in Iran is not going to help anything!

Sorry to her this OP. My job was made redundant a years ago and I re-joined an agency I'd been with previously. It was a pay cut, but it was regular work and its easier to get a job when working. I'm unsure if there are any/many agencies in your sector though? Remember that the role became redundant and not YOU.

Would you consider say training as a dog groomer? My cousin was a SAHM for years with no qualifications. She did the course and is now booked out around the hours she wants to do while the kids are at school. When I moved to my new house, I called 8 groomers before finding one which would take on new clients, so there certainly is a demand.

I'm guessing you're a woman of a certain age, that will definitely be a factor 😪

When I was applying for jobs that would be a step down, I asked ChatGPT to dumb down my application and make it more suitable for the role I was applying for. It made excellent suggestions and I got the first job I applied for.

It's also worth asking ChatGPT to review your applications to make sure you're overing everytning in the petspn spec.

Are you using LinkedIn? I think that's the way many senior posts are recruited now.

Thanks for the suggestion. I’m already registered with several agencies. I already have multiple versions of my CV - my ‘real’ one, another skills focused one, and a sort of reduced-experience one.
Still nothing!

@LappingLouisa Sending you a hug of solidarity.

Have you tried care work roles? They’re always hiring but it’s not for everyone. I certainly couldn’t hack it.

I’d happily retrain to do anything but I have very literally no money to pay for a course. When I say I’m running out of money I mean I have literally nothing to spare. My benefits, while I appreciate getting anything, still leaves me running up debt. I’m in the position of eating one meal a day with an extra small snack. Taking a training course in anything just isn’t possible, and I have no family to fall back on for a loan.

Yes, 50 😒
I’m on LinkedIn, I’m already posting regularly as I’m told that’s a way to keep yourself current - apparently the algorithms promote you if you post enough but I’m not sure whether it’s true. I do it just in case.
It’s not such a problem needing to dumb down applications, I know how to do it. The problem is more a vacancy will be getting 100s of applicants!

I am registered with an agency who does care roles but I haven’t got any work through them, I’m guessing because I don’t have any relevant experience for that sort of work, even though (as with a lot of work), I’d be happy to start doing anything to learn as I go. I’m guessing there are people with care experience getting those jobs.

look for income
reduce costs
sell assets

do you have kids/partner? Pull out of nursery/afterschool care. Can partner get more hours?

debts - are you with the cheapest provider?

can you sell anything? Housing market is pretty shit right now but some stuff is moving.

Where are you located OP?

I’m in London.
That’s another thing I’m trying - I have my flat on Airbnb but only one booking in the six months it’s been on. I’m not in an area where tourists would likely look.

Have you consider civil service positions ? It’s a bit of a chore to get up to speed for their style of applications and scoring but could be a good option

Do you have a drivers license? Supermarket delivery is another shout. High turnover.

I’ve got all bills to the lowest they could be, credit cards (2) currently on 0% but that will change eventually, no Netflix or amazon or any extras - all bills essential only. I’ve sold anything I could lose already.
No partner, no kids.
I am a homeowner but when I looked into selling, I wouldn’t benefit from selling because for the amount I’ve paid off, that would be quickly run down if I sold and moved into renting.

It’s actually civil service that I was made redundant from. In theory I should be an ideal candidate for a civil service vacancy, but this is what I mentioned originally - that I’m finding a lot of roles end up going to someone already internal, because there are so many existing civil servants looking for work. There’s been a lot of restructuring and downsizing across the civil service over the past year.

Warning note for any fellow civil servants who might see this post - if you are offered voluntary redundancy, don’t take it. Mine wasn’t voluntary as it happens, but I know some who were, who thought they’d take an payout and walk into another job, and who are now in the same position as me.

Unfortunately no and unable to get one - epilepsy.

It might seem like I’m saying no to every suggestion here but it’s because I’ve already done it/tried it, or unable to. I’ve honestly tried everything I can think of. I still appreciate the suggestions though.

I am in a similar fix to you. Have you thought of becoming a virtual assistant? Your marketing experience would be invaluable for your own self promotion and to do freelance work for anyone looking for help with marketing.

I’d do it myself but the constant social media marketing terrifies me.
I am applying for anything and everything. Been out of proper work since November last year. About to apply to the supermarkets for delivery driving jobs. Thought it might suit my ADHD.
The upside is that my garden is fantastic!

No I hear you and I know how frustrating it can be to get advice that you’ve already tried. Job market is worse than 08.

Are there any exam invigilator roles near you? That could be another shout.

Have you tried local councils. If you declare disability and meet essential criteria you are guaranteed interview. Similar to civil service make sure you make clear you meet every criteria. Often still mainly wfh so could potentially travel quite far.
Lots of roles you may have transferable skills for. Look for fixed term or maternity cover as a foot in door.

@FiveOClockSomewhere exam invigilator is great shout my friend is exam officer and has 1/3 students needed adjustments which means loads of invigilators and she struggles.
Local elections in May they are often desperate for polling station staff or to count contact your local council.

Definitely try all the local high schools for exams office work, it’s actually decent money and if you are available for am and pm and covering lunchtimes for kids who need extra time etc you’ll be like gold dust. Sign up with all of them! And any schools with 6th form

charities are also often looking, I was made redundant from a charity that now has loads of vacancies because we all left! (Including a head of Marcomms and other head of posts) - often wfh and disability friendly