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.

I haven’t read every single post - a few ideas:

https://natcen.ac.uk/work-for-us
field interviews etc

i think there are short training courses to qualify as a phlebotomist. Or what about an apprenticeship to re-train?
https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/career-planning/study-and-training/nhs-apprenticeships

Transport chaperone/escort for SEN school transport. E.g https://londontransporters.com/work-with-us-london-transporters/ (no link/knowledge of the company so DYOR)

There is free training for getting into social care work e.g:
https://www.wea.org.uk/campaigns/step-into-care

my area runs short courses in plastering, plumbing, bricklaying etc. they are free /subsidised. What about doing something like that and carve out a niche specialising in small plastering jobs for women.

if you are a non-judgmental person you could set up a cleaning business yourself specialising in disorganised/adhd homes? If you get permission from clients you could make SM content of the cleans as well - I love watching these: https://m.youtube.com/@TakesaVillageCleaning

have you checked the government assessment of skills shortages? “occupations in Digital, Adult Social Care, Construction and Engineering have the greatest additional employment demand between 2025 and 2030. ” so getting some training in one of these areas might help.

something in education?
www.educationweekjobs.co.uk/searchjobs/?Keywords=&radialtown=London+%28Greater%29&LocationId=325&RadialLocation=5

Volunteering, even just a couple of hours a week, would give experience and another up to date reference you can use.

Good luck!

I took the payout and walked straight into another job with a significant pay rise, in the private sector. Interestingly I was offered three other jobs as well - one by someone I knew well and used to work for, another by a previous contact (which was to work for his NGO) and a third from someone I know slightly, who approached me via LinkedIn. I was recommended for my current job by a previous contact as well. So, for me, networking has paid dividends.

Also, get someone in the private sector to look at your CV. My internal one made no sense externally. I also found lots of jobs on LinkedIn that I would have been a good fit for, such as government relations officer, also NGO sector. Several of my colleagues got jobs with NGOs after leaving the civil service.

Mcdonalds take on absolutely anybody. My son is 19 & has AUdhd and they have been amazing with him. He was absolutely made up they gave him a job. He's been there a year now & he loves it.
The money is good too and you're paid every 2 weeks. It might not be your dream job but it will pay well for the time being. DS works nights as its quieter & suits him better so he gets additional pay for that too.

I was rejected by 2 local McDonald's. Thanks for making more than one person here feel unemployable beyond McDonald's.

McDonald’s are only interested in young people. It’s a physical job than a fast moving environment unless you’re out there sweep in the tables they’ve got no interest in older people.

Are you looking outside of London OP, somewhere less competitive in the west or north of the country. Being wiling to relocate might be a differentiating factor for more senior roles where less skills exist.

The reason why there’s less competition for jobs of seniority up north under the west is because there’s less jobs there in the first place, some of the suggestions on this thread are just ridiculous
In 2008 my ex lost his senior job in the north of England the first thing he had to do was relocate down south

Ive seen one person over 30 at my local one. He sweeps the tables. They employ young people

I popped into a maccies in Coventry the other day and there was a guy who looked about 80 !

You're entirely welcome. Maybe work on that woe is me attitude and you'll get further. It's not very becoming.

My sons manager is 67. She started 7 months before him. Someone started 4 months after him who was late 50s. The one he works at has all over 30s during the day as they're part time and do if around school hours. So not every McDonalds employs young people, maybe depends on the area.

Oh bless him 🥺 Lots of older people work at mcdonalds but maybe this differs from North to South. All ages workcin my sons branch.

What sector are you in OP? You said not marketing..

Tech
London / Bristol / Cambridge / Manchester
Engineering
West / North / East
Aerospace & Defence
West dominates strongly (Bristol, Filton, Plymouth corridors)
Finance
London / Leeds / Bristol / Manchester
Tourism / Lifestyle businesses
West strongest overall
Marine / Maritime
West very strong

Yes - In 2008 I’m sure he did…….the whole
world was a shit show. That’s not where we are today.

What, so now people struggling to find work aren't even allowed to mind about it?

That’s great. Perhaps it depends on the area/franchise. Hopefully more will follow

This is once again incredibly dismissive.

This isn’t helpful, even McDonald’s will have many people applying, such is the job market, that means many won’t get the job.

The OP has a shared ownership flat. I am not sure how a relocation would work when she literally said eats once a day already and has 0 money left in current account. Moving and relocating will cost you few thousands

Care work. You will easily find a job in care even if it's just to fill a gap

You don't need care experience to work in care. Keep applying xxx