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Unemployed and panicking - what do I do?

431 replies

SunDragon · 23/04/2026 16:16

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.

OP posts:
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5
StealthMama · 26/04/2026 15:34

BabanaYogurt · 26/04/2026 15:24

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

Well she said there is capital in her current property so given her current outlook, if an offer came that meant relocating she could consider this an investment to securing her future.

doesnt even have to be UK based. A single woman no children no commitments… you could go anywhere.

LappingLouisa · 26/04/2026 15:54

Absolutepleb · 25/04/2026 11:00

@SunDragon you might find Reddit useful too. I saw a thread yesterday that was very helpful for my specific industry💐

A PP mentioned The National Careers Service so I phoned them up and they were so shit it was laughable.

That was my experience too. You call, they book an appointment and then tell you that they can’t give you a time that the Advisor will call, just a day, but be by the phone and ready.

When my advisor did call for our appointment, the poor woman was so stressed and clearly over-worked, and it turned into a real tick boxing exercise. I was hoping that they would be able to advise about courses that I could apply for, get funding, apparently not, she advised me to speak with the job centre work coach for that (they were the ones that forwarded me to them!).

I thought we could discuss a career change and again that kind of support wasn’t available. What she did do was check over my CV, told me she couldn’t advise any changes as it was fine, other than the generic tailor it to each job, which any long term job seeker will tell you they do!

We then spent several minutes discussing whether I would be happy to take part in answering the customer satisfaction survey. It was a total waste of their and my time!

BabanaYogurt · 26/04/2026 15:54

StealthMama · 26/04/2026 15:34

Well she said there is capital in her current property so given her current outlook, if an offer came that meant relocating she could consider this an investment to securing her future.

doesnt even have to be UK based. A single woman no children no commitments… you could go anywhere.

I understand...wether this or calling it a day, filing bancruptcy and at least the mercy of the UK government. Abroad might be tricky if a sudden loss of job happens again or other urgency

BabanaYogurt · 26/04/2026 15:57

Goldfisher · 25/04/2026 19:57

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 am actually saving this for myself because as an educated woman who has many cv gaps and just left a NMW job, will need this

Absolutepleb · 26/04/2026 16:01

@LappingLouisa Similar! I didn't see the point in them at all. Especially when they signpost you to other (obvious) places.

The injustice of knowing ineffective people are employed to do ineffective work with Government cash when all you want is a job yourself.

Gizzywizzywoo · 26/04/2026 17:08

I know how you feel, i was made redundant after 10 years with the company, they couldnt give 2 hoots they got rid of ky job and took on 4 zero hours contracts in my place
I started looking for work they day i found out, i was given 10 weeks notice due to the length of time id worked for them send thought id get another job no problem
I was searching constantly, going for interviews ,nothing! Had to sign on at the job centre which was awful
It took 7 months to be offered a job and i snapped it up
I also had a young child and all the bills to pay on my own
I went to citizens advice thats a good start

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