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 always thought polling staff were volunteers

I would also say though yes use AI for your application but a lot of places are now using AI screen out software to automatically eliminate applications that score high on AI use. So it’s incredibly difficult to both get through the screening but also not be eliminated - make sure you personalise and humanise your applications

Don't give up! Sending you lots of hugs and support.

I was made redundant at 52 during Covid and thought it was near impossible to find another job, but it can be done. I've just turned 59 now.

Finding work after 50 is a totally different ball game as those interviewing you will often be in their 30s. Ageism is rife in the workplace, you'll find. Younger women for some reason can be particularly hostile (maybe it's a mum thing).

I was in the Arts & Entertainment sector (probably more ageist than other industries), but do a lot of work now in the education / civil service sector.

CVs are dead, everything is done by portal now and by algorithms. To get interviews it is best to paraphrase a lot of the words in the job description / criteria.

My advice would be to approach temp agencies to remain working. Academia is really good for older workers, look at what transferable skills you have, and be prepared to come in at a much lower level. I worked for English Heritage for a while giving tours, which was great fun but paid peanuts. The moment something else came up after a year, I took it. At one point I had 5 different employers (zero hours casual contracts & temping) and was rushing all over London. I'm on a long term temp contract and the moment and have been told they'd like me to replace a colleague who is retiring next year. I also work in Art Events, and now hostess on a casual basis for various galleries.

Eventually, you will find a 'fit' - it is not about your qualifications or experience, but more about finding an environment to fit - so don't sweat it or loose your confidence. Be open. Be prepared to try anything.

Also think about what you what to do for the last part of your working life. That's important.

Good luck!

In a similar sort of position and managed to get an admin role in NHS. What I would say is look out for bulk adverts where they are looking for multiple people - in my area there is NHS, I have also seen quite a lot of HMRC roles which I didn’t apply for as all full time for the training . Use AI to support your application but not fully write it. Or have you checked out charities? There is a dedicated site in Scotland I don’t know what the English equivalent is. Pay is usually not amazing which means you have less competition, plus they are more interested in buying in experience.

I have my flat on Airbnb but only one booking in the six months it’s been on

Is this where you live or a separate flat? Have you tried lodger sites?
https://www.spareroom.co.uk/lodgers
https://www.mondaytofriday.com/
https://www.homeprotect.co.uk/lodgers-insurance/looking-for-a-lodger

Good call.

Pay shouldn't be a primary concern, I'd say the main thing is getting your foot in the door. Once you are in the organisation you can apply for much higher and more suitable roles and well as have the opportunity to approach those in departments that you want to work in.

They absolutely aren’t-I used to do it years ago and it was well worth it financially

Schools really are crying out for teaching assistants. And experience is not always necessary as they will train. The pay is not good but it may give you a buffer. There also seem to be a lot of admin posts available in schools if that’s more your thing.

Have a look at the eteach website. You can narrow the search to your local area.

Slightly off topic. I see that you have epilepsy. Have you applied for a disability Freedom pass? You do it through your council. It will give you free bus and tube at any time and free London area trains after 9:30. An epileptic friend of mine has one.
Also have you applied to your council for a discount on your council tax due to your low income?

Someone local to me put up a Facebook post saying they were struggling to find work and offering gardening services and I’ve been giving them work each week. If you have any practical skills like that it’s often difficult to find reliable hard workers who offer fhem. He’s not a trained gardener or anything but works hard. As well as dog walking could you offer a service where you have dogs in your home while people go on holiday? There are apps for that.

So sorry to hear you are in this situation - it is really tough right now.
Here's another couple of ideas ....

How about working for a wealthy London based family - as a PA? Or if you like older children, as a PA/Nanny? I mean PA/nanny for older kids e.g. where teens need driving to school/airport etc. (So not babies or under 6's as you do need solid qualifications & experience for younger age groups which you haven't mentioned having). If you have had children yourself this may well help - ask the agencies, they will know.

The fact that you are 50+ could mean you are seen as mature, capable etc
Have a look a the types of roles on here if this sounds of interest.... https://www.khstaff.com/for-candidates/
There are lots of agencies - just Google.

I'm thinking you'd need at the very least a DBS, Safeguarding, some basic First Aid, any Mental Health learning would be helpful for working with teens in a family situation? All these you may be able to learn fairly quickly via free online courses? You might need a PA qualification - some of these are online and you could undertake this free one to see if the work appeals first? alison.com/course/how-to-become-an-executive-personal-assistant

Agencies would be able to tell you if you needed a formal PA course...or if with your Civil Service background you'd be able to go straight in with good refs.

This type of work could even herald a lovely change of scene (e.g. working for an international family permanently somewhere warm ...Europe?!). You could then rent out your house and start getting more financially comfortable again?

Another suggestion ...(again, hear me out!) is to ask to volunteer for a company you'd actually love to work for- preferably a charity or a small but growing local business. You make yourself indispensible and you can sometimes be offered a role as they can see you'd add serious benefit. Especially if they were on the cusp of recruiting ...and you came along and proved yourself. (I'm hoping this wouldn't affect any benefits as you'd be volunteering, unpaid, but you'd need to check this out). It could also lift spirits as you see others valuing your input again?

Just a couple of ideas - very best wishes, keep going- something is going to work.

Sorry to hear you are struggling OP, I am being made redundant at the moment and I don't know how I will find another job, there are 100 applications for each role I apply for so I don't rate my chances. Definitely worried for the future right now.

Do you have a degree or a masters OP? Student loans are now available for masters as well, and are written off when you're 60 i think. You'd get a full maintenance loan most likely if your savings are low. Council tax benefit etc. Plus scholarships. If it's a practical option for you it could be an opportunity for a reset and refresh.

Care work is a guaranteed job

I agree with PP, apply for jobs elsewhere in the country. The LA is work for is hybrid working, with 4/5 working from home. You could start off and move area once settled in the job.

If you like dogs offer home boarding! There are some upfront costs (licensing and insurance) but it’s a great easy side hustle.

A lodger would bring in £800-£1100 a month depending on how central you are. I’m in zone 3 (just) and it’s £900 round here for lodgings

I’m a homeowner recently medically retired and when my daughter moves out I’ll be getting lodgers.

if you are in London you’ll find someone. I’m planning on using spareroom.com

i did also try hosting international students which pays well but was a LOT of work.

https://londonhomestays.com/

In the short term, if you would consider hospitality how about the agencies Host, or High Society for bar and waitressing work?
Also, Compass use agency staff for sporting events like rugby, Wimbledon tennis so may be worth a look. My DCs are being paid c.£18 ph this year at Wimbledon so it’s a good rate. I think Compass also run the cleaning side of things and it can be quite lucrative for a short term fix.
Alternatively, you are (over) qualified for this role https://jobs.wimbledon.com/jobs?source=google.com]]
Good luck.

I will say that I’m sure you’ve done all this.

• put the word out to literally everyone you know
• You’ve tried NHS jobs - I’d keep trying; maybe a fixed term contract as they are hard to recruit to, but once you’re in… start looking for your next job as soon as you get in. Something like this - https://www.healthjobsuk.com/job/UK/London/London/Guys_St_Thomas_NHS_Foundation_Trust/Rehabilitation_Therapies/Rehabilitation_Therapies-v7943779?_ts=9824
• Rent out your flat and go and live somewhere full of old people who need gardeners, cleaners who are really carers, companion carers or Shared Lives lodgers.

House sitting, pet sitting, live-in short term carer advertised in The Lady type role.

Amazon delivery driver- you can make an ok living with no interview process

On benefits you will be entitled to free courses and also job clubs if they still exist? Xx

If paid to have dogs stay in your home overnight, a licence is required from the council, plus insurance.

I’m sorry you have struggled op but there are some good stories of people leaving the civil service. DH took voluntary redundancy and lined up a job (paying double) to start a week after leaving the civil service. He received multiple offers.
Have a look at what free courses you may be entitled to? There are a lot of level 2 courses that are free for all, and a lot of level 3 courses for those on benefits/low income. For example, https://www.learningcurvegroup.co.uk/partners/education-providers/learning-resources/free-courses-for-jobs/