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.

Then you need to register with other agencies. I work in the industry and the field is a bit wider than you may expect i.e support work. You could walk into a job and it doesn’t have to be via an agency. You could also do bank work which is flexible although a permanent job is flexible too.

It can also be good money-wise: £4K monthly gross isn’t unheard of.

Hace you considered moving out of London? It’s such an expensive place.

I’ve just read you have a spare room and you own your flat in London - why on earth haven’t you got a lodger by now so you wouldn’t be at the point you’re currently at of eating one meal a day? Am I missing something?

There are no free courses, or what they do offer are so limited. I’ve found the charities the best for job support and my local council runs an adult learning centre but again it’s fairly limited, basic IT skills, customer service etc.

Following as I’m in the same boat and panicking.

I’ve been looking for 9 months hundreds of applications and nothing…there are so many applicants for each role.

In my 50s and ageism is rife…not getting any benefits and running through my savings.

Was on contributions JSA but that ended after 6 months.

Applied for a shop role not even an interview.

Hope you don’t mind me asking but which LA is this? If you don’t want to say can you PM me? Thanks 🙂

Could you look at taking in ironing? That will be good for some short term income.

Call centre or teaching assistant roles? Call centres usually recruiting ongoing due to high turnover lots offer wfh/hybrid now also

Take in a lodger?

If you haven't already, worth asking on your local neighbourhood Facebook sites if anyone knows anyone hiring at the moment.

Can you try a recruitment agency to get a foot in the door in a similar
field? Or set yourself up as a Consultant to get short term contract initially but usually on self employed basis. you on Linked In?

@SunDragon

have You tried the honest approach on LinkedIn? A variation of your original post but with a professional focus? Asking people to refer any jobs they see to you, tag anyone who’s hiring and so on?

I’d also recommend doing a version of your CV that’s exaggerated. The type a 50 yr old man would write. sad to say it; but if that’s what your up against you need to really push skills heavier than you probably realise

and, then call your preferred recruiters weekly. Find out what’s coming on the market. Start messaging people who may have openings too. Or people you’ve worked/networked with and ask them to let you know of any vacancies.

then, I’d register with a temp agency like office angels if they’re still about.

In your free time, do all the free e-learning you can; particularly around AI.

No it’s paid around £170 for polling station and £20 for training session. Will vary slightly by area. Count staff are paid too. Contact the council to get on list.

I’ll reply to the comments as I read through them but just want to clarify - to prevent repeat comments - I don’t have a spare room, I’m not sure where that came from.
I have a one-bedroom shared-ownership flat. I have it on Airbnb and had one booking in 6 months, when I stayed in a local hostel for the weekend while the guests were in my flat. There’s no spare room for a lodger.

Free courses and job clubs through the job centre are largely more suitable for people with lower level skills missing or who want to work in construction, security etc. However if the OP can find something she can train in which she can prove has job opportunities for her, she can request to to be funded through a scheme called low value provision. I have known people have courses funded including to be a doula, a locksmith, and all sorts of things.

The fact you don't have a spare room was NOT clear when you said you'd advertised on AirBNB. I, like many others, thought you meant you'd tried advertising a spare room on AirBNB with you still living there. AirBNB isn't just a whole flat/house rental and people do rent just a room too. I'm sorry that isn't and option.

Have you tried speaking to recruiters? Local government?

Can you give us any detail of your job that mine help?

Another potential option is if there are any airports you can get to by public transport. I’ve always had a yearning to work at an airport so kept an eye on vacancies but DH banned me from applying in the end as I wouldn’t have coped well with early and late shifts ( he had both our interests at heart before anyone jumps in).
Because of the shift patterns I think they struggle to retain people so may be more willing to think outside the box for candidates. There are often retail, security and ground staff roles advertised at our local airport on their own website which I don’t see in linkedin or other job search options so may be worth checking.

If you have a degree you could do a masters in social work. Loads of jobs and better for older people with life experience. It's pretty gruelling though so you'd need to be up for a challenge.

Agree with what others have said about care work. Most places are desperate to find staff for care at home or care homes. Have you tried private care homes?

I would suggest applying to nursing/residential homes directly rather than using an agency.
The money is not great, nor are the hours, but you generally get mandatory training and IME, loads of overtime.
Good luck

There are free courses, run by the council, though as you say, not relevant as you're already experienced and a high earner.

Do executive job clubs exist any more? The one I went to was good, 5 days a week, commitment to get work. Xx

Just wanted to add here there are hundreds of companies that run care homes or supported living homes where you can do care or support work. The work is there and lots of it. Yes you have to do a lot of hours to pick up an OK amount but sometimes needs must.

Honestly - if I was single
and child free and still reasonably young I would rent out the flat and go and teach English abroad for a
few years and then sell my
flat and use the equity to buy a flat out right somewhere fun but cheaper
than London

Maybe try applying for call centre jobs. They tend to take on quite large groups at a time so you're not fighting for one spot.