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.

This is a good idea

I’ve seen this mentioned before, you create a profile and if researchers are interested they pay you to undertake surveys etc www.prolific.com/participants

If you're in London have you looked agency work? It might not be at the level you want but would keep the wolf from the door.

What agencies are you with? You mention one that does care roles, which feels far from what you do. I’m sure you have, but reach out to agencies that do interim and permanent recruitment in the public sector if you’ve got a civil service background. You don’t have to be with just one, I was on the list of about 4 or 5.

Not necessarily- I work in a private school and we are constantly having gaps whilst looking for good people. These jobs such as admissions, finance and marketing are year round so less attractive to parents

Also for temp work - exam season is nearly upon us so look out for some invigilation jobs

Here’s a thought - it’s exam season. Could you put yourself about as a GCSE revision coach for working parents? Your age will count in your favour. You can offer to sit with students who would otherwise be home alone, test them, look through their revision timetables, hold them accountable etc. I know from many double working families that this time is very stressful for them. The kids are on study leave but they can’t be watching them - they’re working. You could put something through the doors in your local street, advertise on Facebook etc?

Op, call the National Career Service to make an appointment with one of their advisors. They can identify where you are going wrong with your applications, make suggestions and put together an action plan for you. They are also free, you get one hour appointment but you can contact them by email for support, CV checks, etc for a year free of charge.

As with everything, there are some advisors that are excellent and prepare you well and others who are not particularly arsed to make the best of the session but, if you have the free time, there is nothing to lose.

Honestly even professional nannies are struggling to find jobs in London atm ,maybe if you want a few hours after school for cash in hand, but with no experience the OP would be struggling.

I think you need to try a bit harder with the care work. There are hundreds of care worker positions and agencies offer training. It’s high turnover. It can be physically hard and the pay isn’t great but it can be rewarding and you get a meal whilst on shift. You could do some volunteering in a care home to get experience.

Off the top of my head try; Eleanor Care, Care Outlook, Goldsmiths Care, Westminster Homecare, Supreme Care. Plus the hundreds of residential care homes in London.

Could you temporary rent out a room? Not sure if this would impact your benefits, somebody who knows might advise.

OP has confirmed she only has a one bed flat!

Too late, have to go through safeguarding checks, including DBS.

Again - not necessarily. My school has literally just hired some due to need for students in their own room and dbs are taking about a week. There are still adverts up for invigilators in my local area

@SunDragon @LappingLouisa

i may be able to help. I’ve sent you both a message. Good luck with everything!

No it's paid work, you get paid for the (long) day plus the training.

Some of the things being suggested here - nanny, TEFL teacher - are not super friendly to older people. TEFL can be openly discriminatory about age in some countries.

Firstly thank you - I’m public sector in similar ish role and have been debating taking voluntary but I think you’ve scared me out of it!

secondly - have you used AI to check your LinkedIn profile as a match for the types of role you’re looking for? Just the other day I copied my headline into the AI tool I use (NOT ChatGP!!) asking “if I’m looking for senior (insert description) jobs, what key words are missing from my headline / profile”.

i was slightly embarrassed by the things I had missed and the way it suggested repositioning my headline was great. And I’m someone who should know better but sometimes you can’t see the wood for the trees….

@daisychain01 CS are absolutely getting rid of people.

Sorry to hear this, not much more advice than below but it’s annoying 50 plus women can find it harder. And the job market is dire anyway.

Housekeeping & admin support for elderly people. I’d love someone like you to help my DP. Pays about £25 per hour. Advertise on SM & The Lady.

2 of my friends (in their 40s) have got regular evening work in a University city as a kitchen assistants at the Uni (they do a 4 hour shift most weeknight evenings and also get a light meal included). Could you have a look at all the London Uni websites for similar type jobs?

To make some extra money while looking for a more regular job I'd suggest signing up to online stuff such as Prolific if you're not already doing it. Data annotation is another one. It's not as a good as a regular job but it's still extra money and if you have time to spare you can make a fair amount, I'm making about £400 per month on the side.

Right, she should head straight to a highly-competitive, specialised role, competing with people straight out of undergrad or masters, at a time of year when most deadlines have passed. Very practical.