So, I'm now unemployed... anyone else?

[Master Ray]

So... after several years of working my arse off for the NHS, I've now been slung out on the dole.  Thank you, Tory cnuts.  It's been a long time since I've been out of work and, I gotta say, I'm really dreading it.  Having to deal with my local council just to get chump-change that might stop me from starving... not to mention trying to get Housing Benefit (the last time I tried to get that, it took SIX MONTHS to get any money into my account... they were quite happy to make me homeless...) And not to mention those bloody employment agencies... they are complete wankers, aren't they?

If any of you NMA people have any advice to give me if you're in the same boat, I'd really appreciate it... I'm in a bit of a bad way right now.

Thanks.   

[Shush]

Very sorry to hear this Master Ray. Bad things only seem to happen to good people.

[Barty]

Thinking of you mate - hope things pick up very soon. Experience counts for a fair bit so hopefully it'll give you an advantage in the job hunt. Good luck with everything.

Barty

[Guy]

Really sorry to hear this. I guess the only good news is that having just been made redundant from a job of several years you will be a more attractive prospect for your next employer. Coming out of work will bounce you to the top of the queue ahead of those who have been jobless for a while.

To a much smaller extent I feel a tiny bit of your pain. Being self employed is a nightmare right now. I may as well be on the dole for all the ******* work I've been getting recently. Too many freelancers not enough commissions. I'm part of a dying industry. Unless of course I wanted to be a paparazzi but I'd rather wash windscreens at the traffic lights....

Sending lots of good, lucky, productive vibes your way 

[Shush]

One good thing Barty, Master Ray(ce) already had his ticket for Mancs, so we can meet up and get him a pint or three. -- about time too as well !!!

[jc]

So sorry to hear this Master Ray, it happened to me last year when I was not expecting it. Luckily I got through it, but it was not fun.

Even though you won't feel it at the moment, keep reminding yourself that your skills are transferable and you can contribute and add value.

Straight on for the days ahead, and see you in Manc.

Cheers

jc

[Anna Woman von NRW]

Hey Dude, sorry to hear this. I'm in the last fortnight of my 3 month notice period following redundancy too. Luckily for me I've got myself a new position to start pretty much straightaway but it's not been the been the best 3 months of my life. I'd echo what has been said - coming from a period of employment rather than unemployment will put you higher up a potential employers wishlist. Also definately look into doing a skills profile because you will find that the abilities, knowledge and skills you've got are transferable and it surprised me how wide those skills can be applied - there are plenty of guides on the net that can help you out. Employment agencies are indeed a mixed blessing, don't forget they are a business themselves and may well try and push you to apply for daft jobs that aren't you but conversely you are the "product" they are trying to sell so don't let the buggers get ya' down. Sure you already on the case but i do have a cv writing guide that I used and it seemed to get the desired result! PM me if you want a copy.

Chin up fella'.

Anna
x

[Wessexy Witch]

Blummin 'ell.
 

I hope you can find some kind of work to keep you going. remember, something no mater how crap is better than nothing. You time will come again, soon.

Sending a bucket of love and good vibes from Wessex.

 

[Master Ray]

Aw, cheers guys, without coming over all over-emotional, I really appreciate it.  I have to be honest, last night I was feeling a bit down and rather self-pitying and your responses have really truly helped.  Onwards and upwards, eh!

And at least my redundancy payment will ensure I get to see the NMA boys... now that'll REALLY buck me up!  See any of you in Manchester?

If things get really bad, perhaps I can apply for the next series of 'SKINT'... I just need to buy some tracksuits and a vicious dog...

 

[Master Ray]

Oh, I meant to mention this as well... I popped over to Chester today, just for something to do, and found a certain Mr Alleyne - Johnson busking... seen him in Chester quite a few times but it never gets old...

My God, that man is talented...

[Stoney]

Best of luck mate........... Genuinely sorry to hear this. as a Shop Steward at a county council, I've seen it way too much in the last 18 months and more on the way.............. Austerity as ever only counts fer us proles.........

[Shush]

I saw Ed busking in Notts a couple of times in the 1980s. he does make and amasing sound out in the open. Not seen him here since though, but then again, I don"t blame him. I think he has been spotted in York a few times, but there is good for the tourist £££

[Stephanie]

So sorry to hear that, Master Ray. 

My best friend had been unemployed for almost a year and just started her new job last Monday.

I am not sure if the situation in the UK is similar to that in Germany - one things seems to be quite comparable: unemployment agencies are absolutely useless. 

What my friend did was sent out tons of unsolicited applications (not sure if this is the correct term?) - one of these got her the new job in the end. It was just a nice letter, introducing herself and advertising her skills, she added a CV and ended her letter saying that she would be glad to provide references from her former employers should there be a vacancy. She basically wrote to about every company listed in the Yellow Pages.

I am not sure if this is an option in your line of work?

Fingers crossed for a new job to come your way soon.

[Master Ray]

Cheers for the new replies... again, it's appreciated.

I guess the dislike to those employment agencies is universal...I have a distant relative living in Canada who works in this field and she is shocked by what these UK agencies get away with. Plus, they can be so snotty...

As down as I am right now, the situation is a lot better in the UK that in certain other countries... if I lived in Spain or Ireland right now, where the unemployment rate is 2 or 3 times what it is here,I'd be about ready to jump off a bloody bridge...

And this government just cut unemployment benefits whilst ignoring the mega-rich corperations that are paying f-all in tax (hi, Starbucks and Amazon!) which could amount to scores of millions of pounds and...

... oh sod it, it's all been said before and no-ones listening outside of people like us who have got the sense and foresight to see what's going on.  I'm too tired to get into it again.  Hope you're all well, guys.