Lone parents trying to get back to work

[Dreaming]

I have posted a question on here before. But am I alone in going mad not working, applying for jobs. Getting turned down. And it hits your confidence. And whats the longest any of you have been out of the work place. It does make you feel like a nobody doesnt it?

[gammaray]

I sympathise with you. One of the problems of spending any amount of time out of the work place is that you lose the ability to be able to compete on a level playing field. Not because of anything you do, but because demands on employees skills and abilities change and those in work keep pace, those outside looking in, don't. When you apply for a job you find that the skills and competancies you had 12 months ago are not quite enough to give you the edge you once had.

Of course this has an effect to a greater or lesser degree depending on the industry you work in. Working in low skilled service industries I would suspect that you could get a job easily but I guess your looking for more than just shop work or waiting tables and the like.

The way to regain the edge you need is to try and keep abreast of developments and "new thinking" within your chosen sector. Buy the trade magazines and journals and if possible talk to people working in the industry. It's not fool proof but you may be surprised how a little "new" knowledge goes a long way.

[jay139]

I was out of work through choice for 3 years after I had my son, your right it does make you feel like a nobody ( which you are not). its others way of treating you. Now I am back working full time I wish I had a little of that time back to myself !.Stay strong you will get something. Good luck

[electricblue]

I'm now going for a job in 'social care',after being at home and bringing up the kids i'm now attempting to 'get out there',i've done a child psychology level 2 and now filling out an application form for social care that will fit around the hours i need so i'm there when the kids are home from school,itsgood rates of pay,no experience needed,you're trained all along it and it leads to a nvq 2 and beyond,as for confidence i had none but i'm now getting back to the old me of years ago,good luck!!

[lady_p_gold]

Not sure what your skills are but couldn't you temp? Its a great way of getting back into the workplace and then you often find that there are permanent vacancies which they fill and are much likely to take on someone they know

[purplelily]

Not sure where you're based, but there's a great website for women wanting to get back into the workplace after taking time out - most of the jobs cater for mums too (e.g. flexible working hours, etc.).

http://www.womenlikeus.org.uk/http://www.women likeus.org.uk/

Sorry, I'm assuming you're a mum, rather than a dad!

And don't feel like a nobody - you're doing the most important job in the world (and this from a non-mum!).

Hope this helps!

[purplelily]

Sorry, must have been a bit jittery on my last post and pasted twice - the website is:

http://www.womenlikeus.org.uk/

[purplelily]

Lordy, having a bad day already - it doesn't link with the last forward-slash, so try:

http://www.womenlikeus.org.uk

[Dreaming]

Thank you for your replies. Purplelily, thanks for the site suggested, but unfortunately I dont live in the area.

Will keep trying, but its wearing me down :(

[Primular]

I worked as a baker before I had kids so when I wanted to go back to work the hours did not suit anymore. You dont say if you are still married or not.I went to see the Lone Parent Advisor at the job centre and she advised me to retrain and take NVQ Business Admin. With this qualification you are put on a placement. I passed the NVQ and they were so impressed with me that the company I was on placement with gave me a full time job. I have since gone from strength to strength and now have a very well paid job.

Hope this helps, good luck

[Primular]

Also meant to say that you get help with child care when you are studying. My two kids loved to go to the nursery after school. Thay were picked up from school and given help with their homework and a snack to tide them over till I picked them up.