Tuesday 2 October 2012
One in a million.: UPDATE. What I've been doing and that!
One in a million.: UPDATE. What I've been doing and that!: Because I know you're all well interested in what I've been up to. I'm going to fill you all in! Now, as I haven't posted properly in like 4...
UPDATE. What I've been doing and that!
Because I know you're all well interested in what I've been up to. I'm going to fill you all in! Now, as I haven't posted properly in like 4 weeks, I could lie and say I've been WELL busy, but I haven't... awkward.
So, what have I actually been doing? Errrr, well I had that interested visit to the job centre - that was a barrel of laughs. Can't wait to chin job centre off when I get a job, i will feel so smug when I walk in. Considering how things are going right now, it probably won't happen for a while - I can dream.
I still haven't heard anything about the job to be a Christmas Elf much to the disappointment of a lot of people, surprisingly. I think people thought I had the job when I mentioned it on Facebook, soz mate. I don't have it, maybe I might, I wholeheartedly hope I have something before that job comes knocking. More people that I would have liked have said they'd make the trip to Hull just to see me dressed as an Elf - (Y).
So, I haven't actually managed to acquire any actual work, but I have started working with a local church as a cafe volunteer - it's strange because of the ignorance that people believe that working there automatically will change me to being religious. Not the case, at all. It's a beautiful building that hosts a cafe to raise funds to keep the church maintained etc. I am actually enjoying it because I aren't doing it every weekend, so I can still do things instead of committing my entire weekend to it, which is nice. After my first 'shift' I was inundated with responses to the other volunteer work I had applied for, obviously, they don't know that I had already started somewhere, but it really annoys me that I can't find a job for shit, but everyone is willing for you to do it for free. I can't get mad though, everyone is just trying to get by so whatever. Also, because I am only doing a couple of hours every other weekend, the job centre can't go ape at me or whatever their deal is - who even knows? I sure as hell don't!
I've started at a creative writing class - it's really good actually. It's run by a local author called Russ Litten - he wrote 'Scream if you want to go faster' - it's on my Amazon wish list, hint hint. There are rules about what we can and can't talk about outside of class, but what I'll say is that it is very clear that I haven't lived at all. Some of the stories are just insane. We're suppose to have a six thousand word story written by the end of it but we end up just talking so much, that we probably won't have one by the time the class ends next week? Haaaa. Oh well, it's no biggie, it's been a great class, a new experience - and I got so much from it. Again, this is a free activity provided by the Hull Library - that the job centre as suspicious of, the whacks.
As usual, I've applied for an insane amount of jobs, many just don't even bother with an email saying I was unsuccessful. Although the other day I did receive my first rejection letter through the post - why did I feel proud? If my fridge wasn't integrated, that would be going up there like a child's drawing. I have to laugh at my situation otherwise I would cry, all the time. Not a good look to be honest. I just refuse to even look on totaljobs now as it is all commission based work - basically Tempest Elite Marketing with a new name - stay the frig away!
I applied for a position as a teaching assistant at a old secondary school earlier in the month, didn't even receive a rejection email or letter, guess I didn't get shortlisted. How annoying. It's something I think I could quite enjoy - as I haven't quite rejected the idea of becoming a teacher yet. I don't think I will, considering I am pursuing something completely different now. I am writing this blog, as well as writing for grads.co.uk, but I've also made contact with two other blogs to write for them - I was accepted for both. Yay! But, they are only volunteer positions, but it's experience and excellent exposure for my work, so in the long run, definitely worth the effort.
Having applied for job after job it's getting pretty annoying that I aren't even been offered any interviews either, may have to consider changing my tactics. I will be asking the job centre on Wednesday about applying for a different work experience scheme because the one I was put forward for just haven't been in touch even though I have inquired twice with the job centre about it. Clearly not getting anywhere in that respect, so going to do something like some admin work experience so I can fall back on something like that whilst I get my life together.
This morning, I sent off my application for the BBC Journalism Scheme, I was so nervous before clicking submit, I really hope I get an interview because by the time they hold interviews, I will have a bigger portfolio to show off. Wish me luck!
Anyways, this has been a longer than usual post, sorry about that. Enjoy.
Comments as always are very welcome.
Or, Tweet me! @DebStevo90 :)x
So, what have I actually been doing? Errrr, well I had that interested visit to the job centre - that was a barrel of laughs. Can't wait to chin job centre off when I get a job, i will feel so smug when I walk in. Considering how things are going right now, it probably won't happen for a while - I can dream.
I still haven't heard anything about the job to be a Christmas Elf much to the disappointment of a lot of people, surprisingly. I think people thought I had the job when I mentioned it on Facebook, soz mate. I don't have it, maybe I might, I wholeheartedly hope I have something before that job comes knocking. More people that I would have liked have said they'd make the trip to Hull just to see me dressed as an Elf - (Y).
So, I haven't actually managed to acquire any actual work, but I have started working with a local church as a cafe volunteer - it's strange because of the ignorance that people believe that working there automatically will change me to being religious. Not the case, at all. It's a beautiful building that hosts a cafe to raise funds to keep the church maintained etc. I am actually enjoying it because I aren't doing it every weekend, so I can still do things instead of committing my entire weekend to it, which is nice. After my first 'shift' I was inundated with responses to the other volunteer work I had applied for, obviously, they don't know that I had already started somewhere, but it really annoys me that I can't find a job for shit, but everyone is willing for you to do it for free. I can't get mad though, everyone is just trying to get by so whatever. Also, because I am only doing a couple of hours every other weekend, the job centre can't go ape at me or whatever their deal is - who even knows? I sure as hell don't!
I've started at a creative writing class - it's really good actually. It's run by a local author called Russ Litten - he wrote 'Scream if you want to go faster' - it's on my Amazon wish list, hint hint. There are rules about what we can and can't talk about outside of class, but what I'll say is that it is very clear that I haven't lived at all. Some of the stories are just insane. We're suppose to have a six thousand word story written by the end of it but we end up just talking so much, that we probably won't have one by the time the class ends next week? Haaaa. Oh well, it's no biggie, it's been a great class, a new experience - and I got so much from it. Again, this is a free activity provided by the Hull Library - that the job centre as suspicious of, the whacks.
As usual, I've applied for an insane amount of jobs, many just don't even bother with an email saying I was unsuccessful. Although the other day I did receive my first rejection letter through the post - why did I feel proud? If my fridge wasn't integrated, that would be going up there like a child's drawing. I have to laugh at my situation otherwise I would cry, all the time. Not a good look to be honest. I just refuse to even look on totaljobs now as it is all commission based work - basically Tempest Elite Marketing with a new name - stay the frig away!
I applied for a position as a teaching assistant at a old secondary school earlier in the month, didn't even receive a rejection email or letter, guess I didn't get shortlisted. How annoying. It's something I think I could quite enjoy - as I haven't quite rejected the idea of becoming a teacher yet. I don't think I will, considering I am pursuing something completely different now. I am writing this blog, as well as writing for grads.co.uk, but I've also made contact with two other blogs to write for them - I was accepted for both. Yay! But, they are only volunteer positions, but it's experience and excellent exposure for my work, so in the long run, definitely worth the effort.
Having applied for job after job it's getting pretty annoying that I aren't even been offered any interviews either, may have to consider changing my tactics. I will be asking the job centre on Wednesday about applying for a different work experience scheme because the one I was put forward for just haven't been in touch even though I have inquired twice with the job centre about it. Clearly not getting anywhere in that respect, so going to do something like some admin work experience so I can fall back on something like that whilst I get my life together.
This morning, I sent off my application for the BBC Journalism Scheme, I was so nervous before clicking submit, I really hope I get an interview because by the time they hold interviews, I will have a bigger portfolio to show off. Wish me luck!
Anyways, this has been a longer than usual post, sorry about that. Enjoy.
Comments as always are very welcome.
Or, Tweet me! @DebStevo90 :)x
Monday 1 October 2012
One in a million.: The one and only assumption on what you're going t...
One in a million.: The one and only assumption on what you're going t...: SO, for me this 'issue' doesn't stand too well because it is a career that I had considered for a number of years, and something I may event...
One in a million.: The Stigma Of Being A JSA Claimer.
One in a million.: The Stigma Of Being A JSA Claimer.: Now, I understand that it is infuriating if you're a hard working person and you feel most of your money goes on tax, I am pretty sure that ...
One in a million.: Job Centre 19/09/2012
One in a million.: Job Centre 19/09/2012: This post is rather late! Sorry about that. The job centre was as always, eventful! As usual, I arrived early and had to stay downstairs f...
Job Centre 19/09/2012
This post is rather late! Sorry about that. The job centre was as always, eventful!
As usual, I arrived early and had to stay downstairs for about 10 minutes - saw someone who went to my school, pregnant with apparently her third child. When I think about how awful I think my life is, I consider being 21 with a third baby on the way - nightmare! Printed some interesting jobs off but only found like two appropriate jobs in like 18 pages..... awkward.
So apparently, when you're given your appointment time, you can show up anytime within the next fifteen minutes. This is why I am always sat waiting to see someone for at least 25 minutes after my allotted time because some people don't turn up till like two minutes before their appointment time ends. It actually amazes me how much it is drilled into me that I shouldn't be late to my appointments because it could affect my benefits... I've never been late, so I have kept to my job seekers agreement, but surely it isn't right to leave people sitting there for half an hour because they have stupid rules about show up anytime in these fifteen minutes. I understand that people's circumstances may mean that they may be late, but someone who is taking their situation seriously will show up on time and not mess about. For me, that rule is for the people who just rock up whenever they damn feel like it.
My appointment was 1.45pm, I didn't get called through to see an adviser until 2.13pm...(yeah, I noted the time) I wasn't amused. Some guy went and complained because he'd been waiting fifteen minutes, I just sat there smirking thinking wait till you've been here like half an hour and then get your moan on!
The woman I saw was fine, you know, just fine. Informed her that I was doing some voluntary work and doing a creative writing class - she had a right shit fit at me panicking about the different forms I would have to fill out. These forms are just to clarify if you are receiving any money from what you are doing. Well, I am getting nothing. The creative writing course I found is being put on by Hull Library and free, also the voluntary work I am doing says it in the job title 'voluntary work' - I am working as a cafe helper in a church for three hours every OTHER weekend. I am working completely off my own back - so basically all the paperwork is bullshit! Furthermore, I was told that the person who was hosting the creative writing class would have to write a letter explaining what it is we do, and how long the class lasts etc. I may turn up on Wednesday and say that he refused to write it because it's stupid. Hmm. Maybe not.
So basically, you can't be a good person and do voluntary work without a mass of suspicion and if you take a class that's FREE they want to know everything about it otherwise it could affect your benefits. I really don't know where the job centre get their cheek you know, knobs.
As always, comments are welcome.
Or, Tweet me loves, @DebStevo90 :)
As usual, I arrived early and had to stay downstairs for about 10 minutes - saw someone who went to my school, pregnant with apparently her third child. When I think about how awful I think my life is, I consider being 21 with a third baby on the way - nightmare! Printed some interesting jobs off but only found like two appropriate jobs in like 18 pages..... awkward.
So apparently, when you're given your appointment time, you can show up anytime within the next fifteen minutes. This is why I am always sat waiting to see someone for at least 25 minutes after my allotted time because some people don't turn up till like two minutes before their appointment time ends. It actually amazes me how much it is drilled into me that I shouldn't be late to my appointments because it could affect my benefits... I've never been late, so I have kept to my job seekers agreement, but surely it isn't right to leave people sitting there for half an hour because they have stupid rules about show up anytime in these fifteen minutes. I understand that people's circumstances may mean that they may be late, but someone who is taking their situation seriously will show up on time and not mess about. For me, that rule is for the people who just rock up whenever they damn feel like it.
My appointment was 1.45pm, I didn't get called through to see an adviser until 2.13pm...(yeah, I noted the time) I wasn't amused. Some guy went and complained because he'd been waiting fifteen minutes, I just sat there smirking thinking wait till you've been here like half an hour and then get your moan on!
The woman I saw was fine, you know, just fine. Informed her that I was doing some voluntary work and doing a creative writing class - she had a right shit fit at me panicking about the different forms I would have to fill out. These forms are just to clarify if you are receiving any money from what you are doing. Well, I am getting nothing. The creative writing course I found is being put on by Hull Library and free, also the voluntary work I am doing says it in the job title 'voluntary work' - I am working as a cafe helper in a church for three hours every OTHER weekend. I am working completely off my own back - so basically all the paperwork is bullshit! Furthermore, I was told that the person who was hosting the creative writing class would have to write a letter explaining what it is we do, and how long the class lasts etc. I may turn up on Wednesday and say that he refused to write it because it's stupid. Hmm. Maybe not.
So basically, you can't be a good person and do voluntary work without a mass of suspicion and if you take a class that's FREE they want to know everything about it otherwise it could affect your benefits. I really don't know where the job centre get their cheek you know, knobs.
As always, comments are welcome.
Or, Tweet me loves, @DebStevo90 :)
The Stigma Of Being A JSA Claimer.
Now, I understand that it is infuriating if you're a hard working person and you feel most of your money goes on tax, I am pretty sure that when I start earning a wage, I will have a jolly old grumble at it. I think it's my dads favorite hobbie sometimes! Ha. Although when did it become acceptable to just assume that EVERYONE is a lazy claimer. This is the unfortunate stigma of looking for work, people assume you are exactly the same as someone who writes their shopping list on their paperwork and isn't taking the job search seriously enough. I've been so stressed about finding work, I've been in a state some days because it seems like I can't catch a break.
We're in a shitty economy, in Hull there is an average of 88 people chasing every job - it's tough, really tough.
I understand the annoyance at some people who are given the money and don't make any concerted effort to look for work - we can all tut at them can't we? My point is, I am actively seeking work, I am doing what I can to look for work, and yet I am still placed within the stigma of people who claim Job Seekers Allowance but don't really do anything. I understand the system is flawed but I am actually doing something to find work, and I can't wait to be doing something full time because I am going stair shit crazy from not.
I apply for at least 5 jobs per week, I look everyday, I've always got new windows open with opportunities on it. I applied to be a Christmas elf for Christ sake! Most posts I can't apply for because I don't have the experience, that's something I can't help. But, I am not going to apply for it, knowing I will be rejected (again) just so that people will get off my back. If I don't have what they want, I don't have it. Simple.
I don't think people who've never visited the Job Centre understand that actually, it's pretty dire and embarrassing. I waited as long as I could before I put in my claim - I was told "no Debs, put your claim in as soon as you leave university..." and yet I waited, I still had some money left from my student loans, so I thought, in the early stages of my job search, I can just live from that. But as it usually does, it doesn't last forever. So, when I made my claim, it was only because I just couldn't without it. But like most people, I want to be off job seekers allowance as soon as possible.
This post was sparked by hearing moaning about it on the radio, it's damn ignorant to stereotype every unemployed person as being lazy and not wanting to find work.
So, to everyone who is out of work, good luck, it is hard but you just have to keep looking and taking opportunities where they are given.
Comments? Always welcome.
Twitter, @DebStevo90
We're in a shitty economy, in Hull there is an average of 88 people chasing every job - it's tough, really tough.
I understand the annoyance at some people who are given the money and don't make any concerted effort to look for work - we can all tut at them can't we? My point is, I am actively seeking work, I am doing what I can to look for work, and yet I am still placed within the stigma of people who claim Job Seekers Allowance but don't really do anything. I understand the system is flawed but I am actually doing something to find work, and I can't wait to be doing something full time because I am going stair shit crazy from not.
I apply for at least 5 jobs per week, I look everyday, I've always got new windows open with opportunities on it. I applied to be a Christmas elf for Christ sake! Most posts I can't apply for because I don't have the experience, that's something I can't help. But, I am not going to apply for it, knowing I will be rejected (again) just so that people will get off my back. If I don't have what they want, I don't have it. Simple.
I don't think people who've never visited the Job Centre understand that actually, it's pretty dire and embarrassing. I waited as long as I could before I put in my claim - I was told "no Debs, put your claim in as soon as you leave university..." and yet I waited, I still had some money left from my student loans, so I thought, in the early stages of my job search, I can just live from that. But as it usually does, it doesn't last forever. So, when I made my claim, it was only because I just couldn't without it. But like most people, I want to be off job seekers allowance as soon as possible.
This post was sparked by hearing moaning about it on the radio, it's damn ignorant to stereotype every unemployed person as being lazy and not wanting to find work.
So, to everyone who is out of work, good luck, it is hard but you just have to keep looking and taking opportunities where they are given.
Comments? Always welcome.
Twitter, @DebStevo90
The one and only assumption on what you're going to do with your degree..
SO, for me this 'issue' doesn't stand too well because it is a career that I had considered for a number of years, and something I may eventually do. However, I cannot even begin to stress the ignorance of some people who assume you are only going to do one thing with your degree.. I understand that maybe sometimes, it isn't something that you are particually knowledgeable about but please, not everyone goes to university with the intention of doing this. Having been stood with friends before when they've been asked this question, and seeing the reaction on their faces is priceless, some amused, some offended. I now take it in my stride and just reply with something annoying.
The conversation goes something like so;
person; "So, what did you do at university?"
friend; "English Language and Literature!"
person; "So, you're going to become a teacher?"
friend; "No."
Not everyone goes to university with the intention of becoming a bloody teacher - fair game to the ones that do (I was one of them), but to just assume that is the only thing you can do with your degree, is offensive! Now, before any teachers, or trainee teachers read this and go to text/Facebook me an angry response, I think teaching is a great profession, what annoys me is that some only assume that's what graduates can do, when the places you can take a degree - an English one like mine - is limitless. And this is really a never ending process, my brother is a history graduate and after four years, my dad is still pushing teaching on him.
I still don't know about teaching to be honest - I mean, I've always been interested in becoming a teacher but there are just certain aspects of it which put me off it. Maybe I'll consider applying for it, and maybe I won't. But like every career, there are pros and cons to it. I don't feel old enough to be a teacher - you aren't just teaching the foundations of a subject, you are also there to teach life lessons. Considering I have barely lived, I don't see how I can stand and tell someone else how to live theirs.
Hmmph!
Comments? Always welcome!
Tweet me @DebStevo90
The conversation goes something like so;
person; "So, what did you do at university?"
friend; "English Language and Literature!"
person; "So, you're going to become a teacher?"
friend; "No."
Not everyone goes to university with the intention of becoming a bloody teacher - fair game to the ones that do (I was one of them), but to just assume that is the only thing you can do with your degree, is offensive! Now, before any teachers, or trainee teachers read this and go to text/Facebook me an angry response, I think teaching is a great profession, what annoys me is that some only assume that's what graduates can do, when the places you can take a degree - an English one like mine - is limitless. And this is really a never ending process, my brother is a history graduate and after four years, my dad is still pushing teaching on him.
I still don't know about teaching to be honest - I mean, I've always been interested in becoming a teacher but there are just certain aspects of it which put me off it. Maybe I'll consider applying for it, and maybe I won't. But like every career, there are pros and cons to it. I don't feel old enough to be a teacher - you aren't just teaching the foundations of a subject, you are also there to teach life lessons. Considering I have barely lived, I don't see how I can stand and tell someone else how to live theirs.
Hmmph!
Comments? Always welcome!
Tweet me @DebStevo90
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