|
Source: (consider it)
|
Thread: All new job search support thread
|
Curiosity killed ...
Ship's Mug
# 11770
|
Posted
If I hadn't been so bloody tired after a marathon of sorting out 7 lots of mangled Annual Statement Review paperwork at 1am this morning (it's taken a couple of weeks and most of last weekend and two weekends ago too), I would have accompanied the final batch with my notice. I really, really did not agree to this, I've already left one job because that's what my life became ...
Aargh - really back on here, so long as the relentless work load gives me enough of a break to apply for some jobs.
--------------------
Mugs - Keep the Ship afloat
Posts: 13794 | From: outiside the outer ring road | Registered: Aug 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
Sandemaniac
Shipmate
# 12829
|
Posted
I wish I could say something useful. All I can offer is that I had a chat last week with someone who recognised me having been on an interview panel (I guess it's hard to forget an interview where the scheduling has been so fouled up - hour interviews, on the day they find that personnel have scheduled everyone for half-hour slots... - that a candidate has to go and top up his car park fee!).
She did four months working in Quality Assurance and one Friday simply walked into the bosses' office and said that she wasn't coming back. Of course, then you have to pay the bills...
AG
--------------------
"It becomes soon pleasantly apparent that change-ringing is by no means merely an excuse for beer" Charles Dickens gets it wrong, 1869
Posts: 3574 | From: The wardrobe of my soul | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged
|
|
Zoey
Broken idealist
# 11152
|
Posted
moneysavingexpert recommends, if at all possible, building up enough savings to cover 6 months living costs available in case of emergency. My recent bout of sick leave has highlighted to me how much I now want to start doing this. (I got significantly more than statutory sick pay, but significantly less than my usual wage and am the furthest into my overdraft I think I've ever been in my life.) If I had had such an amount of savings to hand, I would probably have handed in my notice at current work before getting a new job. I keep reminding myself that it would probably not be tactful to tell management this and would dig me a bigger hole than I'm already in.
--------------------
Pay no mind, I'm doing fine, I'm breathing on my own.
Posts: 3095 | From: the penultimate stop? | Registered: Mar 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
Doublethink.
Ship's Foolwise Unperson
# 1984
|
Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Sandemaniac:
OK... that was a longer weekend than planned, being marooned at my parents for an extra night owing to flooded roads... but I'll try to take the points in order of appearance.
Doublethink: I had not particularly thought of healthcare, as I never registered my degree with whatever the qualifying body is called this week. At the very least I should investigate the existence of training schemes, though. Hopefully being in my early forties isn't too late... Salary-wise I'm on 28K at the mo, which I don't particularly want to go much below without the likelihood of considerable potential for advancement (if we don't get a mortgage very soon, we'll never get one).
Caissa: Exactly! I live in a large dark blue university city surrounded by science parks and companies of varying sizes, but I fall into a gap. Without a PhD or the alarming length of industry experience being asked for at the moment all I am going to be able to try for is low level tech roles, for which I am hugely overqualified and I know from conversations with agencies they can't get anyone to take my CV seriously as they assume I'll just leave the moment something else turns up. That and the salaries for such roles top out at 6K less than I am on now - I have taken that sort of hit before to have a job, any job, but as a career move, those roles are a non-starter.
On Thursday I will be going to one of the local Bioscience Network's networking events, but it's a total lottery as to who will be represented there - it might all be people like me looking for jobs, or it might all be medical writing firms, or IT consultancies - I wish there was a way of seeding who was turning up!
Piglet: My boss is an "expert" on congenital heart disease, but a total disaster area as an employer and researcher, should have picked this up before I took the post, but I was in one of those situations where you have to take what you can get. If I could remember any genetics any more...
AG
That is roughly equivalent to a Band 5 salary in the NHS. If they train you for a role (3 to 7 years depending on profession) they want at least 10 years possible work so you could career switch. Some post grad trainings are salaried (you train and see patients under supervision) - you should look into it.
Also if you have a degree, you could apply for NHS managers training - base type of degree may not matter - you can end up with an MBA in public health administration amongst other things - depending on your training route.
You could also consider switching into social work - there is a massive shortage.
--------------------
All political thinking for years past has been vitiated in the same way. People can foresee the future only when it coincides with their own wishes, and the most grossly obvious facts can be ignored when they are unwelcome. George Orwell
Posts: 19219 | From: Erehwon | Registered: Aug 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
Sandemaniac
Shipmate
# 12829
|
Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Doublethink.:
That is roughly equivalent to a Band 5 salary in the NHS. If they train you for a role (3 to 7 years depending on profession) they want at least 10 years possible work so you could career switch. Some post grad trainings are salaried (you train and see patients under supervision) - you should look into it.
I will certainly look that up, thank you. Management on the other hand has no appeal whatsoever, and I cannot imagine I'm emotionally cut out for social work. On the positive side, it's good to have some different suggestions. I may just go postal on the next person to suggest I'd make a great teacher. Or at the very least get medieval on their arse. I'd do both, but the Penny Post wasn't invented until 1840.
AG
--------------------
"It becomes soon pleasantly apparent that change-ringing is by no means merely an excuse for beer" Charles Dickens gets it wrong, 1869
Posts: 3574 | From: The wardrobe of my soul | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
Sandemaniac
Shipmate
# 12829
|
Posted
That's smashing, thank you, Doublethink. Looks like my reading for the next few days is sorted!
AG
--------------------
"It becomes soon pleasantly apparent that change-ringing is by no means merely an excuse for beer" Charles Dickens gets it wrong, 1869
Posts: 3574 | From: The wardrobe of my soul | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged
|
|
Sioni Sais
Shipmate
# 5713
|
Posted
After considerable effort by all involved, our entire family (my, Mrs Sioni and our five children) are all gainfully employed!
There's a part-time job and a zero-hours one (spit) amongst them but a job is a job.
--------------------
"He isn't Doctor Who, he's The Doctor"
(Paul Sinha, BBC)
Posts: 24276 | From: Newport, Wales | Registered: Apr 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
Sandemaniac
Shipmate
# 12829
|
Posted
Sounds good going to me. Hopefully the zero hours one (spit dang) will soon gt something more stable (and the part time one, if that's what they need).
AG
--------------------
"It becomes soon pleasantly apparent that change-ringing is by no means merely an excuse for beer" Charles Dickens gets it wrong, 1869
Posts: 3574 | From: The wardrobe of my soul | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged
|
|
Piglet
Islander
# 11803
|
Posted
I can see why zero-hour contracts make people's blood boil.
My first job after qualifying as a secretary was as a receptionist in a local hotel. I was taken on at 16 hours per week on specific shifts and paid in buttons. When the hotel changed hands, it was low-season and the new owners decided that I should phone them (not even them phone me) before each expected shift to find out whether they needed me. It wasn't called zero-hours (I don't suppose the term had been coined then - it was 30 years ago), but that's what it was, and it sucked more than a Hoover.
However, as you said, a job is a job, and it's always easier to get one when you're already in one.
--------------------
I may not be on an island any more, but I'm still an islander.
alto n a soprano who can read music
Posts: 20272 | From: Fredericton, NB, on a rather larger piece of rock | Registered: Sep 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
Heavenly Anarchist
Shipmate
# 13313
|
Posted
I have a friend who is a medical technician at Addenbrookes (Christian too), though I'm not sure her field. But there must be numerous opportunities between the hospital and the medical research department. Hospitals are generally friendly places to work and I like my time there.
--------------------
'I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.' Douglas Adams
Dog Activity Monitor
My shop
Posts: 2831 | From: Trumpington | Registered: Jan 2008
| IP: Logged
|
|
Sandemaniac
Shipmate
# 12829
|
Posted
While I don't live in Cambridge, I do live in Another Blue University City, and we have an absolute plethora of hospitals here, as well as the associated research departments (if I could just get into one closer to the clinic, that would suit me down to the ground...), so this is all good stuff to hear...
(quick count on fingers - I can think of at least six, before getting on to allied departments!)
AG
--------------------
"It becomes soon pleasantly apparent that change-ringing is by no means merely an excuse for beer" Charles Dickens gets it wrong, 1869
Posts: 3574 | From: The wardrobe of my soul | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged
|
|
churchgeek
Have candles, will pray
# 5557
|
Posted
I'm trying to remind myself that everyone going through prolonged unemployment feels like there's something wrong with them, that they might be unemployable. But of course, I'm the one person who's actually right about that. ![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif) What makes it harder, though, is that both times I've been laid off were right after major bipolar episodes. And I'm still hurting quite a bit over the way G***e Cathedral let me go. I'm glad to be home in Detroit, but there aren't even temp jobs here, I'm finding. Nothing. I have a friend I'm living with who isn't going to let me starve, thank God. Otherwise, I'd be homeless. But my car keeps acting up...and when our house was broken into a couple weeks ago, my computer was stolen...and it's just all the little stuff like that that makes me want to just give up. It's hard enough keeping on top of my health/health care.
I keep thinking the worst thing I feared has happened (ran out of financial aid for school...then lost my job...etc.) and I'm OK, but then more crap happens.
--------------------
I reserve the right to change my mind.
My article on the Virgin of Vladimir
Posts: 7773 | From: Detroit | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
ChastMastr
Shipmate
# 716
|
Posted
A loved one who has been struggling to find work has found some, thank God.
I need to look into teaching some classes online or something to supplement our income. I'm very tired of say, a car repair completely derailing our basic survival budget. We keep having to borrow money from people just to get by.
Prayers for all here.
--------------------
My essays on comics continuity: http://chastmastr.tumblr.com/tagged/continuity
Posts: 14068 | From: Clearwater, Florida | Registered: Jul 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
Evangeline
Shipmate
# 7002
|
Posted
is a zero hours contract the same as what we'd call casual work in Australia? Is the employee under any obligation to the employer to be available if and when required?
Posts: 2871 | From: "A capsule of modernity afloat in a wild sea" | Registered: May 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
Zoey
Broken idealist
# 11152
|
Posted
I have been offered a new job ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
This is not going to transform my life or be the end of me ever suffering work-related misery. But it is what I want and I think I have learnt from the past two years (even if much of that learning has been undertaken in the don't-do-x-because-you-know-from-experience-that-doing-x-leaves-you-royally-screwed fashion). I know at least one person is going to think I am making a bad choice by taking this job. Well - I make the best choices I can at the time and then I live with them. Said person does not have to live my life and I do.
Here's to hoping I don't have to return to the job-seeking grind for at least a couple of years again now.
--------------------
Pay no mind, I'm doing fine, I'm breathing on my own.
Posts: 3095 | From: the penultimate stop? | Registered: Mar 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
Uncle Pete
Loyaute me lie
# 10422
|
Posted
Hearty congrats, Zoey. ![[Yipee]](graemlins/spin.gif)
[ 09. December 2014, 18:32: Message edited by: Uncle Pete ]
--------------------
Even more so than I was before
Posts: 20466 | From: No longer where I was | Registered: Sep 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
The Intrepid Mrs S
Shipmate
# 17002
|
Posted
Zoey - so pleased for you!
Mrs. S, full of vicarious delight
--------------------
Don't get your knickers in a twist over your advancing age. It achieves nothing and makes you walk funny.
Prayer should be our first recourse, not our last resort
'Lord, please give us patience. NOW!'
Posts: 1464 | From: Neither here nor there | Registered: Mar 2012
| IP: Logged
|
|
Caissa
Shipmate
# 16710
|
Posted
Congratulations, Zoey.
Posts: 972 | From: Saint John, N.B. | Registered: Oct 2011
| IP: Logged
|
|
Sandemaniac
Shipmate
# 12829
|
Posted
It's about bloody time someone had some good news here!
Hope everything works out for you, Zoey.
AG
--------------------
"It becomes soon pleasantly apparent that change-ringing is by no means merely an excuse for beer" Charles Dickens gets it wrong, 1869
Posts: 3574 | From: The wardrobe of my soul | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged
|
|
Piglet
Islander
# 11803
|
Posted
Congratulations, Zoey - hope it turns out well for you.
--------------------
I may not be on an island any more, but I'm still an islander.
alto n a soprano who can read music
Posts: 20272 | From: Fredericton, NB, on a rather larger piece of rock | Registered: Sep 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
Sioni Sais
Shipmate
# 5713
|
Posted
Congratulations Zoey and enjoy the job.
No parade goes unrained upon, but that person to whom you refer, not you, will need the umbrella.
--------------------
"He isn't Doctor Who, he's The Doctor"
(Paul Sinha, BBC)
Posts: 24276 | From: Newport, Wales | Registered: Apr 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
JoannaP
Shipmate
# 4493
|
Posted
Well, I have sent in one application and I have a couple of forms waiting to be filled in. Only voluntary jobs for now, just to get back into the habit & routine of working, but it is scary how much experience some organisations expect from their volunteers!
--------------------
"Freedom for the pike is death for the minnow." R. H. Tawney (quoted by Isaiah Berlin)
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Benjamin Franklin
Posts: 1877 | From: England | Registered: May 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Piglet
Islander
# 11803
|
Posted
They should be glad of their volunteers!
It's not a bad idea to do a bit of voluntary work if you've been out of the market for a while - it's always something else to put on your CV, and shows potential "real" employers that you're making the effort.
When we came to Canada and I wasn't eligible for paid work, they were looking for a volunteer in the Cathedral office, so I jumped at the chance, as it kept my hand in and gave me something to do.
As it happens, I'm still doing it, as my "proper" job is a part-time one and my boss is flexible enough about my hours that I can fit it in.
Best of luck!
--------------------
I may not be on an island any more, but I'm still an islander.
alto n a soprano who can read music
Posts: 20272 | From: Fredericton, NB, on a rather larger piece of rock | Registered: Sep 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
Sandemaniac
Shipmate
# 12829
|
Posted
Ho hum. well, I have one application in, and I went to speak to someone yesterday about the job they are advertising. They very quickly said "well you appear to have all the skills"... then added "but we will probably be recruiting at the low end of the pay band.
Jesus wept! Every time we try to get a fucking mortgage, my bloody pay goes down again! What the fuck happened to being rewarded for experience? I feel like this place has kicked me from pillar to fucking post, but just won't let me get the fuck out. And the Departmental Administrator keeps commenting on my cynicism...
AG
(I think I feel better for getting that of my chest)
--------------------
"It becomes soon pleasantly apparent that change-ringing is by no means merely an excuse for beer" Charles Dickens gets it wrong, 1869
Posts: 3574 | From: The wardrobe of my soul | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged
|
|
JoannaP
Shipmate
# 4493
|
Posted
If only getting paid work was so easy!
I filled in 2 forms, was invited to 2 interviews and was offered a job at the first. I start sorting books at the Oxfam bookshop on 29th Dec.
It is a boost to my confidence to know that I am wanted.
--------------------
"Freedom for the pike is death for the minnow." R. H. Tawney (quoted by Isaiah Berlin)
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Benjamin Franklin
Posts: 1877 | From: England | Registered: May 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Piglet
Islander
# 11803
|
Posted
JoannaP -
--------------------
I may not be on an island any more, but I'm still an islander.
alto n a soprano who can read music
Posts: 20272 | From: Fredericton, NB, on a rather larger piece of rock | Registered: Sep 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
Sandemaniac
Shipmate
# 12829
|
Posted
Well, I have an interview in the New Year. It's still in the same university (in fact, in the same department, which should create some very interesting politics with Pointy Haired Boss), but hopefully the atmosphere will be a lot more positive. Hell, surely it can't be less positive? Actually, that's a little unfair - I've done my due diligence on what the chap is like to work with, and everyone says he's pretty good and it seems a happy lab. Likewise the lab for the other role I'm applying for, which is actually more my thing, but the closing date isn't until two days after the interview...
Please let this be a step in the right direction...
AG
--------------------
"It becomes soon pleasantly apparent that change-ringing is by no means merely an excuse for beer" Charles Dickens gets it wrong, 1869
Posts: 3574 | From: The wardrobe of my soul | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged
|
|
Schroedinger's cat
Ship's cool cat
# 64
|
Posted
I am looking for work. I have a great CV, but I need work nearby. Unfortunately, I seem to have run out of local companies - for some reason they don;t like me much. Or I need another type of work.
Today I have finally produced an alternative CV, in am attempt to move to a different type of role. Now I find that they don't accept CVs, I need to fill out their own on-line application form, which will take me hours.
I hate looking for work. It is SO soul destroying.
--------------------
Blog
Music for your enjoyment
Lord may all my hard times be healing times
take out this broken heart and renew my mind.
Posts: 18859 | From: At the bottom of a deep dark well. | Registered: May 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
Sandemaniac
Shipmate
# 12829
|
Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Schroedinger's cat:
I hate looking for work. It is SO soul destroying.
Gods, yes! No-one ever seems to understand just how gut-wrenchingly painful the procedure is. It's taken a decade for the Careers Service here to recruit someone who acknowledges that, and understands why sometimes people act as though they are really fucked up. It's because they are really fucked up by it and, unlike the bright young things who've done a PhD and fancy doing something different, he's been there and done that.
Good luck! If only I could say something more useful.
AG
--------------------
"It becomes soon pleasantly apparent that change-ringing is by no means merely an excuse for beer" Charles Dickens gets it wrong, 1869
Posts: 3574 | From: The wardrobe of my soul | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged
|
|
Palimpsest
Shipmate
# 16772
|
Posted
I've finally started serious job hunting after a year and a half off. ( I quit the last job rather than explode.) The new job started with them calling me and trying to convince me to apply. I did a serious of phone calls on that and then did a technical interview by phone after a couple of weeks of cramming college algorithm classes, since the fashion is to ask coding questions based on college work. I've had to do this every five or ten years and I'm always amused that the algorithms have actually improved since I was in college.
Anyhow after a nervous week and a half od no reply they said I passed the phone interview and want to schedule a round of in person interviews. I'm not sure if it will be this week or in January.
I'm not wild about the company but in the process of lying about why I wanted to work there, I'm almost convince myself it could be an ok to work. At worst it's good practice for other companies. The only company I applied for I didn't make it through the phone technical interview. So this is an improvement.
I do hate job hunting. I'm sorry I can't just retire now.
Posts: 2990 | From: Seattle WA. US | Registered: Nov 2011
| IP: Logged
|
|
Lia
Shipmate
# 7396
|
Posted
Hi all,
old newbie de-lurking here...
I have been thinking of a career move into social work for a long time but the avenues I have tried so far to gain some work-shadowing opportunities(local council, some friends connected to charities) have not been successful so far.
I stumbled across this thread and Doublethink and Zoey mentioned social work, so here I am asking for advice....
I am interested in adult social work with elderly or in the field of mental health (have been a carer for a long time and volunteer with the homeless), so what would be the best way to gain some work experience / work-shadowing opportunities?
I am in my mid-30s, so before I commit to a new career, I want to get a better idea of the day-to-day nature of the job!
Any suggestions gratefully appreciated!
Lia
Posts: 127 | From: Cherry Tree Lane | Registered: Jun 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
Sandemaniac
Shipmate
# 12829
|
Posted
Can't help myself, but can you confirm where you are in the world? It sounds like the UK but if you confirm that, it'll help getting the right replies.
AG
--------------------
"It becomes soon pleasantly apparent that change-ringing is by no means merely an excuse for beer" Charles Dickens gets it wrong, 1869
Posts: 3574 | From: The wardrobe of my soul | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged
|
|
Schroedinger's cat
Ship's cool cat
# 64
|
Posted
Just to update, I have now got a new job. What strikes me is that even though I am well qualified, it is still very hard to get work.
It makes me seriously worried for those with less defined skills, or less marketable ones. It must be a nightmare. Prayers for others on here going through this.
--------------------
Blog
Music for your enjoyment
Lord may all my hard times be healing times
take out this broken heart and renew my mind.
Posts: 18859 | From: At the bottom of a deep dark well. | Registered: May 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
Piglet
Islander
# 11803
|
Posted
Congratulations, SC - hope it works out well.
--------------------
I may not be on an island any more, but I'm still an islander.
alto n a soprano who can read music
Posts: 20272 | From: Fredericton, NB, on a rather larger piece of rock | Registered: Sep 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
Zoey
Broken idealist
# 11152
|
Posted
Lia - I'm a children's social worker based in the UK. Am in the process of composing a reply which I'll post at some point.
--------------------
Pay no mind, I'm doing fine, I'm breathing on my own.
Posts: 3095 | From: the penultimate stop? | Registered: Mar 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
Zoey
Broken idealist
# 11152
|
Posted
H'okay, here goes ...
In England (and I think the rest of the UK), ‘social worker’ is now a protected job title – i.e. in order to call yourself a social worker you need an approved social-work degree and you need to be registered as a social worker with the Health and Care Professionals Council. (This started in the 2000s. Before then people could have a diploma or lots of experience to be a social worker. I think there was some system to allow unqualified people with lots of experience to keep being social workers when the new regulations came in, but anyone wanting to become a social worker now definitely needs one of the approved degrees.)
Your question is interesting in that you’re asking about how to be more sure about what the job entails for yourself, rather than about how to get enough experience to be accepted onto an approved degree course. From your post, it sounds as though you already have enough experience that if you presented yourself well you would get accepted onto a degree course (it’s some years since I was applying, but I seem to remember a ball-park requirement was 6 months full-time experience in some kind of caring role *but* most of the courses would look favourably on relevant part-time and personal experience, so e.g. 3 years of being an unpaid carer and 1 year helping out once a week at a homelessness charity would play just as well as a 6-month full-time care-work job).
Getting work experience in a statutory social-work team prior to being on a social-work degree course is generally extremely difficult / impossible. However, social-work degree courses which qualify one to become a social worker must include 200 days of practical placements. (I did a masters with two 100-day placements. I think bachelors courses also require 200 days, but they may be split up into e.g. one 20-day placement, one 80-day placement, one 100-day placement.) Clearly, these will give you a good idea of what’s entailed working in your placement setting.
During the first fortnight of my social-work degree, one of the tutors told us all that every two or three years somebody comes to the staff after a couple of months and says that the degree is not what they thought and actually they don’t think it’s for them – and there’s no shame in doing this.
I suppose I’m fortunate in that I’m relatively good at envisaging what things might be like and what social work has proved to be like is close enough to my expectations for me not to have experienced any major disappointments of my expectations. You might need to settle for talking to some social workers in detail about what their day-to-day routine is like rather than being able to work-shadow. Personally, I would say that social work is always very full on, but there is a varied range of activities involved. Some time will be spent one-to-one with the people on your caseload, some time will be spent in group settings (e.g. meetings with other professionals and possibly your service-users and/or their family members), you will need to spend a lot of time writing case notes and reports, you might have to go to court to argue for what you think is needed in a particular case.
The thing which people expressed most surprise about on my degree course was how much law is involved in social work (and therefore how much study of law is involved in a social-work degree). Theorising about the nature of social work is an interesting philosophical exercise – is social work more about supporting people or about exercising control over them (most forms of social work tend to involve both aspects to a greater or lesser extent)? I’m a children’s social worker, so the heavy end of my job involves going to court to argue for the granting of court orders under the Children Act 1989 which are needed in order to e.g. take a child into foster care or place them for adoption. Mental-health social workers can train to become Approved Mental Health Professionals, who have a key role in deciding whether to section people under the Mental Health Act. Work with other vulnerable adults can involve applying to the Court Of Protection if the person lacks capacity under the Mental Capacity Act and you want to make major decisions on their behalf. And so on. I’ve actually been to court much more with my job than a uni friend who’s been a solicitor for a similar length of time (but just sits in an office doing contract law).
Hope some of that helps. As I say, I’m not sure you’ll be able to get direct work-shadowing experience. It’s a case of finding out as much as you can about what the job would entail in order to try to envisage whether it would suit you. Having said that, there are quite a variety of social-work roles available, so getting the degree wouldn’t necessarily tie you down to one particular type of job anyway.
(In terms of down sides to the job – resources are currently a big issue. It’s demoralising not being able to give people the help you think they need. I believe this may be more of an issue in adult care than in children’s – child protection still tends to get a half-decent level of resources for a variety of reasons, including, for example, the fact no council wants the next Baby Peter or Daniel Pelka story to come from their population.)
Hope that helps a bit. If you have further questions, do ask.
[ 28. December 2014, 16:37: Message edited by: Zoey ]
--------------------
Pay no mind, I'm doing fine, I'm breathing on my own.
Posts: 3095 | From: the penultimate stop? | Registered: Mar 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
Doublethink.
Ship's Foolwise Unperson
# 1984
|
Posted
Also, there are now social care reviewer roles in various specialisties where you work in a social care team under the supervision of a social worker - not entirely sure what qualifications are required - but that would be another way of seeing what you think.
--------------------
All political thinking for years past has been vitiated in the same way. People can foresee the future only when it coincides with their own wishes, and the most grossly obvious facts can be ignored when they are unwelcome. George Orwell
Posts: 19219 | From: Erehwon | Registered: Aug 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
Lia
Shipmate
# 7396
|
Posted
Thank you all so much for your replies and especially to Zoey for the comprehensive post - much to think about there and I take some encouragement from the fact that it is difficult to get a placement if not already accepted on a degree course, so the refusals were not necessarily personal.
Sandemaniac - I live in the UK, currently work in IT (hence still in the office today), have an MA in literature and have previously worked as a translator - as this would be my third career move, I really want to make sure as much as possible that I am a good fit for the job and vice versa.
I am in my 30s and would like to get it right this time...
I suppose I am looking for a job that is absorbing (I don't mind working long hours)and where I can structure my interest for older people in a more professionalised way, rather than making a living from a job I don't identify with and volunteering in my spare time (which I do).
Doublethink - I will definitely look at the reviewer roles you mention and see what these require.
I will probably come back with more questions in 2015 but if you have any more advice, keep it coming and happy new year to all!
Lia
Posts: 127 | From: Cherry Tree Lane | Registered: Jun 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
Sandemaniac
Shipmate
# 12829
|
Posted
...and the application is in for the afore-cursed-about position.
Who knows what it will bring - I have reached the stage of desperation to get out of the current situation, instead of trying to make positive moves (though I might actually get to use a few of my skills, instead of being treated like a rather ignorant monkey). I must also start working on trying to get an interview outside of the university, though this may be difficult without industry experience (another topic already sworn about at length upthread).
Meanwhile, I remain cynical about career coaching until it comes up with something I haven't thought of (though it scores over the Careers Service in appearing to actually listen to me occasionally, as opposed to making fluffy noises).
I probably ought to start beating the living shit out of people who make patronising suggestions too, in the hope that news gets around.
Oh, and Doublethink came up with a suggestion upthread that sounded like absolute genius. However investigating it properly has thus far been foiled by a total absence of any information about whether there are any open days here, and a "we can't really be arsed" email response when I tried to find out more. A) I'd expect better from something that presumably is trying to recruit people and B) I'd expect better from somewhere with a stupid number of hospitals.
Ah well, roll on the other 361 days of 2015...
AG
--------------------
"It becomes soon pleasantly apparent that change-ringing is by no means merely an excuse for beer" Charles Dickens gets it wrong, 1869
Posts: 3574 | From: The wardrobe of my soul | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged
|
|
Og: Thread Killer
Ship's token CN Mennonite
# 3200
|
Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Sandemaniac:
..
Meanwhile, I remain cynical about career coaching until it comes up with something I haven't thought of (though it scores over the Careers Service in appearing to actually listen to me occasionally, as opposed to making fluffy noises).
I probably ought to start beating the living shit out of people who make patronising suggestions too, in the hope that news gets around.
....
Having been on the other side of that discussion, although beating up the patronising ones would give the good ones hope, I would suggest more likely an outcome would just be an increase in general bureaucratic sloth.
I spent a good chunk of my management time trying to find ways for my employment worker staff to see when people took what they said and found jobs. I wanted to install a bell and ring it loud and celebrate when somebody got a job but was over ruled.
People do find jobs - just never quick enough.
--------------------
I wish I was seeking justice loving mercy and walking humbly but... "Cease to lament for that thou canst not help, And study help for that which thou lament'st."
Posts: 5025 | From: Toronto | Registered: Aug 2002
| IP: Logged
|
|
Sandemaniac
Shipmate
# 12829
|
Posted
I guess there is a certain comfort in knowing that it's a struggle on the other side of the fence too, Og!
AG
--------------------
"It becomes soon pleasantly apparent that change-ringing is by no means merely an excuse for beer" Charles Dickens gets it wrong, 1869
Posts: 3574 | From: The wardrobe of my soul | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged
|
|
Sandemaniac
Shipmate
# 12829
|
Posted
Well I woke up this morning...
[guitar] Da-nana-naNA![/guitar]
with the post-interview blues.
Still haven't heard anything back after Wednesday's interview, but not feeling confident at all. I felt there was a really funny dynamic to the interview, the panel were far more interested in what was going on in my current lab than in anything I'd written, or anything I'd done. That's not good as the current job is sucking my motivation like a high-class whore with a Dyson due to the pointlessness of it and the lunacy of the boss.
Oh, and the course they've finally found enough people interested to be worth running that I've been on a waiting list for for months is to be run by someone I have come to regard as a source of meaningless platitudes. Joy upon joy.
Ho hum.
AG
--------------------
"It becomes soon pleasantly apparent that change-ringing is by no means merely an excuse for beer" Charles Dickens gets it wrong, 1869
Posts: 3574 | From: The wardrobe of my soul | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged
|
|
Sandemaniac
Shipmate
# 12829
|
Posted
...and on top of all that I didn't get the job.
I really, really, really hate the whole soul sucking shittiness of it all, and the soul sucking shithole I work in. ![[brick wall]](graemlins/brick_wall.gif)
Just thought you should know.
AG
--------------------
"It becomes soon pleasantly apparent that change-ringing is by no means merely an excuse for beer" Charles Dickens gets it wrong, 1869
Posts: 3574 | From: The wardrobe of my soul | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged
|
|
Piglet
Islander
# 11803
|
Posted
Sorry to hear that, Sandemaniac - it does indeed suck great festering goose-balls. ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Votive]](graemlins/votive.gif) for better luck next time (not really helpful I know, but it's the best I can do).
--------------------
I may not be on an island any more, but I'm still an islander.
alto n a soprano who can read music
Posts: 20272 | From: Fredericton, NB, on a rather larger piece of rock | Registered: Sep 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
Palimpsest
Shipmate
# 16772
|
Posted
Sorry to hear about it Sandemaniac. I'm waiting myself to hear back after an all day interview loop that left me fried last Thursday. I'm dubious about getting the job, but it would have been nice to get a reply today like they said they would.
Hang in there.
Posts: 2990 | From: Seattle WA. US | Registered: Nov 2011
| IP: Logged
|
|
Jack the Lass
Ship's airhead
# 3415
|
Posted
Oh Sandemaniac How rubbish.
I am coming to the end of my fixed term contract at work, and had an interview last week for bank health visiting (HVing was what I did before PhD and then again between PhD and this postdoc). It went well, they are pretty desperate so (in line with all the other HV interviews I've ever had) it was mainly to ascertain that I do actually only have one head, and they said there will be plenty of work for me. They also encouraged me to apply for a couple of permanent part-time positions, and I agreed to let my application form be scanned and submitted for a post with a closing date of last Thursday. Given the state of HV recruitment, it will be pretty unlikely that I'm not shortlisted. However, I am in 2 minds about it: on the one hand, it would be much better from the financial point of view - security, decent leave, childcare vouchers, pension, etc. BUT, psychologically I am just not sure. I don't actually WANT to be a HV permanently, so was happy to just temp on the bank to get the hours in to be able to renew my registration, knowing that in theory I could walk away pretty easily, and carry on plodding on with that till I found something I wanted to do more. The thought of going back to a permanent position (even one with a nice caseload, based 5 minutes from home) feels like a massive step back, and coupled with my fragility and disappointment about an academic career not working out, I am really not sure that it is the right thing to do - I don't know how I will mentally cope with the thought of taking a step back again. BUT if I didn't go for the permanent position it would mean that financially etc I wouldn't be as secure.
It's very nice to be wanted and in demand. But I really want someone to tell me what to do, and exactly how long it will be before my dream job (whatever that is!) will turn up, so I can make a sensible decision.
--------------------
"My body is a temple - it's big and doesn't move." (Jo Brand)
wiblog blipfoto blog
Posts: 5767 | From: the land of the deep-fried Mars Bar | Registered: Oct 2002
| IP: Logged
|
|
Palimpsest
Shipmate
# 16772
|
Posted
I didn't get the job either. It's mildly annoying since they found me, but it's a downer. I've spent a month going through the process with these folks including an 8 hour interview loop.
So it goes.. back to searching for openings.
Posts: 2990 | From: Seattle WA. US | Registered: Nov 2011
| IP: Logged
|
|
Palimpsest
Shipmate
# 16772
|
Posted
Jack The Lass; does working at the HV job preclude looking for the dream job? I left my last job and it's harder to find one without a current job. If your temp is expiring, maybe a full time job you don't want makes you more attractive to the eventual dream employer.
Posts: 2990 | From: Seattle WA. US | Registered: Nov 2011
| IP: Logged
|
|
Piglet
Islander
# 11803
|
Posted
I was wondering the same thing, Palimpsest. They say it's always easier to find a job when you're in one, and if nothing else, it'll (a) keep the wolf from the door; and (b) keep one's brain-cells in working order.
--------------------
I may not be on an island any more, but I'm still an islander.
alto n a soprano who can read music
Posts: 20272 | From: Fredericton, NB, on a rather larger piece of rock | Registered: Sep 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
Printer-friendly view
