Home› Archived Forums› General Discussion

Jobs, Depression and Insanity...

[Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 456
Forum Member
✭
in General Discussion #1
Ok, so I've had all sorts of job related problems. Got made redundant in March and, despite applying for loads of jobs I'm qualified for, I've failed to even secure interviews (it appears freelance work loses you massive amounts of respect in the job market!)...

I then branched out into applying for other things I was sort of qualified to do (i.e. data processing, copywriting, etc.) but had equally poor success with these...

So, after a bout of depression about the whole thing I've come out the other side and decided to do something vaguely juvenile to cheer myself up.

Since I can't get a job I'm qualified for, I'm going to start applying for 100 jobs I'm patently NOT qualified for/have any experience in - things that are strange or financially rewarding or stupid, etc. - and then writing up what happens in my blog. Maybe it will change my luck, maybe it will open up a new opportunity. Maybe it will just stop me from going totally mad!

I'm going to try and apply for a different job every day and if you'd like to know how I'm getting on, feel free to check out my blog...
«134567…12

Comments

  • bacchantic enigmabacchantic enigma Posts: 3,460
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    #2
    Absolutely hilarious. I've just read your blog, and it's quite captivating. I await more instalments about incredibly unsuitable job applications in the hopes of you getting wads of cash-or at the very least a tie with a company logo and maybe some spiffy overalls. :D
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 2,312
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    #3
    Hehe - cool :)

    I've not time to read your blog just yet, but it sounds like a fun idea so I've subscribed to this thread. Sounds like you've got the makings of a very funny book in this idea - good luck! :)
  • tomorrowtomorrow Posts: 32,477
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    #4
    Actually you may be surprised ... I applied for a job totally out of my usual area of experience, got it ... and although I am working too many hours, I love it

    :)

    Edit ... looked at your blog .... :D:D:D

    What happens WHEN you get offered 2 jobs at the same time?
  • SchismSchism Posts: 2,601
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    #5
    If you are doing your own publicity, think about doing a video diary for youtube (provided you can make it interesting and don't drone on for 10 minutes)
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 456
    Forum Member
    ✭
    #6
    tomorrow wrote:
    What happens WHEN you get offered 2 jobs at the same time?

    Well, when I am offered both Head of Culture of Buckinghamshire County Council and Chief Executive of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, I'm going to have a tough old time making my mind up :D

    A Bloke wrote:
    If you are doing your own publicity, think about doing a video diary for youtube (provided you can make it interesting and don't drone on for 10 minutes)

    I may just have to look into this when I have some time. I have a webcam, a microphone and the ability to drone incoherently for as long as it takes ;)
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 11,884
    Forum Member
    ✭✭
    #7
    Love your blog :D
    Agree with Jayemee, definitely has the makings of a good book, in the Danny Wallace/Dave Gorman mould.
  • larrysrabbitlarrysrabbit Posts: 5,797
    Forum Member
    ✭
    #8
    uncle monty wrote:
    Love your blog :D
    Agree with Jayemee, definitely has the makings of a good book, in the Danny Wallace/Dave Gorman mould.
    I agree utterly. If someone can have a best seller about travelling round Ireland with a fridge then you stand a bl**dy good chance. I think you have found your vocation! You have a good style of writing and a good sense of humour. :)
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 456
    Forum Member
    ✭
    #9
    Thanks for the kind words...I'm glad people are enjoying reading it...

    There's a new update here as I wrestled with a tough decision...
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,392
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    #10
    What a great blog! :D
    You have a great way with words, so I'd definitely go with turning your blog experiences into a book. I love real life funny, so I've bookmarked your page to see how you get on.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 2,312
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    #11
    I've read the blog now - very funny! :D

    Please reconsider applying for the Girl Guides job!!! :D
  • PamelaLPamelaL Posts: 67,688
    Forum Member
    ✭✭
    #12
    Really great blog Oliver and I usually hate blogs. I'm with Jayemee, apply for the Girl Guides job. :D
  • RAINBOWGIRL22RAINBOWGIRL22 Posts: 24,459
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    #13
    Makes for a very fascinating and witty read! Can't wait to see what else you will be applying for :D
  • AltheyaAltheya Posts: 3,519
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    #14
    I was in exactly the same position for about 2 1/2 years and of course taking temp jobs to keep the money coming in somehow makes you a terrible person unworthy of employing!! I think half the trouble is that everything is now done through agencies who know nothing about sending you for relevant roles and just want to keep you in crappy temp jobs or over the internet where god knows who picks up the 'applications' and you hear absolutely nothing back. Good for you doing something to stop falling into a pit of depression which is so very easy in that situation!
  • PinkvelvetPinkvelvet Posts: 10,744
    Forum Member
    ✭✭
    #15
    Great blog Oliver, it's a fantastic idea and could well turn into a lucrative career, either through a book deal or a set of articles in a magazine or newspaper perhaps? You're dead cute too so that should help with the male escort career!
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 11,884
    Forum Member
    ✭✭
    #16
    Pinkvelvet wrote:
    Great blog Oliver, it's a fantastic idea and could well turn into a lucrative career, either through a book deal or a set of articles in a magazine or newspaper perhaps? You're dead cute too so that should help with the male escort career!
    I must admit I thought that too :D
  • PinkvelvetPinkvelvet Posts: 10,744
    Forum Member
    ✭✭
    #17
    Could this become one of your 100 jobs?

    http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/personnel/jobs/vacancies.cgi?job=670
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 456
    Forum Member
    ✭
    #18
    Firstly, may I just blush from compliments...

    *blushes*

    And secondly, that is a wonderful job opportunity you've found Pinkvelvet - and may well be tomorrow's pick!
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,526
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    #19
    uncle monty wrote:
    Agree with Jayemee, definitely has the makings of a good book, in the Danny Wallace/Dave Gorman mould.

    My first thought too. I'm looking forward to the replies!
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 24,724
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    #20
    Have you tried applying to a model agency, you're not bad looking either:)

    Maybe the Male Escort could pay off, in the respectable sense I might add
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 24,724
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    #21
    Good luck and it is an alternative way of coping with your frustration.

    What sort of work are you looking for? My son is into gaming too.

    I come across 'extras' work occasionally which can get you on TV and earns a bit of money.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 456
    Forum Member
    ✭
    #22
    Cstar2229 wrote:
    What sort of work are you looking for? My son is into gaming too.

    Well, I've been designing games for the last 12 years but, for the last 5, I've been working freelance and there's been a big downturn in the amount of work - it tended to be the smaller companies that needed freelance designers and more and it seems that lots of these have gone out of business as it becomes increasingly expensive to make a game...

    But, that said, I love writing more than anything else - and if there was any way to pay the bills by writing then I'd go for that! :)
  • SchismSchism Posts: 2,601
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    #23
    mrcreosote wrote:

    I may just have to look into this when I have some time. I have a webcam, a microphone and the ability to drone incoherently for as long as it takes ;)

    Well if you don't have a lot of time on your hands, you can hire a "no fame, no fee" publicist, eg Jonathon Hartley. Might be worth a phone call at least...
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 4,288
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    #24
    I opened this thread quite tentatively, expecting it to be rather sad and a bit depressing :o But i was very pleasantly surprised :D Your blog is brilliant and i too think it would make a fab book, or at the very least a really good newspaper feature :) .

    Congratulations on turning what can be a very soul destroying experience for many into something positive and creative :) .
  • lemoncurdlemoncurd Posts: 57,778
    Forum Member
    ✭
    #25
    mrcreosote wrote:
    Well, I've been designing games for the last 12 years but, for the last 5, I've been working freelance and there's been a big downturn in the amount of work - it tended to be the smaller companies that needed freelance designers and more and it seems that lots of these have gone out of business as it becomes increasingly expensive to make a game...

    But, that said, I love writing more than anything else - and if there was any way to pay the bills by writing then I'd go for that! :)

    But Monsiuer Creosote, surely you should be applying for foodtester positions?

    On the `real' job aspects, http://www.freestylegames.com is always on the lookout for programmers, editors and designers (my brother is one of the directors ;) ). Not sure what their position is on contractors/freelancers.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 456
    Forum Member
    ✭
    #26
    Hmm...maybe they have an opening for a 'waf-er thin meent' taster ;)
Sign In or Register to comment.