Well, one new member here! Afternoon all. Feels very strange to be at home at this time of day.

Just wondering, any advice and tips from anyone? First time in this situation.

Bring on the good weather! Time to get fit!!

Cheers

Yep me too…

It might seem good having time to post on STW, but working beats this hands down.

Don’t allow yourself to get used to it is my advice!

I’ve been there twice in the last five years, here’s what got me through:

Sign on asap – it’s going to be painful to do that but the sooner you do it the sooner you get the benefits you’re entitled to, especially any mortgage related insurance.

Take a day or two to gather your thoughts but then commit yourself to making a plan for what happens next. That might be as simple as find another job like the one I had before, or it might be more complicated, like reviewing where you’re going, what do you really want to do, what can actually do and what (financially speaking) can you afford to do.

Establish a routine and stick to it; don’t get into the habit of lying in bed until 10am everyday. Try to stick to more or less the same work schedule you’ve been keeping until now. It’s really easy to fall into a lethargy and loose energy and motivation. I know it sounds strange, but I used to even put on a suit from time to time, especially when I really wanted to focus.

Work out how long you can go without having to work based on your current financial situation; do a best and worse case scenario in terms of budgeting and then think very creatively about how you would manage the worst case scenario should it happen. Most people will find a heck of a lot more in terms of money saving/raising ideas when the worst case scenario actually happens. I took in a lodger for four months which worked really well as it also gave me some company around the flat.

Figure out where and how you’re going to find new work:
Advertising – what newspapers have supplements in your field and what days, e.g. Guardian on Monday for media.
Job Boards – get a list and register with all of them
Agencies
Netowrking – this is essential as most people find their next role through some sort of referral from a friend or business associate. Remember your friends and family can also help.
Direct Approach – there is nothing wrong with identifying and appraoching target companies directly.

Lastly, make time to have fun – obviously bike riding is the best thing! This can be an emotionally draining experience and you need to find a way to recharge and still feel positive.

Good luck – you will find work again and this is always a time when good things can come from bad.

That’s certainly comprehensive and probably quite useful advise. Where are all the ‘ride your bike more’ ‘look at mucky pictures on the t’interweb’ etc sort of suggestions.

Don’t end up riding too much and end up breaking a collar bone.
It’s really hampered my attempts to find work….

Look at porn and ride! Just like being a mtb guide, live the dream!

The only advice I can give is a bit hackneyed but I think true;

‘Your new job is to find yourself a job’

I’ve been approaching my search with that in mind and it will focus your attention on what you should be doing.

It’s nice to have the freedom to get up and go riding when you feel like it but you should spend as much time as you would have done working, looking for your new job.

Best of luck in your search and hope you’re not here for too long.

Thanks very much for the advice all, some great information and advice there. The discipline one is very important I think. It is ok to relax, but not too much!

Thanks all 🙂

You’ll need to get your CV sharp and also your Letter of Introduction.

If you’re happy with yours then fine but I thought mine was okay and it needed a complete overhaul. Drop me a line if you need any help with this. Mine seems to be okay as I’ve had 7 interviews this month already.

Also, be prepared to feel a bit great one day and shit another, at least that’s what happening to me.

Well I’m 7 months in. 3 weeks ago I discovered I need to change career, last employer is not being helpful with a reference. This could be down to a number of reasons but the area I live and work in is very small and incestuous.
JSA runs out on Thursday and we’re down to existing on the wife’s salary and the insurance policy money. You’ll find out who your real friends are. Good luck with the job search.

Can you become a member by proxy? BA Citflyer are laying off cabin crew and other half may be in the firing line (no pun intended).

Bang goes my cheap holidays and claim on a trolley dolly