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Reflections on My Job Programme and Volunteering Experience
Redemption
Community Connector Posts: 6,068 Master Poster
in Work & Study
I had my second appointment with my current programme recently, which is my third programme overall. The previous programmes were more focused on workshops, courses, and building confidence, while this one is more fast-paced and specifically aimed at helping me move into work. Each programme I’ve done, I’ve hoped would lead to a job, but this one is focused on that actual goal rather than just courses. The appointment went okay, but I’m feeling a bit doubtful because I’ve had setback after setback, and it feels like another year I’ve failed again. I’m hoping they can help me get into work and that I can really apply myself too. It’s been hard I've had several interviews, which is good because it shows I’m doing something right, but I haven’t had any results from them yet. At my appointment, they said the person I saw, along with her colleague, are trying to help, so hopefully I’ll have more options at my next appointment. They’ll look and apply for me, and then employers will contact me if they like my CV. Although they said things might move fast and could happen before Christmas, it’s hard to believe after so many knockbacks.
I hope things get better from here because I’ve been reflecting on this year. I started off doing some volunteering, and while it seemed like it might help at first, it quickly became difficult. I wasn’t particularly keen to do it in the first place and found the tasks challenging and unrewarding. At times, it felt like my efforts weren’t valued, which affected my confidence. For example, one task involved learning to use the till, and after just a couple of attempts, I was told it wasn’t for me. Experiences like that made me dread going and reinforced that unpaid work wasn’t helping me. I realized that I wanted to focus on paid opportunities instead. I know volunteering can be very different in other situations, especially for causes like mental health charities, where volunteers make a real difference. I’ve personally seen how helpful that kind of volunteering can be, but for me, this experience reinforced that my focus needs to be on moving into work where I’m gaining skills and being compensated.
I hope things get better from here because I’ve been reflecting on this year. I started off doing some volunteering, and while it seemed like it might help at first, it quickly became difficult. I wasn’t particularly keen to do it in the first place and found the tasks challenging and unrewarding. At times, it felt like my efforts weren’t valued, which affected my confidence. For example, one task involved learning to use the till, and after just a couple of attempts, I was told it wasn’t for me. Experiences like that made me dread going and reinforced that unpaid work wasn’t helping me. I realized that I wanted to focus on paid opportunities instead. I know volunteering can be very different in other situations, especially for causes like mental health charities, where volunteers make a real difference. I’ve personally seen how helpful that kind of volunteering can be, but for me, this experience reinforced that my focus needs to be on moving into work where I’m gaining skills and being compensated.
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Comments
it sounds like a good programme to be on that's for sure - hopefully the success it claims to have shows true for you and you're able to find a position that works and is a good fit for you. but you're taking all the steps and measures you can, and you should always be proud of yourself for that
Thank you @sinead276 ❤️ hopefully it helps me, I think it will. I hope you're well anyway, always love getting a reply from you
Hey @Redemption, thank you for sharing this with us. It sounds like this programme is more oriented towards your specific goal, so hopefully it'll give the opportunity you're looking for and that you get contacted soon. You've mentioned the setbacks you've experienced so far, which can feel demoralising. Looking back, what do you think you've learned, and gotten better at? We're here to support you through this.
Thank you @Azziman , sorry for the late reply, I
had a couple of things on. I think Ive got better with my determination and learnt that life isn't always as straightforward and its ok to take time to find my feet.