Stuck in dead end jobs

Former Member

I finished Uni a few years ago and since then have been temping and working in offices around London. I hate office work, always said I'd never ever sit behind a desk all day, but it's the easiest work to find in London and alot better paid than most other jobs,and I need the money to pay my rent and just to basically live.

I hate the fact that I've got a degree and I still can't get a challenging, interesting job that I actually like. I don't know what it is I want to do, I guess that is half my problem. I want to do some kind of course that will qualify me and give me the skills I need for a particular job. Does anyone have any advice? It costs bloody £15 to see a career advisor in London.

Former Member

I know what you mean. Not me, but my sister got a 2:1 in English and temped for years in London in office jobs, is now working in a school reception. I am worried I will end up like that! What degree did you do?

Are you talking about normal careers advisors, the government ones? I'm nearly sure they don't charge, and if they do then that's pathetic.

Keep applying for jobs, most interesting ones there is lots of competition and you may have to start at the bottom.

What about starting your own business? Not easy, but there are grants you can get from the princes trust. Beats being a robot...

Whatever you do, don't just carry on as you are. I have done temping and know how demeaning it is (especially if you spent 3 years studying in the belief it would get you a good job).

Look on the net for careers advice, there's plenty out there.

Good luck. :-)

Former Member

Much as I'd love to give you some advice, I could do with a little more info, what degree did you do? do you want to work in a related area? What are your interests? do you want to stay in London or would you consider moving either within the UK or abroad?

A few articles that may get you thinking here:
http://www.thesite.org/info/careers/getting_a_job/whats_your_perfect_job.html
http://www.thesite.org/info/careers/self_employment/useful_contacts.html
http://www.thesite.org/info/careers/gap_year/researching_a_year_off.html

Careers Services National Association
Careers centres differ around the country in which services they provide to people. Depending on which company is in charge of your area, The advice may be free to everyone or restricted to certain groups of people.
Telephone: 01926 318255

There are a billion and one places offering short practical courses in London which you could do in the evenings or at weekends. Run a google search on the subjects you fancy and then send off for a prospectus.

That'll do for now

Susie <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="smile">