Need a job

[Liability]

Hi All,
Some useful suggestions there.

To talk a little more on some of the points raised, I'm not prepared to ditch my family. Its an interesting proposition, but I think thats too extreme for me.

Some different opinions on how quickly to follow up with recruiters. Maybe all approaches are right, who knows?

I have a cushion (and no, not the kind you sit on), but its more a case of me having been working for so long now, that when some "time off" comes along, it just feels very strange - to me it feels "wrong" to not be working, if that makes sense?

Theres so much talk of doom and gloom on the news, with companies getting into trouble, that my big fear is that if I'm not in a job soon, it may be all over. I guess I'm just not used to being out of work.

All good points regarding having confidence in your skills \ background. I do, but I just dont understand why I havent got a job, with, what I've been told by numerous recruiters, is a good CV.

Am I desperate? I dont know. Maybe. Confused is the word I'd reach for immediately.

I realise this might not be the best forum to post this on, but frankly, after pursuing many other forums, my view is that you can never try too hard if you're serious about chasing a job.

Thanks,
Rob

Rob

For what its worth Ive been contracting for around 12 years now and NEVER been out of a contract. My previous gig ended end of October and I wanted to take a few weeks off then get something before end of Nov. This never happened as the market was really bad. Whereas before Id easily get a good 5-8 calls a week WITHOUT applying; this time around Id be lucky to get 3 calls for the whole month [I mean real calls and not agents wasting time]

Mid Dec I was a little concerned as I still wasnt get much through. However I stuck to the plan and now have a few opps that I am hoping will get me back by end of January for good 6-12 months.

2009 will not be an easy year for majority of people. But stick with it, get you confidence back and keep close tabs on the market. BE prepared to travel a little for a job - as being IN employment is better than watching Jeremy Kyle and getting slightly depressed at home.

Something will comes across mate....its just a matter of time and ensuring you have the skills.

I can relate to you wanting to work ASAP - I am the same - I havent had a holiday in over 11 years so this was the first time Ive taken 2 months off totally - and it was WIERD!.

[rob_m]

There are quite a few constructive posts here, and I do thank everyone for them.

To answer some queries, yes, I have an undergrad degree in IT. I'm about half way through an MBA, but put it aside to work, as I felt at the time experience was more important (plus it was very time consuming to work and study at the same time).

I've been predominantly a contractor, and my preference is for contracting, however in this market, I'll take anything. No point in throwing away a perfectly good permie role while the bills are still accumulating.

I also speak 3 languages (others being Italian and conversational Spanish).

My intention without fail is to keep looking, both for perm and contract. Much like other people, so I'm not any different from anyone else I think.

I just want \ need to be working.

[Cyberman]

jeez, the idiots are certainly coming out of the woodwork today. Has someone left the cage door open or something?

No, it's called an MBA. And yes it's one you have to work for. And yes I did it for my own reasons and for my own benefit.

When you finish school and have gone on to do a degree, maybe you can think of doing one. See, I can make stupid assumptions just like you can.

Bearing in mind some of the nonsense you come out with on this board, my previous high regard for the MBA qualification has been somewhat downgraded.

[AtW]

my previous high regard for the MBA qualification has been somewhat downgraded.

UK is not known for good MBAs, not that there many good ones at all.

[Liability]

UK is not known for good MBAs, not that there many good ones at all.

LBS, CASS, JUDGE - all this lot still rate very high you know.

I did you mean the actual concept of doing an MBA in UK?

[SantaClaus]

Some good advice has been given here amongst all the ego bashing.

But my best advice to Rob_M would be to get off this board and start looking for a job.

It is possible to spend many fruitless hours here posting and reading nonsense.

[Ivor Bigun]

There are quite a few constructive posts here, and I do thank everyone for them.
To answer some queries......
I've been predominantly a contractor, and my preference is for contracting, however in this market, I'll take anything............
My intention without fail is to keep looking, both for perm and contract.........
I just want \ need to be working.

IMO, You "lost" it here.
Lets re-read your first post and dissect its real meaning.

Hi all,
First post here, so please go easy on a noob.

No -This is just your attempt to avert criticism that "may" come your way. Thats very "sensitive" of you but how do you know this could happen? Hmmmmm. you've probably used this "feel soory for me, I'm a victim" technique all your life.
I'm just calling you out on it here. No doubt you will protest your innocence or make out "you're really nasty". Anything to make people feel sorry for you eh?

I dont want to add any tearjerkers, but the basic problem is that I lost my job at AIG at the start of October due to the recent problems the company has had, and am desperate to get a new job.

Second part of your cynical attempt to make the reader feel sorry for you. However, we now know you're a contractor and not the permie who's been in a job for 10 years and through no fault his own, is made redundant..
That change in emphasis is what you're all about. its also called being slippery and slimy.

I have education and experience, but I'm really finding it tough out there.
So I need a job. I've been on a variety of forums, I have many alerts, I spend quite a bit of time chasing things down by phone within minutes of them being posted and applying, and yet its proving difficult.
My field is project management, and I have an infrastructure background (10+ years as an MCSE). Hopefully I wont get a flaming for this, but I'm prepared to work for pretty much any salary, and any field thats even remotely close to what I was doing. I live in South London (SM5 area).

And now the pathetic "hard sell". What sort of place do you think this is? Well you obviously know that its a forum and not a job board, so why advertise yourself? height of bad manners IMO.
All this slyness, just makes you out as a bit creepy. No wonder noone wants to hire you.

All help greatfully received.
Thanks,
Rob

Good luck - but as someone said here before.
- Stop touting on this board and try to get a job through the normal channels.

[jmo21]

what a flaming!!

tad harsh?

[DiscoStu]

what a flaming!!

tad harsh?

WHS

No need. It's not like he was posting an AtW economic theory.

[Doggy Styles]

what a flaming!!

tad harsh?

I think so. Not everyone is as clued up as the "experts" on here.

And as for dissecting "real meanings"... there's a geezer here who wants a bit of advice, not psycho-analysis by someone who doesn't know what he's on about. Cojak covered any weakness in the geezer's attitude in her very short comment entitled: "Don't Panic". It doesn't need a load of amateur psycho-claptrap on top.

rob_m, take no notice of that and try and take on board what the more constructive posters have suggested.