Career Advice

[maxi]

Before I gave up work I used to work for an organisation that helped unemployed people get back into work. I operated the contract side of things, i.e. monitoring targets, implenting programmes, managing staff and improving the service offered. At the time I thought I was pretty good at my job but now that I have decided to try and go back to work, I don't seem to be getting anywhere. I got a couple of interviews when I first started applying, then nothing, not even a rejection letter lol (not many places do now!). Do you think that the fact I have had a career break is going against me or do I just have to face the fact that I was shy** .

I've been having some thoughts that I may change direction. So far I have thought of going to university and studying something on diet and nutrition or economic development and regeneration. Or opening my own cafe or trying to start a little cottage business, such as making and selling chutneys or bath oils. Has anyone got any thoughts on any of those?

Also, is there anyone who would be willing to post what they do as I would love some inspiration!!!

[noababy]

Well first of all-I have to say from just reading what you wrote, that I think what is going against you is that you seem to not really want to go back to work. Maybe that is unconsciously coming across in your interviews. (maybe you are not as gung ho as you could be at interviews. The break may also be up against you, cause maybe employers are wondering whether you would have more kids and then take another break-I don't know.

If you want to change direction and can afford to do so, I would take some time to explore that. I would also go to a graphologist/psychologist/coach, to help you figure out what it is you really want to do with your life.

I am a er nurse and I am also looking inot making a change out of the profession. I am looking into coaching/nlp/naturopathy (with an emphasis on diet) or some combo of all. I think I am going to start by doing 10-12 coaching sessions with a coach and see where I go from there.

Good luck!

[ladybug]

Hiya How about you start your own business? Sounds to me like you could cope Something cottagy with nice stuff (like chutney, oils, HM frozen soups etc) sold in it sounds appealing to me - perhaps a tea room attached?? See this it is similar except it has an arts and crafts workshop area and a wee swingpark and teepees to stay in!!!

[rhianwen]

hi im studying with the ou but be careful with then they have changed the way somne of the courses work its going to take me ten years to get a ba in chi8ldhood and youth studies but my manager at the youth club is going to try and fast track me. I would love to open a child friendly cafe round here as there are none just dont have the confidence or know how to go about it xx

[jules06]

I only use one agency for employing staff and that is a london based one who work with the government in getting people back in to work, so very similar to what you used to do.

I am also sort of testing the water and going for interviews as and when they come up purely to work closer to home, so know how hard it is out there at the moment.

From reading what you have written I would say that employers do tend to take in to consideration mothers with young children and it can go against them (no it's not right and not legal but trust me It does happen behind the scenes). I would re think perhaps how you explain your career break, remembering by law you do not have to divulge you took time out for a family or anything else to do with your children.

Personally I always write to every candidate to let them know one way or another, but do know some companies just don't bother which is just bad management.

If I was you, and you wanted to go back in to the same industry or similar using your skills, then join an agency who will let you know as and when jobs come up, coach you on the interviews and then get feedback on how things went.

If you want to start a small business, my recommendation would be to get advice and support in how to set it up and run it. Anything to do with selling especially food products has strict guidelines and it is not just a case of making some jams and then selling them on line or advertising. It's not impossible but not that easy and there is a lot of competition out there and not a great profit margin.

You do seem not too sure what you want to do so why not make an appointment with the careers advice centre at your local university and see what courses they have and what woud suit you (any course you do should ultimately lead to the skills you require to either go in to the business of your choice or industry).It's also a potentially long commitment in years to get the qualifications aswell.

Good luck with whatever you decide, but it is hard out there in the workplace at the moment.

I work for a contract catering company in further education,I am also a health and safety & financial internal auditor, all round troubleshooter (and troublemaker when I get the chance )

[maxi]

Thank you very much for replying ladies, it's given me something to think out. Plus it let me clear my head about, I'm sick of thinking about it!