LOOKING FOR WORK - THOUGHTS

[Huw Amai]

I have now been out of work for just over a week and I thought that it would be good to share my initial thoughts.

I have signed on, this was quite interesting seeing the view from the other side of the counter !,once you have applied for the benefit you sign an agreement that you will be active in seeking work. I have to complete a diary stating what actions I have taken in seeking employment - this has to be taken every time you sign on as evidence that you are actively looking for a job.

I initially got a bit uptight and stressed about what I had to do but, on further reflection I decided to be relaxed about it - and that works !.

How am I relaxing, well I am heading to Oxford for a few days in early April - on the Inspector Morse trail, I might even locate some of his favourite drinking holes - for research purposes !!

[destru]

Research indeed. There are many sites that explain how to make real ale on the internet!

[Bugsy Siegel]

I am currently signing on as well. Three weeks now and I have to take the diary in as evidence that am activly seeking employment. I was signing on today and the guy said JCP are recruiting again do you want a job!!! I said just come from there 10 years service. He said they have got rid of to many folk and need bodies back in.

[destru]

It's an organisational gem.

What a **** up.

Not for us.

[squirrelhunter]

I spent the best part of an afternoon on the phone to the JC contact centre and have an appointment for next week to look forward to ! At the end of the call I ended up giving the guy advice on his potential claim for DLA !

[muz]

Just what we need! More work!!!!!

[cal125]

I'm not signing on yet as I want to be able to do my own thing, travel up North and also visit friends in England for a while before having to account for myself to JCP. However when I've had my bit of total free time, I will be looking at doing some voluntary work which will enhance my CV and get me back into a routine again in a less pressured way. There's always the possibility that contacts made in voluntary work will open up opportunities to secure paid work. There is a huge variety available, some placements pay expenses and you don't have to commit full time. This site is worth a look.

www.volunteerscotland.org.uk/default.aspx

Good luck.