My goodness me, they want me. I have got a jobby. A jobby. A jobby.
It's such an injection into my life to actually have one. I'm amazed that I do.
It's such an amazing feeling getting a job. It just gives me a reason to get out of my pjamas and sing and dance and do a jog or two or three....
wow wow wow
I'm not sure what else to say on the subject at the moment....I'm so excited and I just can't hide it, la la la la la......
Yadda yadda yadda bla bla bla....I'm off to calm myself down!!!!
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Monday, 26 October 2009
I'm doomed!!
Ok, so I had my second interview at the Ambulance Trust this morning, and I actually don't think it went as well as the first one. which is a shame because I left the first with a really good feeling about things that I had said and had really hoped it was mine.
anyway, I went back today, and I've had this marvelous chance re-applying for a position that I wanted before, if you recall I spent a weekend getting excited about things I could do and doing a spot of dreaming, well this is the same job that I had an interview for at the end of August.
I'm just not convinced, and now it's the end of the day, and all I can do is wait.
Fingers and toes crossed at the ready!!
anyway, I went back today, and I've had this marvelous chance re-applying for a position that I wanted before, if you recall I spent a weekend getting excited about things I could do and doing a spot of dreaming, well this is the same job that I had an interview for at the end of August.
I'm just not convinced, and now it's the end of the day, and all I can do is wait.
Fingers and toes crossed at the ready!!
Thursday, 22 October 2009
nursing
On Sunday a friend of mine from uni called. We had a good little catch up, and she introduced me to something I'd never even thought about before. Nursing.
So all week I've been putting the wheels in motion. I've looked at different universities, different study options, looked at the whole degree -v- diploma debates online. I've also had a look on NHS jobs and seen what options are available to me once I'm a registered nurse. I couldn't believe just how many areas theer are to go into. So I have decided that I'm going to go for it. I've got my UCAS form filled in, and sent my application off today, and it's the first time in weeks that I've felt rather happy.
Of course I may change my mind between now and September, it's a long way off. I may find a job and really like it, but I have opened a door I never even thought about. The more I've looked into it this week the more I want to go for it. So I have applied to 5 universities, and just have to hope that one of them will take me on. I've applied to DMU, UEA, Southampton, Nottingham and Manchester. I was going to apply for UCS too, but I only got 5 options, and one of the others just pipped it to the post. It's the element of being able to move away again that got me. I'm thinking i'll go for either Southampton or Nottingham at the moment, but we'll see. I've got fingers crossed that the door is open on that path.
I have an interview on Monday for a job that sounded really good last time I had an interview for it. I hope they are keen on me. They must be, I've been there before not so long ago. The one at the Ambulance Service Trust. I got feedback from the last one, I've read the job discription a fair few times, I've looked on the NHS site, and Ambulance trust site, and read over stuff, so I'm just hoping it doesn't jump out my brain in the interview.
I do really want the job. It sounded ace last time, and I think I'd be really good at it. It would be a nice challenge, and I like challenges. So in that case, wish me luck for Monday. It may go well, it may not, but I hope it does. Just relax relax relax.
My sieve brain should be blocked up I think...just for a day. Asking me about me and things I've done isn't a problem. But asking me information about something i've read, Unless I've jotted it down and can read my notes there and then, the likely hood is that it'll not be there. I tend to retain information if I've heard it rather than if I've read it. I don't get why that is.
So yes, nursing is possibally my new venture. I wont start until September, many have intakes in Jan/Feb/March, but I'd like to work for a while and save up the pennies.
The course sounds interesting and active. Theres a lot of practical stuff, following a nurse around and things. I think I need an involved in depth course that's going to challenge me. Last time I was at uni I lost motivation really quickly. Not only did I not really like the course, I also only had 8 hours a week tuition, and didn't ever to seem to have loads of work to do. Shame really, but I really regret doing things the way I did. I don;t think I did the uni thing properly. Lets face it I spent morer time in Thetford than I did in Leicester, and this did really have a huge impact on my studies. So I'm going to do it again, I'm going to work harder, and depending how things go, I'll either do the diploma or switch to the degree in the last year if I am given the option.
I'd like to work in a fertility clinic. I don't know anyone affected by fertility problems, but i did donate my eggs last year, and the whole process was fascinating to me. I think it mst be such an interesting area to go into. So that's my plan. I may need to do some more general nursing for a couple of years before hand, but it'll get me where I want to go. There is of course also the scope to go overseas. i'd love to be able to make a life for myself elsewhere. I think a change, a broadening of horizons maybe....I don't know.
But yes, a bit of positivity has come from me at last!!
So all week I've been putting the wheels in motion. I've looked at different universities, different study options, looked at the whole degree -v- diploma debates online. I've also had a look on NHS jobs and seen what options are available to me once I'm a registered nurse. I couldn't believe just how many areas theer are to go into. So I have decided that I'm going to go for it. I've got my UCAS form filled in, and sent my application off today, and it's the first time in weeks that I've felt rather happy.
Of course I may change my mind between now and September, it's a long way off. I may find a job and really like it, but I have opened a door I never even thought about. The more I've looked into it this week the more I want to go for it. So I have applied to 5 universities, and just have to hope that one of them will take me on. I've applied to DMU, UEA, Southampton, Nottingham and Manchester. I was going to apply for UCS too, but I only got 5 options, and one of the others just pipped it to the post. It's the element of being able to move away again that got me. I'm thinking i'll go for either Southampton or Nottingham at the moment, but we'll see. I've got fingers crossed that the door is open on that path.
I have an interview on Monday for a job that sounded really good last time I had an interview for it. I hope they are keen on me. They must be, I've been there before not so long ago. The one at the Ambulance Service Trust. I got feedback from the last one, I've read the job discription a fair few times, I've looked on the NHS site, and Ambulance trust site, and read over stuff, so I'm just hoping it doesn't jump out my brain in the interview.
I do really want the job. It sounded ace last time, and I think I'd be really good at it. It would be a nice challenge, and I like challenges. So in that case, wish me luck for Monday. It may go well, it may not, but I hope it does. Just relax relax relax.
My sieve brain should be blocked up I think...just for a day. Asking me about me and things I've done isn't a problem. But asking me information about something i've read, Unless I've jotted it down and can read my notes there and then, the likely hood is that it'll not be there. I tend to retain information if I've heard it rather than if I've read it. I don't get why that is.
So yes, nursing is possibally my new venture. I wont start until September, many have intakes in Jan/Feb/March, but I'd like to work for a while and save up the pennies.
The course sounds interesting and active. Theres a lot of practical stuff, following a nurse around and things. I think I need an involved in depth course that's going to challenge me. Last time I was at uni I lost motivation really quickly. Not only did I not really like the course, I also only had 8 hours a week tuition, and didn't ever to seem to have loads of work to do. Shame really, but I really regret doing things the way I did. I don;t think I did the uni thing properly. Lets face it I spent morer time in Thetford than I did in Leicester, and this did really have a huge impact on my studies. So I'm going to do it again, I'm going to work harder, and depending how things go, I'll either do the diploma or switch to the degree in the last year if I am given the option.
I'd like to work in a fertility clinic. I don't know anyone affected by fertility problems, but i did donate my eggs last year, and the whole process was fascinating to me. I think it mst be such an interesting area to go into. So that's my plan. I may need to do some more general nursing for a couple of years before hand, but it'll get me where I want to go. There is of course also the scope to go overseas. i'd love to be able to make a life for myself elsewhere. I think a change, a broadening of horizons maybe....I don't know.
But yes, a bit of positivity has come from me at last!!
Saturday, 17 October 2009
life back at home
Ok, so I've been back at home a week. I'm not enjoying it one bit. I don't mean to sound ungrateful or anything, but I'm just not a particularly family orientatted person. To be fair none of my family are. We are all sort of 4 completely different people all stuck under one roof.
I want to be left alone to do my own thing. Yet all week, every 5 minutes my mum has felt the need to check up on me and ask me what i'm doing, even though I've done nothing. Nothing all week. I've got no money, no friends, I'm bored out of mind, and therefore lack motivation to even do simple things like make-up and think what to wear for the day. If you know me, you'll know i like to mke an effort, but I've hardly bothered this week. My mood has gone from bad to worse. A friend of mine has dumped me, and that just makes me feel used and useless, because for a change I couldn't help her out. In fact, she is my only realy friend, and I'm gutted. It's taken over my week in a huge way, and I just don't know how I'm going to deal with being a complete loner. That makes me sound really tragic I know. I'm not, I've just lost my love for life. I've always generally been rather happy go lucky, so teh fact that it's gone means that, even if I don't like to think it, I'm taking this all pretty badly.
Nevermind, I have an interview on 26th October, and one on 4th Novemeber. I may have mentioed before that I have a casual job, and i'm going to do a shift tomorrow morning. It's only an hour and a half, it wont cover the petrol costs to get there, but I don't think I can sit wallowing in self-pity any longer than i have already. Perhaps if I start doing this again it will make me feel better and give me some motivation.
I know it will be fine once I eventually get a job, and things will be easier just as soon as I do and I'm out of the house for most of the day....
Oh, my brother has a job now too. He's going to work at Curry's, starts Monday evening. My 16 years old brother has got a job before me, his 24 year old sister, with a degree. Mind you, degrees don't really count for anything thses days do they?
I want to be left alone to do my own thing. Yet all week, every 5 minutes my mum has felt the need to check up on me and ask me what i'm doing, even though I've done nothing. Nothing all week. I've got no money, no friends, I'm bored out of mind, and therefore lack motivation to even do simple things like make-up and think what to wear for the day. If you know me, you'll know i like to mke an effort, but I've hardly bothered this week. My mood has gone from bad to worse. A friend of mine has dumped me, and that just makes me feel used and useless, because for a change I couldn't help her out. In fact, she is my only realy friend, and I'm gutted. It's taken over my week in a huge way, and I just don't know how I'm going to deal with being a complete loner. That makes me sound really tragic I know. I'm not, I've just lost my love for life. I've always generally been rather happy go lucky, so teh fact that it's gone means that, even if I don't like to think it, I'm taking this all pretty badly.
Nevermind, I have an interview on 26th October, and one on 4th Novemeber. I may have mentioed before that I have a casual job, and i'm going to do a shift tomorrow morning. It's only an hour and a half, it wont cover the petrol costs to get there, but I don't think I can sit wallowing in self-pity any longer than i have already. Perhaps if I start doing this again it will make me feel better and give me some motivation.
I know it will be fine once I eventually get a job, and things will be easier just as soon as I do and I'm out of the house for most of the day....
Oh, my brother has a job now too. He's going to work at Curry's, starts Monday evening. My 16 years old brother has got a job before me, his 24 year old sister, with a degree. Mind you, degrees don't really count for anything thses days do they?
Saturday, 10 October 2009
lets go to the fair
Ok, so yesterday....well it was interesting in a sense, but I'm still no further forward with careers and things.
I didn't really get to speak to too many recruiters yesterday, to be fair I was knackered and fed up by time i got in the place. I'd already been in London on my own for 4 hours before it opened. In heels that I don't usually wear, just because that way it looks smart. They did say to look smart as if you were going for an interview. I wish I hadn't. If it wasn't for the feet I might be alright. But yes I'd had only a couple of hours sleep, i'd been in London for 4 hours on my own, and I wasn't having fun.
Then to op it all off, there were hundreds of people floating around like monkeys trying to get to their preferred perspective employer. I was pounced on straight away by some acounting fellow. Asking if I was interested in accounts, I was infact looking for something else.
He asked about UCAs points, and then it dawned on me. Most of these companies that recruit graduates for graduate posts have a whole hoast of requirements, going right back to GCSE's I generally meet GCSE requirements anywhere because I did alright. But then they ask about A Levels and UCAS points. Well, I didn't do A Levels, and I don't have any UCAS points. I did an Access to HE course at West Suffolk College, and whilst that is fine for getting into uni, it dosen't seem to fulfil the requirements of these employers. It's ok, a couple of the employers were as clueless as me.
Then there's the degree aspect. I only got a 2:2. I was only a couple of percent off a 2:1 and it was probably all down to one assignment. Had it not been for that assignment i would have been up there in the 2:1 category, and be in a much better stead. There's only a couple of companies that interested me today, and they both have requirements of a minimum of a 2:1. RUBBISH!!
So if I go to another one of these things, I'll not wear heels. FACT! I'll attempt to find out about things I'd like to do. BUT I DON'T KNOW!!
There must be a whole vast array of careers out there, so how can not one appeal to me? I just want to make things look pretty. Floristry perhaps? But that's more of a seasonal job I think. And it's not a career as such. Maybe I am frustrated because I need a hobby? Maybe if I was sat at home making things look pretty, I'd get past that creativity part, and work out something that I myself would like to do other than create.
Problem being, hobbies cost money, and of that I have none. Not really helping much is it.
I actually feel like I am completely stuck now in a huge massive rut that I'm never going to get out of. I'm not liking it one bit.
Back to mum and dads tomorrow though....we'll see what happens once I am home.
I didn't really get to speak to too many recruiters yesterday, to be fair I was knackered and fed up by time i got in the place. I'd already been in London on my own for 4 hours before it opened. In heels that I don't usually wear, just because that way it looks smart. They did say to look smart as if you were going for an interview. I wish I hadn't. If it wasn't for the feet I might be alright. But yes I'd had only a couple of hours sleep, i'd been in London for 4 hours on my own, and I wasn't having fun.
Then to op it all off, there were hundreds of people floating around like monkeys trying to get to their preferred perspective employer. I was pounced on straight away by some acounting fellow. Asking if I was interested in accounts, I was infact looking for something else.
He asked about UCAs points, and then it dawned on me. Most of these companies that recruit graduates for graduate posts have a whole hoast of requirements, going right back to GCSE's I generally meet GCSE requirements anywhere because I did alright. But then they ask about A Levels and UCAS points. Well, I didn't do A Levels, and I don't have any UCAS points. I did an Access to HE course at West Suffolk College, and whilst that is fine for getting into uni, it dosen't seem to fulfil the requirements of these employers. It's ok, a couple of the employers were as clueless as me.
Then there's the degree aspect. I only got a 2:2. I was only a couple of percent off a 2:1 and it was probably all down to one assignment. Had it not been for that assignment i would have been up there in the 2:1 category, and be in a much better stead. There's only a couple of companies that interested me today, and they both have requirements of a minimum of a 2:1. RUBBISH!!
So if I go to another one of these things, I'll not wear heels. FACT! I'll attempt to find out about things I'd like to do. BUT I DON'T KNOW!!
There must be a whole vast array of careers out there, so how can not one appeal to me? I just want to make things look pretty. Floristry perhaps? But that's more of a seasonal job I think. And it's not a career as such. Maybe I am frustrated because I need a hobby? Maybe if I was sat at home making things look pretty, I'd get past that creativity part, and work out something that I myself would like to do other than create.
Problem being, hobbies cost money, and of that I have none. Not really helping much is it.
I actually feel like I am completely stuck now in a huge massive rut that I'm never going to get out of. I'm not liking it one bit.
Back to mum and dads tomorrow though....we'll see what happens once I am home.
Thursday, 8 October 2009
graduate recruitment fair
There's not really been anything news worthy in the last couple of weeks. I've not got a job yet, I'm still on jobseekers. I have negotiated a room back at mum and dads house and move back home on Sunday. It's going to be difficult, but at least I'll not have rent and things looming over me, when I can't afford to do anything anyway. Deep joy of joys. I'm looking forward to seeing Lola though. She may be a dog, but she's an amzing little thing, she's just cute, fluffy and has a hilarious personality.
Aside from that, tomorrow i am going to London. I'm off to Olympia 2 for a graduate recruitment fair. I've not had any luck this direction, so London and graduate jobs are my next thing. I've got no idea what happens at these things, I've never been to one. It would probably help if I had an inkling of what I am looking for, but I actually don't have a clue. Not an inkling not in the slightest faintest or anything else. So it could be good or it could be awful.
That's the trouble, through school, through college and through university, there doesn't seem to be anyone readily available to suggest what careers you may like, what's involved in said careers and what you need to do to get into those careers. I'm toying with the idea of recruitment consulting at the moment. Money is pretty good, and you can earn commission too, so even if I went to work in London there wouldn't be a problem on the money front.
Trouble is, I wouldn't call myself ruthless. i think to be doing something salesy you need to have a degree of ruthlessness in you to suceed. I would say I'm a bit of a pushover in that sense. But then I've never really had an opportunity where I've needed to be like that. so perhaps if the opportnity arose and I had to be I could do that. I'm sure you get a flair for it once you've been doing it for quite some time.
Anyway, we'll see what comes up tomorrow, and if there are grand plans for the future.
Aside from that, tomorrow i am going to London. I'm off to Olympia 2 for a graduate recruitment fair. I've not had any luck this direction, so London and graduate jobs are my next thing. I've got no idea what happens at these things, I've never been to one. It would probably help if I had an inkling of what I am looking for, but I actually don't have a clue. Not an inkling not in the slightest faintest or anything else. So it could be good or it could be awful.
That's the trouble, through school, through college and through university, there doesn't seem to be anyone readily available to suggest what careers you may like, what's involved in said careers and what you need to do to get into those careers. I'm toying with the idea of recruitment consulting at the moment. Money is pretty good, and you can earn commission too, so even if I went to work in London there wouldn't be a problem on the money front.
Trouble is, I wouldn't call myself ruthless. i think to be doing something salesy you need to have a degree of ruthlessness in you to suceed. I would say I'm a bit of a pushover in that sense. But then I've never really had an opportunity where I've needed to be like that. so perhaps if the opportnity arose and I had to be I could do that. I'm sure you get a flair for it once you've been doing it for quite some time.
Anyway, we'll see what comes up tomorrow, and if there are grand plans for the future.
Thursday, 24 September 2009
a little bit of a disaster
So I went for the interview today...I was literally in there for 15 mins. It was awful, i didn't know what to say, he didn't know what to ask, and I just can't quite grasp the whole interview thing. One tip i picked up from BM1 & 2 on Tueday was to thoroughly research about the company before I go. So I looked at all sorts of things, and I never got asked anything once about the company. It's still a good tip, a very good one, but i never got the chance to tell the man everything I knew about the company.
So I think it was everso slightly disasterous, and could have been far better, but I have no idea what went on. I zoned out completely, and well, I guess I'll have to wait and see. I don't hold out much hope though for that. Nevermind, at least i got an interview.
Interviews are problems for me. When I was younger I couldn't care less, quite frankly and interview was an interview. If I got the job, I got the job, if I didn't, I didn't. I never had a problem wih nerves or anything. I guess that because these days it's mega important, far more than it ever used to be, because I always had a job. So now I get really nervy, I waffle complete nonsense, I get confused with what I'm trying to say, and things go in and out my brain in seconds. If I don't catch them there and then that's it they're gone, lost and forgotten. I don't really have any idea what's happened whilst i've been in one. It's like i am in a completely different zone. I'm not going to geta job like that though am I? It's absolutely nuts, and it's just making things so much harder than it should otherwise be. RELAX Ashley.
I guess though if I wasn't bothered about getting a job I wouldn't get nervouse, then i'd probably ace it. Perhaps I just need to fool myself into thinking it doesn't matter...but unfortunately it does....booooooooooo....is there any key way to relax before an interview?
Some people think nerves make you perfom better. I think that's a load of nonsense!!
So I think it was everso slightly disasterous, and could have been far better, but I have no idea what went on. I zoned out completely, and well, I guess I'll have to wait and see. I don't hold out much hope though for that. Nevermind, at least i got an interview.
Interviews are problems for me. When I was younger I couldn't care less, quite frankly and interview was an interview. If I got the job, I got the job, if I didn't, I didn't. I never had a problem wih nerves or anything. I guess that because these days it's mega important, far more than it ever used to be, because I always had a job. So now I get really nervy, I waffle complete nonsense, I get confused with what I'm trying to say, and things go in and out my brain in seconds. If I don't catch them there and then that's it they're gone, lost and forgotten. I don't really have any idea what's happened whilst i've been in one. It's like i am in a completely different zone. I'm not going to geta job like that though am I? It's absolutely nuts, and it's just making things so much harder than it should otherwise be. RELAX Ashley.
I guess though if I wasn't bothered about getting a job I wouldn't get nervouse, then i'd probably ace it. Perhaps I just need to fool myself into thinking it doesn't matter...but unfortunately it does....booooooooooo....is there any key way to relax before an interview?
Some people think nerves make you perfom better. I think that's a load of nonsense!!
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
A meeting in Norwich
Ok so this morning I went to see businessman 1 and businessman 2, which I shall now refer to as BM1 and BM2.
Basically we sat and had a chat about their businesses, what I am looking for, what i can do, what I do do and various other bits and pieces. They know one or two people who are recruiting and taking people on, and are going to contact them to say that I am a worthy candidate.
So we'll wait and see. Can't go into too much detail really. I mostly found out about their visions for the futures of their businesses, and talked about what they do, what they wish to achieve. Both have very different businesses, and yet they can also interlink on some ideas because of what they have created.
So after leaving I came home, and BM1 called to say that he had spoke to one of his assosciates, and he is looking for a graduate, and gave me thet details. SO I called, and it's back to Norwich again on Thursday for an interview.
I suppose that's the good thing about being in Thetford. For all it's sins, and people that moan about the place, it's in a great spot for employement. Thinking about it terms of transportation links. Norwich and Cambridge, easy by train. It's straight out onto the A11 for those by car. Bury St Edmunds isn't far, Newmarket, Ipswich etc etc. All places are really easy to get to, so that's really good...and I don't mind working in Norwich really. So long as there is some money left over after renty renty and traveling, I'd happily be busy busy busy!!
Anyway, THURSDAY, INTERVIEW, EEEEEEEK!!!
Basically we sat and had a chat about their businesses, what I am looking for, what i can do, what I do do and various other bits and pieces. They know one or two people who are recruiting and taking people on, and are going to contact them to say that I am a worthy candidate.
So we'll wait and see. Can't go into too much detail really. I mostly found out about their visions for the futures of their businesses, and talked about what they do, what they wish to achieve. Both have very different businesses, and yet they can also interlink on some ideas because of what they have created.
So after leaving I came home, and BM1 called to say that he had spoke to one of his assosciates, and he is looking for a graduate, and gave me thet details. SO I called, and it's back to Norwich again on Thursday for an interview.
I suppose that's the good thing about being in Thetford. For all it's sins, and people that moan about the place, it's in a great spot for employement. Thinking about it terms of transportation links. Norwich and Cambridge, easy by train. It's straight out onto the A11 for those by car. Bury St Edmunds isn't far, Newmarket, Ipswich etc etc. All places are really easy to get to, so that's really good...and I don't mind working in Norwich really. So long as there is some money left over after renty renty and traveling, I'd happily be busy busy busy!!
Anyway, THURSDAY, INTERVIEW, EEEEEEEK!!!
Saturday, 19 September 2009
More help
Had a phone call today from someone else in the future 50 group.
Basically he;s been told my story from businessman number 1, and has offered to try and help with my housing if it gets the the point that I am evicted. By the sounds of it, he and his wife live in a big house in the country, and they have a room or two spare. Seems a nice chap, and he's going to meet with me and businessman number 1 in Norwich on Tuesday. That's not so bad...I'm still just amazed that there are people willing to help in this climate and with things as they are at the moment....CRAZY!!
Basically he;s been told my story from businessman number 1, and has offered to try and help with my housing if it gets the the point that I am evicted. By the sounds of it, he and his wife live in a big house in the country, and they have a room or two spare. Seems a nice chap, and he's going to meet with me and businessman number 1 in Norwich on Tuesday. That's not so bad...I'm still just amazed that there are people willing to help in this climate and with things as they are at the moment....CRAZY!!
Thursday, 17 September 2009
Help from afar
Yesterday I did an interview with the Heart Newsteam. In this mornings news bulletins it went out. I missed it, not that I mind, I'm not keen on hearing myself on air anyway....it's like singing karaoke, you sound alright until you hear yourself through a speaker. I'm not sure what it does to your voice, but whatever it does, I don't like it.
Anyway, that's irrelevant. I didn't hear it, but today an entrepenur from Norwich heard me. He runs his own business (obviously) and contacted the newsteam in Ipswich, they passed his details on to me, and so as much as I hate calling people without a prepared conversation, I mad ethe call.
I'm completely gobsmacked. Basically, without having even met me, or heard anything about me before, this man has offered to give me some part time work, help me find full-time work, and has even offered, after hearing about my dire financial state, to sub me petrol money if ever I get an interview and don;t have enough petrol in my car. He's also said he'd see what he could do about my housing situation, and all sorts. In fact he is in a network of 50 entrepenures that are part of the future 50 group. It's something to do with awards from the EDP, but he's going to network with his fellow businessmen and see what he can do.
I am completely amazed and gobsmacked about the whole thing. I mean somebody wanting to help a complete stranger in this day and age. Someone they don't even know....words quite simply fail me to be honest. I'm speechless....that's a first.
I've said I'll go meet with them next week, I'm in Norwich on Tuesday anyway to do balloons (helping a friend with a little business venture) and so I figured I'd be able to meet with them then. It seems he is also free on Tuesday....so, I'm a bit nervy, but I'm sure it'll be ok. It's an informal chat afterall.....
Just completely gobsmacked!
Anyway, that's irrelevant. I didn't hear it, but today an entrepenur from Norwich heard me. He runs his own business (obviously) and contacted the newsteam in Ipswich, they passed his details on to me, and so as much as I hate calling people without a prepared conversation, I mad ethe call.
I'm completely gobsmacked. Basically, without having even met me, or heard anything about me before, this man has offered to give me some part time work, help me find full-time work, and has even offered, after hearing about my dire financial state, to sub me petrol money if ever I get an interview and don;t have enough petrol in my car. He's also said he'd see what he could do about my housing situation, and all sorts. In fact he is in a network of 50 entrepenures that are part of the future 50 group. It's something to do with awards from the EDP, but he's going to network with his fellow businessmen and see what he can do.
I am completely amazed and gobsmacked about the whole thing. I mean somebody wanting to help a complete stranger in this day and age. Someone they don't even know....words quite simply fail me to be honest. I'm speechless....that's a first.
I've said I'll go meet with them next week, I'm in Norwich on Tuesday anyway to do balloons (helping a friend with a little business venture) and so I figured I'd be able to meet with them then. It seems he is also free on Tuesday....so, I'm a bit nervy, but I'm sure it'll be ok. It's an informal chat afterall.....
Just completely gobsmacked!
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Another interview
I've agreed to do another interview with the Heart Ipswich news team, so I popped into town this morning to discuss what's been happening over the past few weeks. It should be played out on air tomorrow I think...so if you've been following my story, make sure you're listening to the news tomorrow morning.
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
It's a big fat NO
I spent much of my weekend dreaming about buying clothes, spending money on holidays, going places, doing things and just generally living my life again, after scrimping and scraping for the past 3 years. I discovered a message from the Ambulance trust on Saturday afternoon and got myself so excited about having a job. Mostly so I could disrupt all my landlord's plans to kick me out....the message said something like "Hello Ashley, this is S_______ from the Ambulance Trust, could you give me a call back as soon as possible" So I waited all weekend, and it was bank holiday too, so the wait was even longer, but alas it was a no.
She did say that they really liked me, and I'd done well on the test and things, but there was a stronger candidate who had done something rather similar in a previous role, and they just pipped me to the post.
I suppose though in a way that's positive, I mean they did like me, and maybe had that other candidate not attended for any reason I'd have had the job....but alas, it's back to the drawing board and living on next to nothing!! Grrr.....Got to sign on a little later though......and unfortunately can't tell them that I have a shiny new job to go to.
Honestly, I used to moan about not getting thanks but no thanks letters from employers, because I think it's rude, but I've had about 5 in the last week or so, and it's really quite disheartening!
She did say that they really liked me, and I'd done well on the test and things, but there was a stronger candidate who had done something rather similar in a previous role, and they just pipped me to the post.
I suppose though in a way that's positive, I mean they did like me, and maybe had that other candidate not attended for any reason I'd have had the job....but alas, it's back to the drawing board and living on next to nothing!! Grrr.....Got to sign on a little later though......and unfortunately can't tell them that I have a shiny new job to go to.
Honestly, I used to moan about not getting thanks but no thanks letters from employers, because I think it's rude, but I've had about 5 in the last week or so, and it's really quite disheartening!
Thursday, 27 August 2009
Loosing Hope
Well I've still heard nothing, so I doubt I have got the job....they said they were keen to get going on things as soon as possible, and only had people to see on Monday....so I'm quite sure I'd have heard something by now.
I really liked the sound of that one, and I still hold out a little bit of hope, but it's not looking good. BUT....there's not been a no thanks letter through the post yet, so there could still be a chance....
I really liked the sound of that one, and I still hold out a little bit of hope, but it's not looking good. BUT....there's not been a no thanks letter through the post yet, so there could still be a chance....
Monday, 24 August 2009
Fingers crossed
So this morning I had an interview, which I thought went rather well. I did my best at giving good answers, you know using the big words, teamwork, flexible, initiative, etc etc. Those things that employers seem to want to hear, as well as trying to throw in my own personality and sound ultra enthusiastic about the job. I think it went really well, but only time can tell. I even asked a question at the end about cats in boxes....they looked confused, and I laughed and said "don't worry, it's just so you don't forget me".
I looked good, and came out feeling like it went really well, which I don't often feel after interviews as I am a bucket of nerves....weird that. I suppose not so weird at all....basically it's a big need at the moment.
So the job Was with the Ambulance Trust out at Barton Mills, it was basically an admin job, but one with responsibility, that sounded like I wouldn't be getting bored....it was arranging driver training on the ambulances in various areas over the Eastern Counties, and would occasionally require travelling around a bit, but that's not a problem for me.
So I have got my fingers completely crossed, and just have to hope hope hope that I get a phone call in the next day or so.
I looked good, and came out feeling like it went really well, which I don't often feel after interviews as I am a bucket of nerves....weird that. I suppose not so weird at all....basically it's a big need at the moment.
So the job Was with the Ambulance Trust out at Barton Mills, it was basically an admin job, but one with responsibility, that sounded like I wouldn't be getting bored....it was arranging driver training on the ambulances in various areas over the Eastern Counties, and would occasionally require travelling around a bit, but that's not a problem for me.
So I have got my fingers completely crossed, and just have to hope hope hope that I get a phone call in the next day or so.
Friday, 31 July 2009
the system has it's flaws
So I've been attempting to claim job seekers allowance while I am on the scout for work, and housing benefit. Yesterday my housing benefit entitlement came through, which is great, because the landlord keeps asking when he's going to get his money. As it happens I get less than my rent is, but figured I could make it up out of my jobseekers....I'll be skint for a short while, but I'll reap the benefits when I do start earning the pennies again.
Got to love the system.
This morning I got the letter from the jobseeker people to inform me that the ammount one is able to live on is £50.95 a week. Ok, so that's fair enough, given that politicians claim vast ammounts of expenses...it seems that in fact they do only spend that of their own money each week. So of course they know that one can live extremely well on that sort of money. And of course £20 a week also muct go to landlord, leaving me with about £30 a week for myself. So long as I can eat I'm really not too fussed, and honestly, not eating much wont do me any harm.
I knew there would be problems. You see I have myself a job really. A job that I think is great, the problem arises because the work is casual, it's not regular, just casual. The fact that it's based 30 miles from where I live, and I have no car at the moment, so can't work seems to be irrelevent, well it is irrelevant. the fact of the matter is, by looking back at the 2 tax years prior to this one some lovely chump has calculated that I earn myself a whopping £30 a week, leaving me with only £20 to come into my account. Can't help but love those guys. So I have called and asked my entitlement to be reconscidered, but I shan't hear anything until Monday or Tuesday owing to the fact that they are working on 48 hours call-back time as they are dealing with so many otehr things at the moment. Deep joy.
It may be that my only option is for me to come off the pay-role at work and return to the pay-role once I have got myself full-time employment so I can tax my car and get back into work. I thought the whole point was to be getting into work, not forcing me out of it, just so I can eat.
See.....the system has it's flaws!!
Got to love the system.
This morning I got the letter from the jobseeker people to inform me that the ammount one is able to live on is £50.95 a week. Ok, so that's fair enough, given that politicians claim vast ammounts of expenses...it seems that in fact they do only spend that of their own money each week. So of course they know that one can live extremely well on that sort of money. And of course £20 a week also muct go to landlord, leaving me with about £30 a week for myself. So long as I can eat I'm really not too fussed, and honestly, not eating much wont do me any harm.
I knew there would be problems. You see I have myself a job really. A job that I think is great, the problem arises because the work is casual, it's not regular, just casual. The fact that it's based 30 miles from where I live, and I have no car at the moment, so can't work seems to be irrelevent, well it is irrelevant. the fact of the matter is, by looking back at the 2 tax years prior to this one some lovely chump has calculated that I earn myself a whopping £30 a week, leaving me with only £20 to come into my account. Can't help but love those guys. So I have called and asked my entitlement to be reconscidered, but I shan't hear anything until Monday or Tuesday owing to the fact that they are working on 48 hours call-back time as they are dealing with so many otehr things at the moment. Deep joy.
It may be that my only option is for me to come off the pay-role at work and return to the pay-role once I have got myself full-time employment so I can tax my car and get back into work. I thought the whole point was to be getting into work, not forcing me out of it, just so I can eat.
See.....the system has it's flaws!!
Thursday, 23 July 2009
decisions decisions
well....my mum and nan came over for dinner today, mum bought the ingredients, I cooked and cleaned and whatever else. well....we were chatting about my uncle who moved to America a few years ago to be with the lady of his dreams. He lived with us a fair ammount when I was younger, and in my eyes he's the most hilarious man that ever did live. why he never got into comedy performance I'll never know, but that is irrelevant. we were talking about how Catt, my aunt, would like to send the children over on a plane when they are about 8 and able to travel alone to stay with us, well Mum, all summer to see the sights and delights of Great Britannia....joy joy joy....Mum's not entirely sure about the whole thing, mainly because she worried about EVERYTHING, but it's sixish years away, and I thought to myself, I don't think I'd mind. we could go to the zoo and do various outings around and about...all my friends have kids around the same age, and it might be quite nice to have a little bit of responsibilty.....just maybe.
Mum phoned a short while ago, she's only had my uncle and aunt on the phone, and they were thinking and wondering if I'd like to go and stay with them for a year or so to look after the kids, who are about two and a half. Part of me says yes, but I'm not sure that it's something I want to jump straight into. Afterall, I really want to do that course, and I really love living here....but maybe a change of scenery would be good....but am I then just running away from all this business with finding a job...?! I actually have no idea....
Firstly, I don't think I am capable of looking after 2 small children of 2....I don't like children....hence why I don't want to teach. But then all my friends have young children and I sort of do just fine around them. Could it make finding a job on my return harder, or maybe the economic situation will be a bit more stable and at the time there will be more jobs, and less competition....would it look good or bad on a CV? Am I better off waiting a few months to see what happens here, just in case a great opportunity comes up, or would it be better to go straight away. would I get home sick? I came home all the time when I lived in Leicester....but I wont be able to do that from the other side of the pond.....
Oh cripes....this real world stuff is so completely out of my league....how did I do it before? Oh, I was still wrapped under mum and dad's wing....I guess I really didn't do it.
Mum phoned a short while ago, she's only had my uncle and aunt on the phone, and they were thinking and wondering if I'd like to go and stay with them for a year or so to look after the kids, who are about two and a half. Part of me says yes, but I'm not sure that it's something I want to jump straight into. Afterall, I really want to do that course, and I really love living here....but maybe a change of scenery would be good....but am I then just running away from all this business with finding a job...?! I actually have no idea....
Firstly, I don't think I am capable of looking after 2 small children of 2....I don't like children....hence why I don't want to teach. But then all my friends have young children and I sort of do just fine around them. Could it make finding a job on my return harder, or maybe the economic situation will be a bit more stable and at the time there will be more jobs, and less competition....would it look good or bad on a CV? Am I better off waiting a few months to see what happens here, just in case a great opportunity comes up, or would it be better to go straight away. would I get home sick? I came home all the time when I lived in Leicester....but I wont be able to do that from the other side of the pond.....
Oh cripes....this real world stuff is so completely out of my league....how did I do it before? Oh, I was still wrapped under mum and dad's wing....I guess I really didn't do it.
Friday, 17 July 2009
graduation
Today was amazing.
There's nothing like a great graduation to top off 3 years of hell. I have to say the whole thing was worth it just for this one day.
I must admit just walking accross that stage giving the chancellor or whoever he was a nod, or 'don' as they call it to make it sound snazzy and then shaking someone's hand at the end is just amazing.
I'm so glad I went....yes, I am glad I went to uni for this one little thing. Crazy really, but I achieved soemthing I often thought I never would. There is fighint power right in me there, I could have quite a million times, but I never did, and for that I feel absolutely amazing.
So no matter what I decide to do now, whether I go itno teaching or not, it was neevr pointless, I achieved something that many, even me, thought I wouldn't, and it's always there just in case ina few years time I do decide that teaching really is for me.
Here's to obtaining a degree *cheers*
There's nothing like a great graduation to top off 3 years of hell. I have to say the whole thing was worth it just for this one day.
I must admit just walking accross that stage giving the chancellor or whoever he was a nod, or 'don' as they call it to make it sound snazzy and then shaking someone's hand at the end is just amazing.
I'm so glad I went....yes, I am glad I went to uni for this one little thing. Crazy really, but I achieved soemthing I often thought I never would. There is fighint power right in me there, I could have quite a million times, but I never did, and for that I feel absolutely amazing.
So no matter what I decide to do now, whether I go itno teaching or not, it was neevr pointless, I achieved something that many, even me, thought I wouldn't, and it's always there just in case ina few years time I do decide that teaching really is for me.
Here's to obtaining a degree *cheers*
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
interview offer
One of the saddest and happiest things of late happened today.
I got a call from the school I used to go to when I was younger with an ofer of an interview for a Clerical Assistant job. Unfortunately the interview was due to be on Friday, and I'll be in Leicester graduating.
The school did do all they can to fit me in elsewhere, the head was adamant that I couldn't miss my graduation. Unfortunately they have sorts day tomorrow, Friday is the last day the school is open, and they couldn't get the governor who was to sit on the interviewing panel in.
Honestly I'd have loved a job at my old school. She sounded keen though, and told me to keep my eyes peeled as something else may come up, and if something did she would send me aout an application form. So that's all very positive I think. And maybe it means that something else is going to come up at the school. I hope it does, working at the school would be so convenient, and I may even be able to get involved with other things once I'm in there....any maybe it'll change my mind about teaching...?! I doubt that part, but it could do.
Really I am a bit gutted that I didn't get to have an interview though.
I got a call from the school I used to go to when I was younger with an ofer of an interview for a Clerical Assistant job. Unfortunately the interview was due to be on Friday, and I'll be in Leicester graduating.
The school did do all they can to fit me in elsewhere, the head was adamant that I couldn't miss my graduation. Unfortunately they have sorts day tomorrow, Friday is the last day the school is open, and they couldn't get the governor who was to sit on the interviewing panel in.
Honestly I'd have loved a job at my old school. She sounded keen though, and told me to keep my eyes peeled as something else may come up, and if something did she would send me aout an application form. So that's all very positive I think. And maybe it means that something else is going to come up at the school. I hope it does, working at the school would be so convenient, and I may even be able to get involved with other things once I'm in there....any maybe it'll change my mind about teaching...?! I doubt that part, but it could do.
Really I am a bit gutted that I didn't get to have an interview though.
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
results day
So today was the day to open up my DMU and see just what my 3 years of uni ammounted to.
It ammounted to a 2:2. Am I happy or not? I'm not really sure. everybody says it's good, but I'm not convinced. I was a measly 3% off a 2:1, but I think that's the wrong way to look at it. The way I should be looking at it is that either way it's still an achievement.
Considering I spent most of my uni time living at home and travelling back and forth, and without access to the library as and when I needed it, I don't think it's bad going. I've lost myself over the past three years, but I've still gone and got myself a degree anyway.
I'm not sure how much of an effect those numbers have on job applications...I suppose 2:1 or even 1st looks better on a CV or in an application, well it is, but being good in theory doesn't neccessarily mean that a person is good in practice. I suppose though that's the shallowness of the real world. It doesn't seem to care much for being good, you have to be able to hold up a piece of paper to say that you actually are good.
The job application process is difficult I will say. It's hard to get personality into a job application, and with so much competition about at the moment it's tough in general to look good amongst loads other who possibally haven't been out of full-time employment for an absolute age.
Oh well, try try and try again.
It ammounted to a 2:2. Am I happy or not? I'm not really sure. everybody says it's good, but I'm not convinced. I was a measly 3% off a 2:1, but I think that's the wrong way to look at it. The way I should be looking at it is that either way it's still an achievement.
Considering I spent most of my uni time living at home and travelling back and forth, and without access to the library as and when I needed it, I don't think it's bad going. I've lost myself over the past three years, but I've still gone and got myself a degree anyway.
I'm not sure how much of an effect those numbers have on job applications...I suppose 2:1 or even 1st looks better on a CV or in an application, well it is, but being good in theory doesn't neccessarily mean that a person is good in practice. I suppose though that's the shallowness of the real world. It doesn't seem to care much for being good, you have to be able to hold up a piece of paper to say that you actually are good.
The job application process is difficult I will say. It's hard to get personality into a job application, and with so much competition about at the moment it's tough in general to look good amongst loads other who possibally haven't been out of full-time employment for an absolute age.
Oh well, try try and try again.
Friday, 12 June 2009
dissapointment
I didn't get the job.
Honestly I knew this morning. The other interviewees were all teaching assistants already, and had lots of experince in the schools they work in already, and I think for them, this was a more specialised position, and they already had teh skills neccessary to adapt.
The positives to take from this experience though, they liked my presentation and said that I came accross very well at interview, thay all liked me and the kids too. So I didn't get the job and it's back to the drawing board, but I got some very positive feedback. They did say that it was best, if that is something I would like to get into, to go for a teaching assistant job first to get the experience.
It's a shame, but I suupose in practice, theory doesn't make me good...and it is the experience at many things, in this environment that's going to make it difficult to get forward.
Honestly I knew this morning. The other interviewees were all teaching assistants already, and had lots of experince in the schools they work in already, and I think for them, this was a more specialised position, and they already had teh skills neccessary to adapt.
The positives to take from this experience though, they liked my presentation and said that I came accross very well at interview, thay all liked me and the kids too. So I didn't get the job and it's back to the drawing board, but I got some very positive feedback. They did say that it was best, if that is something I would like to get into, to go for a teaching assistant job first to get the experience.
It's a shame, but I suupose in practice, theory doesn't make me good...and it is the experience at many things, in this environment that's going to make it difficult to get forward.
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
eeeeeeeeeek...........interview
I got a call today from a lady from the Thetford Education Partnership inviting me for an interview on Friday.
The jobs is a beahavioural learning assistant in the primary phase, and I think it would suit me down to a T! It's related to education, and that's where my degree is...I studied a module in the second year about childhood development, which basically went into the psycology of children, and secure and insecure environments, how they respond, and what the effects can be.
I think i could handle it, my degree is relevant, I'm not exactly keen on kids, but I do care about people, and I do want to do something, somewhere that makes a difference to someone....I probably shouldn't say that I'm not keen on kids...it's not that I'm not keen on kids, I just don't want my own. Give them back kids are absolutely fine. I've got loads of patience and I'm quite sure I'd be fine.
BUT....it's not going to be easy. The interview consists of a presentation on how and what a behavioural learning assistant is and can do for the children they are supporting. Being quizzed by a panel of pupils at one of the Thetford schools and also being quizzed by another panel of teachery people....eeeeek, and all this is happening on Friday. It's a bit deep end-ish, but I think I can cope with it!
exciting stuff, and it means i'll have a job in the pipeline, it doesn't start until September, but I am sure I can cope up until then :)
The jobs is a beahavioural learning assistant in the primary phase, and I think it would suit me down to a T! It's related to education, and that's where my degree is...I studied a module in the second year about childhood development, which basically went into the psycology of children, and secure and insecure environments, how they respond, and what the effects can be.
I think i could handle it, my degree is relevant, I'm not exactly keen on kids, but I do care about people, and I do want to do something, somewhere that makes a difference to someone....I probably shouldn't say that I'm not keen on kids...it's not that I'm not keen on kids, I just don't want my own. Give them back kids are absolutely fine. I've got loads of patience and I'm quite sure I'd be fine.
BUT....it's not going to be easy. The interview consists of a presentation on how and what a behavioural learning assistant is and can do for the children they are supporting. Being quizzed by a panel of pupils at one of the Thetford schools and also being quizzed by another panel of teachery people....eeeeek, and all this is happening on Friday. It's a bit deep end-ish, but I think I can cope with it!
exciting stuff, and it means i'll have a job in the pipeline, it doesn't start until September, but I am sure I can cope up until then :)
Friday, 22 May 2009
how do people do it?
well it's the end of the week.
The first week of full-time work I've done for a while, and I honestly have no idea how I ever managed before. I suppose in years gone by I had much less to think about, much less problems floating around in my little brain, but mostly I must have had a lot more energy and drive, because I swear this week has almost killed me. It's not even like I've done a lot of work, most of my time has been spent reading a magazine or two because I have a habit of finishing the tasks too quickly, leaving myself with nothing to do at all. I like being bored you see....it's my favourite of all past-times....hummm....in actual fact I get so excited when a task comes along my way that I just do it...I really ought to drag it out more, particularly when doing a job just mostly waiting for a very unbusy phone to ring, and a few people to come in and collect or drop off things so O can fill in some paperwork and do some filing.
That's the trouble with admin, or admin that I have been involved with. it's not something that's really mindboggling. I like things that require my brain to have a little bit of fun....
Anyway, point of this post is that I am knackered, I have been in bed about 8 every night, and it really has almost killed me. I expect I'm exaggerating a little bit there....but once upon a time I worked 7 days a week, and did a full-time college course too. Crazy stuff.
All I need to do is find a job that really does stretch me, so I have less stuff to moan about! Oh and some money in my back pocket.
The first week of full-time work I've done for a while, and I honestly have no idea how I ever managed before. I suppose in years gone by I had much less to think about, much less problems floating around in my little brain, but mostly I must have had a lot more energy and drive, because I swear this week has almost killed me. It's not even like I've done a lot of work, most of my time has been spent reading a magazine or two because I have a habit of finishing the tasks too quickly, leaving myself with nothing to do at all. I like being bored you see....it's my favourite of all past-times....hummm....in actual fact I get so excited when a task comes along my way that I just do it...I really ought to drag it out more, particularly when doing a job just mostly waiting for a very unbusy phone to ring, and a few people to come in and collect or drop off things so O can fill in some paperwork and do some filing.
That's the trouble with admin, or admin that I have been involved with. it's not something that's really mindboggling. I like things that require my brain to have a little bit of fun....
Anyway, point of this post is that I am knackered, I have been in bed about 8 every night, and it really has almost killed me. I expect I'm exaggerating a little bit there....but once upon a time I worked 7 days a week, and did a full-time college course too. Crazy stuff.
All I need to do is find a job that really does stretch me, so I have less stuff to moan about! Oh and some money in my back pocket.
Monday, 18 May 2009
the story so far
I left school in 2001, got myself a nice little office junior job in a local solicitors and was relatively happy there....over time more juniors came along, I got promoted, but I neevr really enjoyed the job quite so much. I sat on reception, it took a month or two before I would talk to any clients coming in, and it took nine months, I'm talking long enough to have a baby, for me to pick up the phone. Once I started with both of these there was no stopping me, and thus adminy receptiony people loving Ashley was born....
I changed jobs, and found myself doing admin jobs where I was working full-time hours for part-time work. Some days I literally waited until 4pm to frank the post and put it in a bag. I'd like to say it was a hugly busy switchboard....but it never was...I had a few more jobs like this one....all the while knowing admin wasn't for me, and it wasn't what I wanted.
On day I did a weekend course in Teaching English as a Foreign Language and decided that was what I was going to do....my boss at the time even said I'd make an excellent teacher, because I had a lot of patience and like to be around people, and that was the encouragement that I needed. I then changed jobs and worked for a posh travel company in Newmarket, started doing an "access course" at west Suffolk College, and took on a seocond job to pay off some of my debts.
whilst doing this I then decided I would do six weeks voluntary work in South Africa through i-to-i and somehow managed to fund this, work 7 days a week and do a full-time college course in the evenings....it was crazy, I had no social life but I believed I was working towards my dream, and so I was pretty darn happy.
I got accepted at DMU and on 2nd October 2006 I started....not long after Christmas I realised uni really wasn't for me, and after a few teaching practices teaching wasn't really for me either. I also hated Leicester, hated the student lifestyle and wanted to go back to full-time work. However, after year 1 I stayed at uni, I went back and survived year 2, living in Thetford and travelling back and forth to carry on with my studies. Year 3 came and I got myself a place in halls, but again I spent much more time in Thetford than I ever did in Leicester....and yet I managed to get everything in and on time. All I have to do now is wait for my results.
At the beginning of the year I'd have done anything to get myself a first class degree, as time went on my enthusiasm curbed and I was aiming for a 2:1. And just days before I handed in my dissertation I very nearly failed my last teaching practice and almost gave up on my dissertation too....and I will now happily settle for a 2:2....!!
Trouble being, is that I have finished uni and done a degree in something I don't seem to have that much interest in at all. I taught for most of last summer. I spent 7 weeks with 3 different groups of French children who had come to learn English....but I never felt like I was giving them anything, or that they were learning anything....I don't like that feeling....so I don't want to teach. I can't really thing of anything else in an educational setting other than teaching that really pays....so it's back to the drawing board.
I wanted to get away from uni, in the morning I start work again, and guess what, it's admin. Admin will do for the time being....I know it, it bores me, but at the end of the day it pays....but does it pay to be miserable? I have no idea....maybe it's not as bad as I remember....just maybe....?!
I changed jobs, and found myself doing admin jobs where I was working full-time hours for part-time work. Some days I literally waited until 4pm to frank the post and put it in a bag. I'd like to say it was a hugly busy switchboard....but it never was...I had a few more jobs like this one....all the while knowing admin wasn't for me, and it wasn't what I wanted.
On day I did a weekend course in Teaching English as a Foreign Language and decided that was what I was going to do....my boss at the time even said I'd make an excellent teacher, because I had a lot of patience and like to be around people, and that was the encouragement that I needed. I then changed jobs and worked for a posh travel company in Newmarket, started doing an "access course" at west Suffolk College, and took on a seocond job to pay off some of my debts.
whilst doing this I then decided I would do six weeks voluntary work in South Africa through i-to-i and somehow managed to fund this, work 7 days a week and do a full-time college course in the evenings....it was crazy, I had no social life but I believed I was working towards my dream, and so I was pretty darn happy.
I got accepted at DMU and on 2nd October 2006 I started....not long after Christmas I realised uni really wasn't for me, and after a few teaching practices teaching wasn't really for me either. I also hated Leicester, hated the student lifestyle and wanted to go back to full-time work. However, after year 1 I stayed at uni, I went back and survived year 2, living in Thetford and travelling back and forth to carry on with my studies. Year 3 came and I got myself a place in halls, but again I spent much more time in Thetford than I ever did in Leicester....and yet I managed to get everything in and on time. All I have to do now is wait for my results.
At the beginning of the year I'd have done anything to get myself a first class degree, as time went on my enthusiasm curbed and I was aiming for a 2:1. And just days before I handed in my dissertation I very nearly failed my last teaching practice and almost gave up on my dissertation too....and I will now happily settle for a 2:2....!!
Trouble being, is that I have finished uni and done a degree in something I don't seem to have that much interest in at all. I taught for most of last summer. I spent 7 weeks with 3 different groups of French children who had come to learn English....but I never felt like I was giving them anything, or that they were learning anything....I don't like that feeling....so I don't want to teach. I can't really thing of anything else in an educational setting other than teaching that really pays....so it's back to the drawing board.
I wanted to get away from uni, in the morning I start work again, and guess what, it's admin. Admin will do for the time being....I know it, it bores me, but at the end of the day it pays....but does it pay to be miserable? I have no idea....maybe it's not as bad as I remember....just maybe....?!
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
how bizarre
I've possibally had one of the strangest mornings in an age...!!
This morning I decided to call the jobcentreplus people, I'm unsure of my ability to claim jobseekers allowance, but was delighted to be told that now I am actually looking for work I can start claiming. wooop. So I went through this whole long phonecall about who I am, what I do. what had made it more complicated is that I've moved out of my parents and live in a friends house, but I have no contact details for my friend at the moment. I still have no mobile phone, and in the new place I have no landline...but after 40 minutes or so, I had an appointment to go to Thetford jobcentre...TOMORROw.
well, shortly after that call, I had a bizarre call from a recruitment agency I did some work from last year, just wondering if I was still looking for work. I'd only said to my mum, as the calls were all made to/from her's, that I was going to pop into the particular agency that called on Thursday afternoon as I was popping into bury anyway...but they called me, and a company I did some temporary work for last summer want me back for a few weeks. It was just lucky that when they called I was sat at mum and dads using the internet for "job research". That's code for FACEBOOK...
So I called Thetford jobcentre to cancel my jobseekers appointment, and on Monday I am off to work...
I knew finding a job would be easy...
This morning I decided to call the jobcentreplus people, I'm unsure of my ability to claim jobseekers allowance, but was delighted to be told that now I am actually looking for work I can start claiming. wooop. So I went through this whole long phonecall about who I am, what I do. what had made it more complicated is that I've moved out of my parents and live in a friends house, but I have no contact details for my friend at the moment. I still have no mobile phone, and in the new place I have no landline...but after 40 minutes or so, I had an appointment to go to Thetford jobcentre...TOMORROw.
well, shortly after that call, I had a bizarre call from a recruitment agency I did some work from last year, just wondering if I was still looking for work. I'd only said to my mum, as the calls were all made to/from her's, that I was going to pop into the particular agency that called on Thursday afternoon as I was popping into bury anyway...but they called me, and a company I did some temporary work for last summer want me back for a few weeks. It was just lucky that when they called I was sat at mum and dads using the internet for "job research". That's code for FACEBOOK...
So I called Thetford jobcentre to cancel my jobseekers appointment, and on Monday I am off to work...
I knew finding a job would be easy...
Saturday, 9 May 2009
welcome to the real world
It's official, uni is over and done!!
Today I handed in my dissertation with miniutes left to spare after a mamouth 3 day stint. And the feeling once it was in and I could go back home and never think about uni again was so completely immense...so I jumped in the car and drove in absolute bliss.
Here's to finishing uni and starting the rest of my life.....If only I had some champagne.
Today I handed in my dissertation with miniutes left to spare after a mamouth 3 day stint. And the feeling once it was in and I could go back home and never think about uni again was so completely immense...so I jumped in the car and drove in absolute bliss.
Here's to finishing uni and starting the rest of my life.....If only I had some champagne.
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