[Sundae]

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

I wonder where the teacher ever got the idea that you love pink?

I know! She must have been going through my rubbish!

Originally Posted by Shawnee123

What's it like, to be appreciated at work?

I'll tell you when I get a job

Originally Posted by squirell nutkin

Is the job hunting process in England so bureaucratic across the board? It seems like its a wonder that anyone is working. Can anyone start a freelance business or just go around and find a place they'd like to work and just apply, or do you have to go through all the rigmarole no matter where you work or what you do?

This is rigmarole associated with 1) coming off benefits (welfare/ social etc) and 2) looking for a job which fits in ideally with a mother's schedule. I didn't choose the job because it was hard to find, I found out that I really wanted to do this job after doing it without pay. I've been looking at websites and in the local paper for months looking for work as a TA, and this is the first advertised vacancy I've found.

In order to receive any funding while I am trying to work as a Teaching Assistant I need to prove I am available and looking for work. Which is understandable. But if I take any part time work to tide me over while looking I lose any other money. I WANT to work, I just don't want to go back into a job that's going to bring me back to the state I was in last year - in daycare.

I've already drafted a letter to the local schools re my (limited) experience and desire to work. But this is the public sector - if they don't have the budget/ vacancy/ need they will not hire. I'm also inhibited re lack of transport. While the 'rents will finance it WHEN I have a job they are not willing to pay up front beforehand. Again, I completely understand and am very grateful that they will consider it in future. Even so I am looking at a 20 mile radius from home.

So it's not so much that job hunting in England is restrictive, it's my personal circumstances. But the positive is I've found something I am confident I can do.

If I've had no luck by Christmas I will seriously rethink - Job Seekers Allowance is very low and I am not looking to be on it long-term. It will cover my debt repayments (only three now) and keep me & Diz alive, but nothing more. But in the mean time I'm still looking at networking - volunteering especially.