I'm Now Unemployed

[Psycho Circus]

I finished work for the Department Of Work & Pensions yesterday after 3 years. I have no other job to go to now and I'm already at a loose end. At the moment it kind of feels like I'm on leave as it hasn't truly sunken in yet. I'm going to miss all the great people I worked with (most of whom are now good friends) and basically the routine of getting my ass out of bed, going somewhere different and contributing to the daily grind. It kept me sane, it kept me normal. I'm worried the longer I stay out of work, that I will start to lose my confidence and that my depression may get worse as I dislike change.

My unemployment is due to the new government (the conservative party), implementing their plans for the economy way too soon and they have made massive cuts in the public sector. It's quite laughable that I worked for an organization that finds people work, and now I have been made redundant due to the "Tories" tightening everybody's purse strings to aid employment statistics and stimulate economic growth. I can safely say it isn't working, and they are effecting the wrong people in the wrong ways. About 40% of our office got laid off, it's now like a graveyard...

[akiratubo]

I'm worried the longer I stay out of work, that I will start to lose my confidence and that my depression may get worse as I dislike change.

That's exactly what happens when you are out of work for a long time.  I hope you get back on your feet soon.

[Flick James]

I finished work for the Department Of Work & Pensions yesterday after 3 years. I have no other job to go to now and I'm already at a loose end. At the moment it kind of feels like I'm on leave as it hasn't truly sunken in yet. I'm going to miss all the great people I worked with (most of whom are now good friends) and basically the routine of getting my ass out of bed, going somewhere different and contributing to the daily grind. It kept me sane, it kept me normal. I'm worried the longer I stay out of work, that I will start to lose my confidence and that my depression may get worse as I dislike change.

My unemployment is due to the new government (the conservative party), implementing their plans for the economy way too soon and they have made massive cuts in the public sector. It's quite laughable that I worked for an organization that finds people work, and now I have been made redundant due to the "Tories" tightening everybody's purse strings to aid employment statistics and stimulate economic growth. I can safely say it isn't working, and they are effecting the wrong people in the wrong ways. About 40% of our office got laid off, it's now like a graveyard...

The sad thing about cuts like that, and it's happening in the U.S., is that the necessity for the cuts has more to do with the gross inefficiency of government agencies than the lack of money. The lack of funding is there, of course, but these agencies are run to top heavy that they end up cutting the jobs of people rather than correcting the inefficiencies. It's ridiculous. And you, my friend, are one of the casualities.

I will offer the same advice I offer anybody these days who finds themselves out of work and with a scarcity of jobs: volunteer. Volunteering is one of the healthiest things you can do during a time like this. One, it keeps you busy and doing something positive. Two, it keeps your work experience from have this huge hole of doing nothing. Three, Volunteer work can lead to new employment opportunities. In the UK, you have the dole, right? Are you able to get on it? I guess that's like going on unemployment here. If you have to go on the dole for awhile, and have time on your hands, I'm telling you, volunteer. It will help you keep your sanity and help you from becoming depressed. Also, you can continue to look for work.

There's some useful advice for you.

[Ed, Ego and Superego]

FLick is right... Stay busy, and do as many "jobby" things as you can.  It really shows your initiative, expands your contacts, and keeps one from moping.

[Psycho Circus]

In the UK, you have the dole, right? Are you able to get on it? I guess that's like going on unemployment here. If you have to go on the dole for awhile, and have time on your hands, I'm telling you, volunteer.

Yes, we have the "dole", it's called Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA). I just made my claim tonight. So I will be signing for it and having to have work focused meetings at the place I've just been working at. That's the biggest kick in the teeth, that I have to now be the customer instead of staff. But hey, I've been on that side of the fence before. I have also done volunteer work before and am not opposed to doing it again. I'm being fussy right now, but if it starts getting to two-three months out of work I will take anything that's out there.

[bob]

hang in there Circus

[Flick James]

In the UK, you have the dole, right? Are you able to get on it? I guess that's like going on unemployment here. If you have to go on the dole for awhile, and have time on your hands, I'm telling you, volunteer.

Yes, we have the "dole", it's called Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA). I just made my claim tonight. So I will be signing for it and having to have work focused meetings at the place I've just been working at. That's the biggest kick in the teeth, that I have to now be the customer instead of staff. But hey, I've been on that side of the fence before. I have also done volunteer work before and am not opposed to doing it again. I'm being fussy right now, but if it starts getting to two-three months out of work I will take anything that's out there.

I understand being fussy, especially when you've been gainfully employed for 3 years and then laid off due to bureucratic inefficiency.

[ghouck]

I was unemployed last year, best 9 months of my life.

[Trevor]

Wishing you all the best for the future, Circus. 

[Mofo Rising]

Good luck to you, my man.

The only thing worse than work is looking for work.

Well, you're an upright young man, I'm sure you'll land on your feet.

[Andrew]

Sorry to hear this news Circus.  Keep the positive outlook, and best of luck.  It is a crazy job market out there, all over the world.

[Rev. Powell]

Good luck, man.  Nothing sadder than an unemployed clown.     I'm sure things will turn around for you eventually, just try to keep your spirits up in the meantime.  And volunteering is a great idea.

[FatFreddysCat]

Sorry to hear it, man. 

[Hammock Rider]

I gotta agree with the volunteering thing. Volunteer in some area you're interested in, or that you might be interested in working in. It might lead to a job. At the very least it can help you feel a little more fulfilled. Good luck.

[AndyC]

The sad thing about cuts like that, and it's happening in the U.S., is that the necessity for the cuts has more to do with the gross inefficiency of government agencies than the lack of money. The lack of funding is there, of course, but these agencies are run to top heavy that they end up cutting the jobs of people rather than correcting the inefficiencies. It's ridiculous. And you, my friend, are one of the casualities.

I will offer the same advice I offer anybody these days who finds themselves out of work and with a scarcity of jobs: volunteer. Volunteering is one of the healthiest things you can do during a time like this. One, it keeps you busy and doing something positive. Two, it keeps your work experience from have this huge hole of doing nothing. Three, Volunteer work can lead to new employment opportunities. In the UK, you have the dole, right? Are you able to get on it? I guess that's like going on unemployment here. If you have to go on the dole for awhile, and have time on your hands, I'm telling you, volunteer. It will help you keep your sanity and help you from becoming depressed. Also, you can continue to look for work.

There's some useful advice for you.

Agreed on both counts. Government funding cuts always seem to result in reduced service and layoffs of relatively cheap front-line workers, while more money gets spent at the top on "leadership" for these challenging times. What a joke.

And Flick is right about getting out and doing something with your time. Keeps your spirits up, keeps you connected, and prevents you from getting too accustomed to not working.