"Do not go" etc

So sorry Phoenix to read about your troubles. You have every right to rage.
All I can offer is what I did when I felt I was at rock bottom, that no one would ever employ me again and everything I said to anyone was tinged with anger & cynicism. It cost little & with the internet would now be easier. I set myself several questions that I wanted to answer (either about my professional interest or how to survive my situation). Once you have a question you have a purpose & can set about asking anyone and everyone for their answers which means you are putting yourself out there in the world so unexpected things happened & I was prepared when lucky things happened or my efforts made my own luck).
As a result I developed a model of what I was experiencing and that formed the basis of much of my work later. I set up my own business in a simple way that required minimal investment other than my time & expertise. It was by no means plain sailing & hard when personal tragedy struck a few years later when my daughter died but I was never completely out of work until I sort of retired.
I don't know what you do or if this is possible but all I can offer as an idea you could perhaps adapt.
Love & hugs.

phoenix I have just been catching up on GN and have read your thread.you are an amazing intelligent woman and I agree totally withgrannyactivist you are an extraordinary and courageous survivor (((hugs))) we are all on your side,I wish I had half your courage.

OMG phoenix, I hadn't got that far! But I did think about it a lot at one stage.
I will cast my mind back and have a think..... I'll PM you soon. ( I can now that the lovely Sham Tech has found the solution)

Would it be worth putting a poster or advert in the local paper "Gissajob" style? I know there have been features in the press occasionally showing people doing that sort of thing and it has had positive results. There must be someone in the West Country who could make good use of your skills and experience Phoenix and not forgetting your incredible positivity and refusal to stop trying. You really an inspirational woman!

phoenix I love that you keep getting up and dusting yourself off, ready to go the next round. Many a one (with reason) would have crawled into a hole by now and given up, but your sense of humour and positive attitude are a real tonic. When you can't find the cloud's silver lining and the light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train just keep coming back here for (((hugs))) and lashings of TLC.

yet again, thanks to all of you.

dustyangel I'm flattered by your comment, but not sure that I do have the ability!

Tell you what, you write a brief bit about how you see your characters and a sort of outline of a first paragraph/page chapter, and I'll gladly give it a go!

It will have to be sort of as and when, as (don't laugh) I am currently doing an on-line course in Business & Administration level 2

Well, it gives me a focus and I will be certified if I pass!

Phoenix It is inadequate, but all I can say is

phoenix so, so sorry. Great hugs. Of course you are employable, hang in for just a bit longer. Really wish I could be more positive help.

phoenix, I wish I had some wise words or different advice but I haven't, just (((hugs))) and

I once thought that I could write a book on the effects of redundancies on a couple's relationship. I think you've got the talent to do it.

(Was going to write just the first sentence - above - but obviously forgot that's what I'd meant to do.)

phoenix - no words, just (((hugs))) and back to the drawing board. I'd like to be really positive and upbeat for you, but having intermittently trawled through likely jobs for you I have some understanding of the uphill battle you're facing and know what a hard slog it is. On the other hand you're skilled, experienced and have plenty of chutzpah - a winning combination if you can just hang in there.

phoenix, I've just seen your thread, and am so sorry at how you've been treated. Sometimes it just seems as if it's a never-ending story of being kicked in the teeth and no way of getting away from it because life has to go on regardless. As mrshat says, "Hang on in there". You have talents that aren't being recognised for their worth, and although I can't offer advice as such, please don't feel alone. xx

So what exactly is the problem with this silly bitch at the recruitment agency? A co-ordinator co-ordinates. It's not a transferable skill, it's a skill in itself. Like logistics manager. You could do that too. (My DD just happens to logist air conditioning units but she could move tea bags just as well!) Or PA. It doesn't matter to a PA what the firm does the job is much the same. They're just words and I'm sure you can rearrange your CV to cover a heck of a lot of them.

The best and goodest of luck.

Hang on in there Phoenix - you deserve better

phoenix I am sorry to hear you have had that treatment.

This is the problem of finding work for anyone living in fairly rural locations. It's one thing for the government to rant on about "everyone should get a job" but the sort of transport issues you describe and the other costs involved can just make it impractical.
The government just don't have a clue think about these really practical problems in rural areas.

Afternoon all, many thanks for all the supportive posts and PM's , they are appreciated.

The problem with the supermarket jobs is that they only offer 4 hour shifts, and our location doesn't make this financially viable (even the Job Centre advisor told me not to bother, which rather surprised me.)

I've just come close to having a row with someone at one of the recruitment agencies. I saw a job listed in estate agency for a co-ordinator, which I know I could do. Phoned and asked to speak to the named contact, as although the job description said they wanted someone with experience, I felt that if I had a chat with her I might be able to convince her that I had transferable skills. (The duties outlined in the ad were all things that I have done, just not in an estate agency). The person who answered the phone said the Stephanie was far too busy to talk to me on the phone (WHAT? Sorry, I thought you were a recruiter, how very silly of me to think that you might actually speak to an interested candidate) but I was welcome to apply but it really wasn't worth it as they wanted someone with experience in the sector.

I feel like being but I just don't have the energy anymore.

What about a job hunting blog and offer it around? Set up your own website. Also I realise from your post money is tight but what about a life coach. Just an initial chat to someone might make you look in a different direction. You are not alone.

really hope you will turn a corner very soon, take care.

I do hope that you find some sound advice to help you with your finances phoenix - what a worry for you. I am sure that help is out there.

You cannot do any more than you are doing and I have everything crossed that something good will turn up for you soon. x

and to brighten the day. I hope it gets better for you very soon.

And you never know what may come of your verse/poems. (Mighty oaks from little acorns grow)

I know this is a long shot - but have you looked at National Trust jobs? (Not the volunteering sort!) The pay isn't brilliant but there are perks and it'd be a good stepping stone.

Phoenix - I think it was you I heard on the radio a while back. I have been on local radio myself a few times. I remember listening to you and thinking 'wow that lady sounds so intelligent and super confident, I wish I had sounded like that on my dithering radio bits'. I can't believe someone like you can't find employment (you will).

Thank goodness, as an ex English teacher, I could remember what a villanelle is!

How are you today, Phoenix? xx