Feeling sorry for myself

Notagrannyyet1234……..

Gosh, you have a lot on your plate at the moment don't you?
You've worked so hard and done so well it must be very difficult understanding what is happening to you.
You clearly have commitment, drive and a good education.
I really don't know why you have had such a run of bad luck.
Is there anything in the field of education that you could look into?
Are there any benefits you could be eligible for I wonder?

I'm sorry I don't have much info at my disposal to offer any better advice, I just feel so frustrated on your behalf.

I do wish you well.
Best of luck

I can’t give you any advise you are far more qualified than me and the university are behind you, all I can give is a little bit of hope I did dead end jobs often two or three at a time while bringing three kids up alone then at the age of 53 and quite out of the blue I got the opportunity of a career which I really loved and worked at until I was 69
Never give up hope

Goodness I feel sorry for you too.You should be proud of yourself though, your keeping everybody going,I'm sure it won't be too long before you have good news.If your children are not able to live independently are they working, if not can they claim any benefits? Could you claim something for being your parents carers ? This may enable to work part time at least.You are doing too much.
I work in a similar environment, but I'm part time, and to be quite honest it's all I could manage.Good luck to you .

I wonder if you should apply for jobs in your chosen field, but ones where you can gain relevant work experience? or apply for jobs in a relevant company? You need to be able to demonstrate a work record in your area. I would also tailor any application to the specific job. It's difficult, but don't get despondent and try to relax at interview. If push comes to shove then try to find a job that is less physically demanding. Good luck. X

Firstly, check that you're getting all the benefits you're entitled to. Plenty of benefit checkers online.

Sorry to say, but you seem to have fallen the trap of thinking that an excellent education will automatically entitle you to a well-paid job in your chosen field. It won't, these days. There's always someone younger, more experienced or a better fit than you. It's brutal.

I too took time out to bring up DD and I was genuinely shocked to find that I was unemployable when applying for most jobs. I volunteered for a charity then got offered some paid hours. It took two years. I have a full-time job now. It's not the job of my dreams but it's a start.

Could you do something similar?

I also wonder if you would be better off financially if you didn't work, or reduced your hours.

Contact your local CAB and ask them to do a "better or worse off" calculation using a variety of scenarios.

In NZ there are many recruitment agencies, specialising in all fields. You might consider registering with the UK ones.

But first, look at ALL your skills and experience, not just the fascinating area of biochemistry.

In order to gain your degree and Masters, you must have gained quite a few research and writing talents as well as some you probably haven't thought of.
In addition, your past job experience can help you , even if you don't particularly want to go back to those areas.
For instance, some of it undoubtedly taught you the patience and determination to get through years of study whilst raising children.
Putting a positive spin on your CV is important and should mentions everything .
"I am a person who has proven skills in administration, research and documantation and have always been determined to complete jobs metculously."

Many people may say you age is a barrier but actually, there are employers out there who value maturiy and life experience over a much younger person who may not have the skills you possess. Don't give up.

Have you considered broadening your field?
This website might help a little.
sire-search.com/blogs/biochemistry-jobs-what-are-the-opportunities-after-graduating-1399638

It may not be feasible to ask for weekend work in a lab at a reduced rate or even as a volunteer but it's worth considering.
In my lifetime I have gained experience and then jobs by just this route.

Most of all, don't lose your confidence, keep at it. Appear calm and control at interviews, even to the point of saying when they ask those stupid questions, 'And why do you think you'll be an asset?' Or 'What can you bring to this position?'

"First of all, I don't need to gain experience in working with people, I've done that very successfully all my life. Then, as a person with many life skills, I have the confidence to be innovative (if that's what the job requires) and can work on my own initiative. I can think through problems and solve them and I am painstaking and meticulous in all I do."

What more could they want?

I shall lend you our family motto. "Numquam desistas, numquam dare in." Put it on your CV as yours.
Never give up, never give in.

BradfordLass, offering the use of a family motto wins first prize for the most original offer of help - of all time! It seems to have made my eyes damp, and I hope it will help and inspire Notagrannyyet.

Well said Bradfordlass. And Notagraany, you certainly are a high achiever - be proud of yourself.
I hope you do find a job that suits your high level of qualification. Good luck !

Some useful suggestions here, OP. The one thing that I notice is that you haven't said what kind of jobs you are applying for, biochemistry is a huge field and research funding, always scarce, is badly affected at the moment by Brexit.

I have a daughter who has a first class degree in chemistry and then a higher degree. I hate to say it but in order to get a job she had to be really broad in her idea of which sector of chemistry related jobs she was interested in and then she had to do an internship. It's what all the young graduates are having to do now, especially in sought after fields, it's not uncommon to work a year without pay. Biochemistry teams well with psychology and medical fields, with computer studies and with sustainability and climate change related areas.

Sadly, you're not old but probably your age means you have to work harder than a younger candidate to be noticed. What direction are you really interested in, is there any chance you could do some kind of voluntary or intern type work, even part time? Don't give up though, wish you all the best.

I'm not sure what I can say to offer support but your situation sounds similar to some I have heard on radio programmes such as Woman's Hour or Moneybox or You and Yours..

Someone listening hears and offers them a post immediately!!

I can imagine how disheartening it will be for you.
I make things for a living and cannot bear rejection. I haven't applied for a job in over 30 years. I sell via my website so people come to me. One of my DC is unemployed and applying for several jobs a week. I find that depressing enough.

I love the family motto Bradfordlass

Thanks for all the kind words. Sadly not entitled to any benefits and cannot reduce my hours as I'm the sole breadwinner so volunteering/unpaid work is not an option. But thanks to everyone for the lovely wishes and support. I have given myself a a stern talking to and decided to persivere. I'm applying for a wide range of jobs and who knows what the future will hold.

Teach. Massive shortage of Science teachers.

You will have to stand up for six hours a day, work till late and at weekends. But somehow it all seems worth it.

Not a consolation prize but the best job in the world!

As a 'late achiever' myself while bringing up children, Notagranyet1234, I have total respect for what you have achieved.

Bradfordlass has made some excellent suggestions with regard to interview technique. The only thing I would add to that, would be to go to your University Careers service and ask if they will give you some practice interviews to see if there is anything in the way you present and 'sell' yourself which could be improved further.

I also strongly endorse Eglantine21's suggestion. A biochemistry degree is great, embracing as it does biology, chemistry and mathematics.

I wish you all the very best - you deserve it.

Is there any way you can squeeze a few hours a week on a voluntary basis somewhere?
Even assisting the technicians back at your uni will prove to prospective employers that you are 100% committed.
The longer you are "out" the less likely it is you'll get a job in the field.... but you will know this.
I don't know where you live but surely there will be somewhere within striking distance.

Good luck.

I have changed career in the later stage of my life after retraining.

There are companies who prefer young people, but I was successful as I worked for smaller companies where you can't be spoon fed! You need the maturity and more life experience as you cope with more issues compared to a large company. Is this a possibility in your field?

Bradfordlass72 love your family motto?

Yes like the motto but would not advise to put it on your CV.