Gransnet forums

Work/volunteering

Back to square 1 !

(23 Posts)
Anne58 Thu 20-Feb-14 12:54:25

Afternoon all.

As some may know I have been doing a bit of a trial run at a local holiday centre specialising in angling. The job was Head of Housekeeping and Office Assistant.

Well, we have (amicably) parted company. They felt that I was struggling with the "hands on " aspect of the housekeeping, which was true. Days spent making up oodles of beds and cleaning patio doors was resulting in an incredibly painful shoulder.

Poor things, I could tell they felt worried and awkward about the situation, but I didn't want to lead them on, so to speak, as the current person goes on maternity leave at the end of March and it will take time for a replacement to be trained.

So, there we are.

Dragonfly1 Thu 20-Feb-14 12:59:58

Oh Phoenix, wish I could think of something to say to make you feel better. Life's a bitch sometimes. Hugs.

Anne58 Thu 20-Feb-14 13:07:23

Thanks Dragonfly, it sure is! And to top it all Mr P has been having real problems with the chap he is currently on contract with, and I don't think that will be lasting much longer.

Dragonfly1 Thu 20-Feb-14 13:34:42

I know from reading back through previous threads that you seem to be a very resilient and positive person, but I'm guessing you're pretty fed up. Have a good swear. Thoughts are with you. flowers

kittylester Thu 20-Feb-14 13:37:18

Don't really know what to say phoenix, except you know we are all right behind you. sunshine

Lona Thu 20-Feb-14 13:41:37

So sorry to hear that phoenix, and sorry I confused that job with Dartington glass on the other thread blush

I'm sure you must be feeling pretty low at the moment and I do hope something good happens for you soon (((hugs)))

cathybee Thu 20-Feb-14 14:08:05

Sorry to her about the job Phoenix, sometimes things happen for a reason and there is probably a much better job just around the corner smile

rosesarered Thu 20-Feb-14 14:13:14

from what you posted phoenix that job was never going to work out.Do hope you find something else soon though.Would you and your DH consider moving elsewhere , where there are more jobs?Lovely as it is there [we used to be not many miles from Holsworthy] the job market is low to non-existant.We had a handyman do some jobs for us, and he announced he had to leave North Devon as so many semi-retired people had come in to the area and there was no work.Ditto a carpenter, and a window repair man.

Charleygirl Thu 20-Feb-14 14:37:24

I am so sorry to hear that and even sorrier to hear that Mr. P is also having problems with a fellow at his place of work. Still there is a chink of light on the horizon re the other job that you applied for.

Anne58 Thu 20-Feb-14 15:08:41

Thank you all for your kind words.

Re-locating isn't really an option roses if we sold the house we would have nothing left after sorting out the finances.

Charleygirl I'm not holding my breath on the other job, still haven't been invited to interview and I'm sure there will be people with more experience in that line that have applied.

That's the problem with sort of "general skills" jobs, so many applicants for each one.

LizG Thu 20-Feb-14 15:36:38

sad that's all a bu***r for you both phoenix. Not that it helps but I have been swearing like a trooper on your behalf. May kick a few door panels too. (((hugs))) flowers

Anne58 Thu 20-Feb-14 15:45:53

Liz grin

Mr P has a very specific skill set, which means he can usually find something, but it can mean living away during the week. He is currently looking at a contract in Hampshire.

I'm the one with limited ability!

Mishap Thu 20-Feb-14 16:21:25

I sympathise with your dilemma, but. in your circumstances, and like you, I would not wish to move from a beautiful part of the country where I feel at home in order to chase jobs. Is there seasonal work that might tide you over the summer and fill a gap in the cv?

tiggypiro Thu 20-Feb-14 17:44:13

Oh phoenix I am so sorry but don't think you are on a scrap heap. You are just a bit of un-discovered gold.

Anne58 Thu 20-Feb-14 23:20:38

tiggy that is beautifully put, not sure I actually warrant that description blush grin but thank you anyway!

grannyactivist Thu 20-Feb-14 23:31:03

Tried this?
Or this?
What about this?

Anne58 Thu 20-Feb-14 23:39:13

GA , have applied earlier today to the first one, second can be tricky (know a bit about them/it) third one I applied directly when they were advertising back in early December, but they had changed the cut off date (spoke to someone in HR who said send your cv anyway) then applied via an agency they were using, the agency came back and said "You've already interviewed with them before" Me, "I think I would know if I had!"

But thank you for looking, it is always appreciated!

grannyactivist Thu 20-Feb-14 23:44:33

Action woman?
Are you 'professional, friendly and organised?' friendly and organised Try this.
Howsabout getting down 'n dirty?

grannyactivist Thu 20-Feb-14 23:47:29

phoenix I'm always keeping an eye out for jobs for you - I do wonder what on earth the people who monitor my computer habits make of me. I'm the 'go to' researcher for all sorts of people and if you looked at my cookies you'd be in a state of confusion for a long time. grin

Anne58 Fri 21-Feb-14 09:09:45

Thanks Ga ! I'll give the first one a go, the second link didn't work, not sure why and the third one involves some pretty heavy work, not sure I'm quite up to flinging scrap metal about these days! grin

Mishap Fri 21-Feb-14 09:55:50

Have you thought of contacting the LA? I am thinking of school secretary jobs and things like that.

Anne58 Fri 21-Feb-14 10:15:38

Funnily enough Mishap there was a secretary/PA to the Head teacher position advertised yesterday, but it specified typing speeds and shorthand.

JessM Fri 21-Feb-14 10:35:24

Another idea - sorry if you have already tried this:
Some companies (and schools etc) put their vacancies on their own websites but they are often well hidden. e.g. if you look at Amazon.co.uk , right down the bottom, in tiny writing, it says Careers. This links to all the Amazon vacancies across the country. Sometimes it is teeny writing at the top e.g. Job Board.
It might be worth writing a list of employers in a 10 mile radius, say, and doing a weekly trawl. Companies love direct applicants because they resent paying 15-20% finders fees to agencies.
Local authorities may have their own job boards, ditto hospitals etc etc
It is hard work looking for a job these days - used to be much easier when it was either the paper or the "labour exchange"