By: Artemisia

Artemisia — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 04:01:52 +0000

My situation is very like hers. I am in the UK but whatever country you are in 58 is not a good age to be looking for a job, especially if you are a woman. My last employer was a not for profit organisation who laid me off. I got a payment of 3 months money but took them to Court for unfair dismissal. I won and again got some money, equivalent to a few months pay. It doesn’t feel like winning though. I have not got a job despite applying for dozens. I am over qualified for lots of jobs which I could do in my sleep but mostly I don’t even get a rejection. I am spending far too much time in front of the computer. I have not been able to swim regularly as I could when I was working so I feel dull and I am putting weight on. I have some plans to improve my life and get training which I will have to pay for but I am greatly frustrated by my treatment by the state run Job Centre which insists on regular attendance. It’s weekly now . I received some payments for 6 months which I was entitled to, having paid tax. I will not get any more because I have a bit of money (sic). They don’t help at all. It is about control and making you feel small and inadequate. So until I have used all my money, which is not so much, there is not much point in signing on as unemployed. Except, if I don’t, I won’t even be a statistic and there is a problem for people over 50 who lose their job and now have to wait longer for their pensions. I want to campaign so I need to be a statistic along with everyone else in this position.

Comments on: Frustrations of a Job Seeker by Ed Tsyitee Jr (Twitter @GreenChileAdict)

By: Artemisia