Yesterday was my first day at the job centre! I was already stressed when I got there as I had an interview in the afternoon (that's another blog post altogether) Finally reached Market Place to go in and it was raining quite heavily but did people go to move aside to let me through the door? Hmm, no. I find it hard to not judge people, and hate it when others judge me. However, these were people from my city - so I think I've got a right to say what I need to. There were children everywhere, people hanging out in their scruffy clothes, what was I to think? I had gone to the job centre for my interview wearing black trousers and a red smart top - I want to be taken seriously, I want to find a job, no I need to find a job.
I meet my first adviser, is it bad I can't remember his name? Anyways, he was asking me questions about my life and why I want to claim job seekers allowance - he can tell I am nervous, I really really do not want to be here. I am not a shy person, and I think I am pretty easy going, but for the first time in a long time, I am a tortoise, back in that shell, afraid. The guy interviewing me complements me on how detailed I've made my form and my personal bit (where you write about yourself). I am then told that claiming JSA is really easy. The way he said it, I couldn't help but think he's telling me I can sit on my arse and fill in a box and wham bam £56 a week is mine.
I saw Chris next, seemed a nice enough bloke, but he seemed frustrated that I couldn't quite explain what I wanted to do. The only reason he was frustrated was because his computer had all the different names for jobs on it. He couldn't actually think for himself, typical. He seemed like a nice guy but you telling me to be realistic is fine but isn't being Simon Cowell realistic.... apparently not? Hmmph! To be fair, I was being realistic, but like I said, I haven't just taken out an £18,000 student loan to pay for university to take any old shite that comes my way. (I know I sound a total snob, but there is nothing wrong in having standards!)
My first visit to the job centre was successful, I think. I've got to take paperwork in to prove that student finance are no longer paying me - surely it's obvious, they're useless, of course they are no longer paying me. Furthermore, I am being 'forced' to attend a workshop with other unemployed youths, I believe the term, 'my idea of hell' comes to mind.
Oh jesus christ - it could either go alright, or horrific, my guess is the latter. I don't like the idea of a forced workshop - fair enough I want to get a job, but surely it should be optional, that way it would be easy to separate the determined from the undetermined in finding work. Just to clarify - I would go, I just hate forced meetings like that.
Next visit is on the 08/08/2012.
Look forward to it!
I fully feel your pain here but all I can say is that at least you are getting your £56 a week. My other half has just left university and is with you and the other million under 25s hunting for work but he isn't entitled to anything as he lives with me and I am a full time earner (allbeit not very much). Basically if he lived at home with parents (who also earn) he could get it but because he lives with a partner he can't even though we are not married and don't share finances. The government expect me to be able to support me and him on my small wage despite the fact I am also trying to pay off my own student debts... no fairness in it at all :(
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment Rebecca! Oh I know, I think it is quite generous, please don't think that I am unhappy with my payment, that's more than enough. I feel for you and your partner, that must be incredibly hard supporting not only yourself but another adult. It's a disgusting system, I hope that something is done to help you improve your situation.
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