Need a job asap!!!!

[LisaV]

I was reading the thread about someone wanting £500 asap so thought I would try my luck at getting a job - after all you never know! You guys might have some handy advice anyway.

My husband was demoted recently (it was either that or redundancy), we live in a rented house with our 2 kids and desperately want a place of our own, so I'm on a job hunt.

At the moment I am a website editor with SEO and CMS experience as well as image manipulation using Photoshop and Picasa but as this is a new business I am on expenses only of £50pw despite me maintaining the content, writing 2 news stories a day plus a feature each weekend and having done the entire content for a new site yet to be online. Taken for a ride? Well possibly but at least I have the experience, not that it's getting me anywhere.

I am listed with various agencies but most of the jobs are city centred in London. My nearest cities are Swindon, Bristol (at a push) or Bath. I work from home at the moment.

I have a plush new CV and apply for around 5 jobs a week, but no luck.

So does anyone out there need a writer for their website? Or perhaps you could tell me what I'm doing wrong and point me in the right direction?

 

[Faevilangel]

You're in the same vicinity as me

New business or not, I would expect to be paid the going rate for the job. It sounds like they just want free labour.
There are not many web dev jobs around this area, an agency in cheltenham were recruiting for a psd > html converter.

There are always a few jobs popping up in Bristol but there is a lot of people applying.

Good luck, just keep plugging at it

 

[roofing solutions]

do you have the right program to build a website from home? could you do anything with mine? how much would you want to do it? www.allroofingsolutions.com
Regards Aaron

 

[lww]

My husband was demoted recently (it was either that or redundancy), we live in a rented house with our 2 kids and desperately want a place of our own, so I'm on a job hunt.

Just an observation, but given your financial position has been weakened and could be weakened further, it's not really a great time to think about committing to purchase a house - not only will you require a significant deposit to avoid punitive mortgage rates, but currently the rental yields are lower than mortgage rates... ie. it's cheaper to rent than it is to buy. Not to mention the significant chance that the housing bubble is set to burst and prices will come crashing down.

You already have a place of your own, the only difference is that the landlord is responsible for fixing all the problems at his cost, saving you even more money.

Sorry, I know it doesn't answer the question you asked but property in the UK causes so many financial problems for people, and temporarily stretching by getting a new job is a short-term view compared to taking out a 25 year mortgage at a rate that is only over going to rise, perhaps significantly.

 

[LisaV]

Yeah I saw one in Cheltenham, trouble is it would take me an hour to get there each day.

I guess that whilst I am working for 'free' more or less, at least I am doing something and gaining experience. He keeps promising that advertising revenue will come up and pay for a decent wage but he's been saying that since last August. I don't claim any benefits and at the moment we really are struggling.

I even took on a temporary cleaning job at minimum pay for a few weeks just to get some money coming in to pay for summer clothes for the kids. Some days I just think that we'll never have a home of our own and will always be paying rent so someone else can live comfortably. It doesn't help that a letter for the owner of the house came confirming his Florida holiday details.

We just want to work, earn our keep and provide a home for the kids.

 

[LisaV]

Oh sorry x-posts with some of you. Aaron I don't have a web building program at home no, I'm not a web designer unfortunately although I have used Dreamweaver to build my own site before now, sadly though I no longer have it. However I do know a man who can and will message you.

lww, we wouldn't commit to buying a house this year at all, but we do need to try and raise a deposit or else, like you say, we don't stand a chance. We do have a little money put away in ISAs.

Trouble with renting is that you are made painfully aware that it's never your own. The letting agents are very much on the side of the owner so we cannot paint it or adjust it in any way. They inspect every three months and once wrote us an official letter complaining that we had stuck up the childrens drawings on the walls using blu-tac. They suggested we buy a noticeboard and nail that to the wall instead! I just want to be able to paint my kids rooms, put up shelves for them and settle down in a home, not someone else's house.

 

[zigojacko]

I will be hiring someone for our Plymouth office soon, if your nearest cities are Bristol and Swindon, I'm guessing we would be outside your radar, heh.

It is someone like yourself by the sounds of it that we would be after though, how much experience of SEO do you have?

I know of one company in Swindon who always seem to be taking on new staff for SEO/PPC/Website Editing roles.

 

[TheGuru2010]

Oh sorry x-posts with some of you. Aaron I don't have a web building program at home no, I'm not a web designer unfortunately although I have used Dreamweaver to build my own site before now, sadly though I no longer have it. However I do know a man who can and will message you.

lww, we wouldn't commit to buying a house this year at all, but we do need to try and raise a deposit or else, like you say, we don't stand a chance. We do have a little money put away in ISAs.

Trouble with renting is that you are made painfully aware that it's never your own. The letting agents are very much on the side of the owner so we cannot paint it or adjust it in any way. They inspect every three months and once wrote us an official letter complaining that we had stuck up the childrens drawings on the walls using blu-tac. They suggested we buy a noticeboard and nail that to the wall instead! I just want to be able to paint my kids rooms, put up shelves for them and settle down in a home, not someone else's house.

I know this doesnt really help, but we rented our 1st propertry & found that the letting agents are like the police with some things so we gave that one up & rented privatly, we have been there for over 5 years & get the occasional visit but our new landlord is happy for us to treat this as our own home, we can docorate out things on the wall etc. Might be worth looking at a change to give you that extra comfort for a while?

 

[LisaV]

I will be hiring someone for our Plymouth office soon, if your nearest cities are Bristol and Swindon, I'm guessing we would be outside your radar, heh.

It is someone like yourself by the sounds of it that we would be after though, how much experience of SEO do you have?

I know of one company in Swindon who always seem to be taking on new staff for SEO/PPC/Website Editing roles.

Well most of my news stories are top of google news for all our keywords and the site itself is now listed 3rd on the 3rd page of Google - not bad considering the competition. Am I allowed to mention the site? . I can use Google Analytics and Keywords.

If you hear of anything in Swindon please do pass on my details!

 

[lww]

lww, we wouldn't commit to buying a house this year at all, but we do need to try and raise a deposit or else, like you say, we don't stand a chance. We do have a little money put away in ISAs.

Well hopefully in another year's time prices will be 25% lower

Trouble with renting is that you are made painfully aware that it's never your own. The letting agents are very much on the side of the owner so we cannot paint it or adjust it in any way. They inspect every three months and once wrote us an official letter complaining that we had stuck up the childrens drawings on the walls using blu-tac. They suggested we buy a noticeboard and nail that to the wall instead! I just want to be able to paint my kids rooms, put up shelves for them and settle down in a home, not someone else's house.

Well you might think the agent is on the side of the landlord, but the law is very much on the side of the tenant... and it sounds like you have Britain's only fussy agency! For all my years of renting I can barely remember an inspection let alone anything more than a box-ticking exercise by an office junior. As for not sticking things up with blutack or decorating rooms, firstly there are plenty of landlords who are far less fussy about such things (professional landlords allow for the cost of redecorating anyway), and secondly I'm happy to be corrected but I don't believe what the agent has told you is correct - my understanding is that you can do what the hell you like provided you return the property to its original state when you end your tenancy. If you want to stick up posters they can't stop you - if you leave the house with blobs of wallpaper missing, then they can claim for the damage.

Anyways, sorry for the side-track, I'll go back to lurking!

 

[LisaV]

lol! Well since renting has shot up I guess so have fussy letting agents! This is our second such rented house in the UK, the first agency also did 3 monthly inspections - this does appear to be the norm.

Our contract does state that we are not allowed to paint the walls or make any amendments to the house. I did assure the agent when she came to inspect and commented on the blu-tac on the walls that we would remove the stains, but she still felt it necessary to send us a letter whilst forwarding a copy to the owner.
We also have a huge problem with mildew in the winter, esp in the kids rooms. When we complained we were told that it has never been a problem for previous tenants, that we should put our heating on more (we were trying to save money so used it as little as often) and we needed to move our furniture around to allow for ventilation. Oh and keep the windows open. In winter.

We could rent privately but I'm sick of moving and at least with an agency we know we can kick off if repairs are not done on time. Private renting is a lot more risky. I'm sorry but all I seem to think about now is owning our own home.

 

[Tommy7]

Tried telesales ?

 

[mike at lowcostit]

Or spamming forums ;(

 

[Astaroth]

What is your area of specialty (ie industry)?

Cannot recommend anyone to work with as we are London based but have certainly known a number of copywriters who's business model is to create volume (rather than quality) and whilst each article they are writing is unique (for SEO reasons) there are very close similarities to many others they have already written.

Most of the content is never intended to be read by human eyes but adds volume and by seeding through the news channels creates the inbound links. By adding in terms such as SEO they can sell well to others that aren't web savvy without needing to be a true expert in developing SEO strategies etc.

Once you score a large scale client or two then the rest become much easier to get on board. One I worked closely with was charging £50 for a "unique" 1/2 page news story and could easily knock out one or two of these an hour for each copywriter they had in their pool.

The trick to the model however is to target a single industry (eg insurance) which you can demonstrate that you understand the market, products, customers and priorities etc

 

[brook22]

We are looking for agents in your area - it is self employed but you can earn up to £350 a week realistically details here

 

[LisaV]

Thanks all.
My area of speciality eh? Well at the moment I write on migration, tourism and culture in Australia www.embraceaustralia.com. But can more or less put my hand to anything.
I do like current affairs though.

I would consider self-employment as at least it pays a wage, but would prefer to be employed if possible.

Telesales - been there done that. I've also been a home carer, a cleaner, an administrative assistant, a fundraiser, a teaching assistant, a teacher of English as a foreign language and working with kids who have special needs. I'll take a job pretty much anywhere. My heart is in my writing, but in these times I will work anywhere as I have a family to provide for and ambitions have to go on the backburner sometimes.

 

[ethical PR]

Hi Lisa

It is difficult trying to get work outside of the major cities when you want to do work around online marketing, but certainly not impossible.

I think unfortunately a long commute is sometimes a necessity when you are trying to get experience (although being a Londoner - a one hour commute for many would be a luxury ).

Although there are major cuts forecast for the public and third sectors, they might be worth a try - a lot of charities/not for profits really need people with CMS/content/SEO skills, so perhaps this might be an area to try. They are also more likely to be open to job share, so a commute say three days a week might seem less painful.

Try Third Sector, The Guardian etc.

Another suggestion would be to do some research on design/marketing/PR agencies in your area and approach them to see if they ever need a spare pair of hands/offer freelance work for someone with your skills.

I don't know if you might be eligible but it might be worth seeing if you would be elgible for working tax credits now you have a reduced wage coming in.

And personally I think the company 'paying' you £50 a week (just over a £1 an hour) are exploiting you. It doesn't matter if they are a start up. It's just not on.

If you are going to work (practically for free) there are lots of charities out there that would welcome your skills and help you build up your CV.

Good luck.

Helen

 

[vvaannmmaann]

Take on your husband's parents' farm and run a "leisure activity group".
Then the current "tenants" will have to go!
Two birds,one stone.

 

[LisaV]

Take on your husband's parents' farm and run a "leisure activity group".
Then the current "tenants" will have to go!
Two birds,one stone.

Ha! I don't particularly want to live on their farm thanks very much.

We do have working family tax credits coming in, without them we'd be stuffed, just have to hope that Mr Cameron doesn't cut them or living at my in-laws farm might be the only thing to do.

I have looked at charity work too, trouble is they too are London-based. I have applied for a job with the National Trust in Swindon, I fitted the job description perfectly but never heard back from them and they wouldn't give feedback either.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

Have you tried these people?
http://www.peopleperhour.com/

 

[puffin]

You've probably already tried, but freelance?

Offer 'cut' deals for like writing, etc.

If you can do SEO etc, try your hand at web design, acquire a copy of dreamweaver etc, get learning!

Time is money!

Do anything to get a few pounds coming in, then who knows you only need 1 person to 'bite' and you may have a long term deal.

Hope this helps.

 

[LisaV]

I'm listed with a few freelance sites but they, like the agencies, don't seem to be offering me anything.

Freelance is difficult atm. A lot of people with more experience than I are also offering their services in freelance. Seems I hit the market at just the wrong time. I suppose I've also become demotivated and unsure of myself. I start to question my own skills and experience and am fearful of being found to be rubbish.

However I will follow up all leads given here. It's useful to start fielding around for ideas as others generally come up with suggestions you haven't considered so thanks all for giving me a kick in the right direction. I shall put myself out there more.

 

[Esk247]

try to keep motivated, there are lots of people in your situation, just think of those Uni leavers who have a 20k debt around there neck and no experience in the work place!

if finding a job was easy everyone would be employed, its hard, its difficult and its the same running your own business, freelancers are often taken for a ride but remember its YOUR life! don't get messed around, don't undercut just in the hope that you get a tenner chucked your way, you are NOT a pigeon looking for breadcrumbs!

if you want to look at buying your own place then a full time job is the way to go, it offers some security and a regular income, self employment is more for those who can work from home to begin with and have minimal overheads.

dont be afraid to take benefits if you need them! i've done it myself in the past, theres no point getting in debt, if you need the help then take it and spend the money wisely, nobody can have a word to say against you if you're giving it your best shot to find a job or some work.

 

[pari636]

Hi Lisa,

I just saw some one looking for a Article writer on this site, perhaps you have seen it already but just thought to let you know.

All the best

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=157029

 

[Cybamart]

Hi, not sure if anyone has mentioned this and you may have already tried it but if you go here - http://jobseekers.direct.gov.uk/homepage.aspx and type "I want a job in (your location)", all the jobs in your local area come up. The very best of luck with it.

 

[jason_freeman]

If you aren't working you should be claiming some sort of benefit, you are entitled to it. In fact the government calculates your eligibility from your national insurance contributions.

 

[Searcher]

Have sent you a PM Lisa.

 

[Cornish Steve]

I would expect to be paid the going rate for the job.

Expect away. You get what you're worth or what you allow others to convince you you're worth. Forget norms and expectations. You must sell yourself and your worth.

 

[bluejayway]

Boy, are you being exploited. And your 'employer' is quite possibly breaking the law, either by failing to pay you the minimum wage or by treating you as a freelance when your conditions of employment don't meet the HMRC rules. Put another way, is this guy so deserving that you should hand him several hundred pounds a week?Is he getting everything else for free? What kind of car does he drive? And now he's got you to agree to this deal, is he ever going to stop?
Some people here have advised you to get into article writing. This is *not* copywriting, it's content writing. Yes, I know people who do it call themselves copywriters, but they just aren't. You would also be bidding against people from low wage economies. In other words, stay away from markets where you compete only on price. There is *always* someone cheaper.
Think about setting up as a freelance web writer/editor. To help work out what to charge, take a look at the NUJ website. Remember the difference between the hours you put in and the ones you can charge. As a rule of thumb £10 ph is equivalent to £10k per year.
You will not get a wage, but you will be free to pick and choose your clients. It can be pretty hairy on your own but if you have a partner bringing in a wage of any size, that smooths over the bumps. You will also be able to claim business expenses.
Perhaps you can't afford to lose the £50 but I wonder if you can *afford* to work all these hours for so little? You could get that money in a single shift at some supermarkets, and have more time with the kids. Perhaps a part time job while you build up the business is one solution.
If you want to build up a portfolio you could approach agencies and ask if they have any pro bono projects. Or do work for friends, charities and other small businesses where they genuinely have tiny budgets. Potential clients aren't just looking for quality, they are looking for versatility.
Any other questions, PM me. I have been a freelance copywriter since 1983.
I have a saying for these situations: if it's worth using, it's worth paying for.

 

[LisaV]

Well, I quit the explotative Australian guy, although he's still bleating that unless I stay his business goes down the pan. Not really my problem now though.

I set up as self-employed, got my own website and was offered some copywriting work by a member of this site. Through him recommending me I got another client I'm now working for with the possibility of another starting next month.

I'm now earning a decent wage and can afford to even treat the kids every now and then!

My advice to you would be to focus on what you want to do and go for it. Also don't be too stubborn not to take on board other peoples advice as they can often bring a different viewpoint to a situation.

Re-train if you have to, it's never too late to change careers and make a success, but it does take a leap of faith at times and dedication.

All the best - this is a good place to start!

 

[Surbhee]

Thanks for such a welcoming reply I really appreciate your words! I hope to do some good work here and find some good clients. I already have 3-4 small projects that I am working on but they just pay me enough to pay the bills...need some more money to party ;-)

Thanks for advise !

 

[LisaV]

Oh, that was in reply to this:

"So..what worked out best for you? I am looking for the same "

But the post has just disappeared so now it looks as if I'm talking to myself!

 

[LisaV]

Ah there you are surbhee, I lost your post for a minute!

Well keep at it mate and you'll get there in the end. But you may find yourself working so hard you'll be too knackered to party! Being self-employed is bloody hard work at times, but very rewarding in other ways too. I am the harshest boss I ever had!

 

[Surbhee]

Haha I know! I have recently left my job to start my own work and now I think - why did I crib about my job? I used to at least have evenings and nights for my own then and now work is the only thing on my mind 24/7

 

[Surbhee]

That's correct..I am truly enjoying it... So..where are you from Lisa?

 

[Deleted member 3454]

Well, I quit the explotative Australian guy, although he's still bleating that unless I stay his business goes down the pan. Not really my problem now though.

I set up as self-employed, got my own website and was offered some copywriting work by a member of this site. Through him recommending me I got another client I'm now working for with the possibility of another starting next month.

I'm now earning a decent wage and can afford to even treat the kids every now and then!

My advice to you would be to focus on what you want to do and go for it. Also don't be too stubborn not to take on board other peoples advice as they can often bring a different viewpoint to a situation.

Re-train if you have to, it's never too late to change careers and make a success, but it does take a leap of faith at times and dedication.

All the best - this is a good place to start!

What a great turnaround - well done!

 

[Surbhee]

I know...hope it goes well..

 

[GreatSEO]

Lisa

Congratulations and well done on being persistant.

Another success story that will motivate people rather than turn them away from what could be a positive change in anyones life.

In fact wouldn't it be nice if the national news had a nice section at the end cause it is so negative. I cant remember the last good bit of press I saw.

What are you writing about now then?

Dave

 

[Surbhee]

Well..I am just taking up Article Writing projects for Ezine and other article directories. I offer Blog Writing, Press Release Writing, Keyword Rich content for Websites etc. What do you write ?

 

[Surbhee]

Sorry for that reply Dave..I thought Lisa wrote to me Really sorry!