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Stressed Out Asks...
I need help looking for a part-time job. I'm currently studying for my A-levels and trying to earn money to run my car and save up for Christmas at the same time (proving to be very stressful!)
The job i'm in at the moment isn't paying me enough money, and has decreased the number of hours available for me to work. So, as a result i'm now looking for another job aswell. Where can i go to find a reasonably paid job that can fit in with my study committments? I'd primarily be looking for a job after 16:00 in the week days, and some time at the weekends.
Having a decent job would make me feel so much more independant and i wouldn't feel so stressed and ill all the time. I'm worried that this may have an effect on my school work. I realise that the UK is on it's way to officially being in a recession, so i guess that doesn't boed well for Uk businesses, all the job recruitment sites advertise vacancies for people without college committments.
HELP!
Many thanks.
What we suggest...
Hi 'Stressed Out'
Many thanks for your enquiry.
We understand that you want a part - time job to fit around your study commitments as your current employer has reduced your hours and you want to know where to look. You also have some concerns over being stressed and worried this may have an effect on your school work.
Regarding job searches it can be difficult sometimes knowing where to start looking for work. You specify evening and / or weekend work to earn extra money, however any potential employment will be found via the same sources as full time work, although you are right in the sense that employment agencies tend to favour those who don't have study commitments.
Firstly your local Connexions centre may be a good starting place to look. The Connexions Service offer advice, information and support to young people aged 13-19 in education, training and employment opportunities. This service is delivered through a network of personal advisers linking in where necessary with specialist support services. They hold a list of current job / training opportunities for young people in your area. You state you live in Corsham in Wiltshire. Your local Connexions centre is:
4 Temple Chambers, Temple St
Tel: 01793 549200
Opening times are 9.30am - 5pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9.30am - 5pm, Wednesday 10am - 5pm and Friday 9.30am - 4pm
You can also access their website:www.connexionsws.org.uk
Although it's likely some firms will have to cut jobs and some have already started doing so we would still think the retail stores will want temporary staff during the busy Christmas period. Places like Argos, Next and your local supermarkets (ASDA, Sainsbury's, Tesco etc) may take staff on. It's worth looking them up in your local Yellow Pages or going onto the individual websites and click on store locater to find the nearest one to you or visit the stores in person. Supermarkets are very flexible with students and the hours they want to work.
In fact, Sainsbury's now have a system whereby you can enquire about employment and apply on-line. Just go to their website @
http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/aboutus/recruitment/careers_new.htm
As you have a car as well you don't have to rely on the bus and can travel that bit further providing you get enough hours in a job. This might mean that employment at an out of town retail park or shopping centre may be an option for you.
Also don't forget that places such as cafes, garden centres, riding stables, hotels and restaurants may be looking for people to work during the run up to Christmas. If you are going round to businesses asking if they have any vacancies then it might be a good idea to get a CV together and leave one if there are no vacancies at the moment. It will give the opportunity for your name to be remembered and show that you are serious in your job search.
If you want to make a direct approach to businesses that are not as accessible as cafes and shops then it could be done either over the phone, in person at the reception desk or by posting/ emailing a Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a supporting letter. To find out the contact numbers and addresses of local companies check the relevant section of the Yellow Pages or try the following website searches;
# www.upmystreet.com
# www.townpages.com
# www.kellysearch.co.uk
Another option is to look in your local newspapers. Local newspapers usually publish a weekly job vacancies section. Your local newspapers include:
# Gazette and Herald (www.gazetteandherald.co.uk )
# Wiltshire Times (www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk )
You may also have a free newspaper that is delivered to your door once a week so it's worth checking in there as well.
Another option is to visit your local Jobcentre and enquire there. We think your local Jobcentreplus is:
Chippenham Jobcentreplus, Cuppa Court, Avenue La Fleche, Chippendale, Wiltshire, UK, SN15 3LH, Tel: 01249 425800
There are a number of ways to use the Job Centre. You can use their job search computers, check out the job advertisements on the wall or ask the staff for help. They also have local and national newspapers available to read for vacancies. You don't need an appointment to go and no one will ask you why you are there. You can just walk in and have a look around but, if you want to ask a question, feel free to go to the reception point and ask, when your turn comes. If you find a job that you want to apply for, they will either have the application form there or will arrange to have it sent to you. They will also give advice on filling it in.
If you don't want to go to the Job Centre, you can also go onto their website at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk. Here you can fill in a form with the details of the job you are looking for and it will search through all their databases.
Or you can call Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060234. This line is open 8am to 6pm during the week and 9am to 1pm on Saturday. When you ring, they would like you to have the following information ready: full address, National Insurance Number and date of birth.
The internet also has a number of websites dedicated to advertising job vacancies, these include;
- www.monster.co.uk
- www.fish4jobs.co.uk
- www.reed.co.uk
Finally if all else fails check out local shop windows for advertisements or ask friends and family if they are aware of any job vacancies that might be suitable.
If you'd like some help with writing your letter and putting your CV together, you can get help from the Connexions Centre. There are also tips on websites such as:
- http://www.thesite.org/workandstudy/gettingajob/applications
- www.bbc.co.uk/onelife/your_world/work_future/jobs_getting_your_first_job/
- visit our What Now? Website at www.whatnow.co.uk and scroll down the left hand side of the screen to Information, then select Document Downloads. Then click the link to Work and Training and there is a template CV you can download and adapt to fit yourself.
There are also books which your local library may have. We think your local library will be:
Corsham Library, Pickwick RD, Corsham, SN13 9BJ
Opening times are Monday 2pm - 8pm, Tuesday 9.30 - 5pm, Thursday and Friday 9.30am -8pm, Saturday 9am-1pm, closed Wednesdays and Sundays
They may have books like:
- How You Can Get That Job by Rebecca Corfield, pub. Kogan Page
- The Job Hunter's Handbook by David Greenwood, pub. Kogan Page
You also mentioned that you are at college and you are wondering how this will affect your study.
In terms of your employment this is basically a question of how much time you have, when you are available and whether or not it interferes with your studies. On the employer's side, all that will matter is that you are able to arrive on time for your work, that you can stay to the end and that you are not distracted from your work by college matters. In addition, most of the jobs suitable for you while you are still studying will be in places where they have employed students before.
Before you start looking for a new job, try to work out what sort of time you really have to spare for working and then stick to that time. It's easy to be tempted by the thought of lots and lots of money but it really won't be worth it if you fail your course.
There are also added benefits to working while you are studying. It looks good on your CV and it gives you a variety of skills that are useful in any job, such as organisational skills, time management skills and an experience of teamwork.
You mention that your current job has decreased your hours and recognise the recession. Is there any chance your work will temporarily increase your hours just over the festive period perhaps? It's worth asking. Also won't you find it hard having two jobs and studying at the same time?
We are slightly concerned that you mentioned you are stressed and that something is making you 'stressed and ill'. Is it your current job that is making you feel this way? If you have any concerns over that can you speak to your manager or perhaps a colleague about it? Are you in a union? Another option is to go to the Citizen's Advice Bureau and talk to them about your problems. We think your local CAB is:
Corsham Community Centre
Beechfield Road
Corsham
Wiltshire
SN13 9DR
Drop in times wed 10am - 1pm or alternatively look on their website www.citizensadvice.org.uk
If your school work is getting behind perhaps talk to your tutor or a teacher you get along with. Perhaps write a realistic timetable out so you know how much time you have to study, work and do other things and stick to it so you don't get behind.
The following website may help you with study and revision techniques:
- www.bbc.co.uk/schools/revision
You say you are saving up for Christmas and for running your car. Have you thought of cheaper options? For instance walking short distances instead of using the car. Looking at how far you travel and seeing if it's worth having a car or not or whether you could do most things via foot or bus until you finish your studies. Perhaps car share with a friend or family member and share the costs.
Also there are many ways to produce cheap gifts for Christmas. For instance:
- Handmade and decorated photo albums
- Favourite recipe cooked e.g. cake or homemade cookies - by attaching a message or cutting in a personal message you are adding a personal and unique touch
- Make a recipe book taking recipes from the internet and jazzing them up on paper using various designs on the computer or your own.
- Flowers. Christmas flowers are expensive so try and avoid them. However flowers made from silk come in various colours and forms and look very beautiful and last long.
They are easily available and are affordable and attractive.
- Another idea to acquire cheap Christmas gifts is to shop well in advance of the Christmas season when the prices are reasonable. Look out for sales and keep the list ready and lay your hands on gift items that suit your requirements. What will probably happen and is already starting to happen this Christmas is gifts are becoming cheaper anyhow to try and get buyers to buy more in this recession.
- Coffee mugs with sweets filled in them
- Decorated baskets with spreads, jams, mustard and inexpensive fruits, etc
- Collection of special photos
- Well - liked and widely read magazines tied up with satin ribbon
- Puzzles, riddles, jokes
- Calendars - you can buy calendars which allow you to add your own photos for that special touch
- Personalised CD made up of favourite or meaningful songs
We hope we have answered your enquiry and that you are successful in finding another job soon.
If you have any further enquiries please contact us again
Best Wishes
Q2A
Expert advice and every precaution has been taken to ensure that the information on this page is trustworthy and reliable, but the publishers do not hold themselves responsible for any inaccuracy as information can go out of date very quickly. This page gives general guidance only and should not be treated as a complete and authoritative statement of the law. With regard to suggested weblinks given in this reply please note that Lancashire County Council is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
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