@nadya , first time in a long time I’ve been called that. Thanks. 
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Hello @Nadya,
If it wouyld be of any help to you, I could send you a copy of my CV via Private Messaging, if you set it up on the forum. It may just give you some ideas as how to set yours up. S.A. will not let us communicate direct ! I am open to receive emails, if you are.
Regards,
Bob Isle.
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@nadya , your not wrong, it’s intimidating. I still get intimidated when I sometimes visit. 
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Thank you very much for sharing your situation. I’m so glad to know that I’m not the only one who finds the “job description and skills” requirements so overwhelming. Sometimes it feels like they are not looking for humans anymore!
The job descriptions and the list of things they are looking for can be quite shocking when you compare them with the salary they are offering—it’s honestly jaw-dropping. And somehow, even if you do find something suitable, the experience requirements become another issue. It feels like there is always something that makes it difficult to get your foot in the door.
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Hi Bob,
Thank you very much for your kind offer. Somehow, my CV is finally done and it’s now off my list of things to worry about.
I have an employment specialist through my psychologist. She is absolutely superb and keeps doing her best to help me stay positive.
But honestly, this is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do. I seriously can’t believe how I feel sometimes. I find myself getting jealous of almost anyone sitting behind a desk, and I never thought I would feel like this. It’s such a strange and difficult place to be in.
all the very best
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are you talking about Job center? trust me i can write the horror novel about it!!
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Hi Nadya,
OK, all the best for the future!I hope things go well for you.
Bob
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I spent 23 years in the civil service, and just as I was being made redundant, they were introducing all the daft job descriptions and necessary ‘skills’. I was invited to apply for my old job, although getting it would have meant moving 250 miles away to actually do it!
These days I have no idea how to translate what I did many years ago (relatively speaking), to what employers require, as nothing i did back then was done with a view to applying for a job 5-10-15 years later, and we just didn’t think of things like that, we just got on and did our jobs. The language used is so far removed from anything I have ever encountered, I just give up before I have even started.
I must remain therefore, an unsuccessful self-employed, self-published author, until such time as I win the lottery or reach retirement age, or become a hermit.
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@nadya , aye I am. If you could write a book, I’d bet it’ll be more scary than an actual horror book (shock shock, horror horror). I could write a book about my experiences but I’ll get sued.
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Hi Nadya,
I was made redundant after working at the same place for 33 years, it took me about 18 months to get into a routine, but keeping busy and in touch with some of my old colleagues has helped. Since my stroke 10 months ago, I’m pleased I haven’t got the stress of work to worry about and now spend time in the garden, with family and friends or doing whatever takes my fancy. Are you able to retire? Keep yourself busy and find new hobbies!
You’ve got this!
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Presumably you are receiving Personal Independence Payment. If so, could you get to speak to a Disability Employment Adviser at the jobcentre? You have probably tried recruitment agencies (?).
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Hi…
I am so sorry. Yes, the outside world is constantly changing, and we have been so busy doing our very committed jobs that we didn’t realise how much things had changed.
Trust me, reading job descriptions and the skills they are looking for nowadays makes me feel like I haven’t lived in this world!
I have exactly the same pain. I can’t explain what I have been doing all these years. I used to prepare HMRC monthly reports by hand and never made a single mistake. Now, when I read about it in a job description, the words they use to describe the role make me feel sick!
I am definitely an old-school person, and yes, maybe that’s the reason for my redundancy — because I don’t have a single bit of AI in me! 
Come on, I use a banking app, I have an iPhone, I send emails, etc. That’s AI for me! I want to cry now.
What has happened to us?
Today I went to register myself for voluntary work with H4ALL, and I met such a lovely lady. Meeting her made me feel like I’m not an alien anymore. It was such a lovely feeling.
i will be arrested for life as i am brown person … lol
A very warm welcome to this platform x
33 years… you made me scream!
You could make a podcast about those 18 months! I’m only coming up to my second month and I’m already feeling terrified, mainly because of the finances. I still have one boy at university, a mortgage, and retirement is tooooooo far away!
It makes me happy to hear that you had less stress around the time you had your stroke and that you can enjoy your time in the garden with your family. That sounds so lovely.
I can’t go outside in this heat. My eyes and my head just can’t take it at all. Even though I’m Asian, people seem to think we should be immune to heat! But this is something new for me — I just can’t cope. 25°C is the hottest weather I can handle! So whatever is happening with our weather isn’t making me very happy!
But indoors, I’m keeping myself incredibly busy. My mornings and afternoons are taken up with cleaning and cooking. I take much longer than I used to, though, and then I get completely exhausted. Cooking really affects how I spend the rest of my day.
I have my canvas next to me, one book, and after six months of not watching anything, I’ve finally started watching a series again.
Please, every GIRL here must watch Ride or Die! It’s making me laugh and giving me courage. 
It’s just awful that I can’t concentrate on anything. Reading, painting or watching something — my concentration is really bad. And going out of the house is a BIG NOOOOOO!
Tell us about your stroke, if you would like to talk about it. Or what are your hobbies? Are you trying to find a new career?
Please only answer if you feel like it.
God bless you x
Yes, I am receiving PIP.
I have no idea about the Disability Employment Adviser, so I should look into that.
I’m with the psychologist team at CNWL, and they have an employment adviser who is trying to help me. But they are worried about me too, as they don’t want me to break down because I’m pushing myself so hard.
I’m scared of being unemployed and having too many responsibilities — like we all do.
Thank you for your kind message. It really means a lot to me. x
Hi @MrsG,
Welcome, and thank you for such a warm reply to Nadya. Sharing what’s helped you; a routine, old colleagues, and time in the garden with family is great to hear.
If you need any help finding your way around the site, feel free to tag me in a post like this – > @Alex_Moderator or contact the team through our Service desk.
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