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Hi there...
I've just come of the phone to the National Careers Service, a 45 minute phone call, leading nowhere except into further muddled thoughts.
I am currently studying an NVQ Level 3 in Early Years childcare. I was working for a local nursery, but left just recently, due to a bad experience and left disappointed. So I'm left wondering if a childcare career is for me. Prior to my recent fiasco, I did volunteer in my local school within the reception class and I really enjoyed helping, so I know that maybe I could return there.
To be honest, I don't really know what I am doing. After I left school, many moons ago, I went into health and fitness, and had a really good time. After having children though, part time wasn't an option, and the little part time job I did have, made redundancies including me.. I drifted into tutoring for a local charity for vulnerable adults tutoring various subjects on short contracts as and when they needed me. Funding dried up as did my job role, though I did volunteer for a while longer.. After a spell of unemployment, I went into childcare, my friends all said how good I was with their children when we go to my sons footy training, so I thought I'd give it a go. And here I am now..
The thing is, I'm not sure what to do. I am unemployed again, yes due to my own doing I know. I am studying an NVQ that I'm not sure I want to be doing. And I'm questioning my past employment and skills. So my question is, can anyone offer any ideas or advice on what I could do?
As I said, my background is in Fitness, I am a qualified instructor in circuit and resistance training, ante/postnatal fitness and fitness for the older adult. I am qualified to offer nutritional advice and I am qualified to do Swedish body massage, Indian head massage, facial massage and lava shell massage. Sorry if that sounds like I'm bragging, I don't mean to, just thought it would help to see where I stand.
I have been looking at self employment in some way or form. I have also been looking at further study - acupressure massage or lymphatic drainage. I have considered swapping from the early years childcare NVQ to the Teaching Asst route. And I have been thinking about returning to volunteering - in a school if I carry on the TA route or perhaps within a healthcare or charity setting otherwise. I love working with people of any age to help/assist them towards their achievements however big or small, i'm a practical person and creative too.
I guess I'm just feeling a bit lost.. I am trying to find something or someway to work around my children whilst they are at school/on hols, so I can be there for them and spend time with them. Whatever I decide to do from the above mentioned, I am seeking a part time job, anything that will fit in with my boys whilst I pursue whatever it is I am trying to decide to do.
I do hope the above makes some kind of sense, and if anyone has any pearls of wisdom, then they would be gratefully received. Thanks for listening x
Hi midgymoo
Before we look at where you can get Careers Advice, just a word to the wise...when you sign on and claim Job Seekers Allowance, there are things in place expecting you to apply for a minimum number of jobs etc and not to specify what you apply for in many cases. So just be aware of that
Looking at what jobs you can do.....we have a really helpful short online course that will assist you in looking at your options, click here to see it. It's called Ways Into Work. You could also have a look at the Build Your CV course on the same page.
You can also think about going self employed....have you experience of keeping financial records? You need to work for 16 hours a week to continue with Working tax Credit but don't forget those 16 hours are not all doing your work activity, included in the time are things like keeping your books, marketing, research, networking etc.