Dear Jeremy – your work problems solved

http://www.theguardian.com/money/2015/oct/03/dear-jeremy-work-problems-solved-careers-expert

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I’ve been working for more than 30 years, but now I’m struggling to find a ‘real’ job

I am trying to get a “real” job having worked freelance for the past four years. I have had two good careers: more than 20 years in public service broadcasting, mostly as a radio producer, and more than 10 years in arts project management, including four years as a freelance. With all the cuts to arts funding this is no longer viable as there are so few opportunities and those that exist seem to expect ever more hours for reduced rates.

I must have applied for 70 jobs over the past two years; the majority don’t offer an interview or feedback. I have had six interviews and been told I was “a very close second” every time.

Last year I paid for some careers advice and rejigged my CV, and am trying to be very flexible and not to look only at “creative” roles. It seemed that one of the few areas that was expanding and advertising multiple roles was in project administration, but I have only once been offered an interview, despite having relevant skills.

My natural resilience is starting to wear thin. I am a single parent and still have a teenager at school, so I can’t work abroad at this point. My age might be a factor as managers who interview me are almost invariably 20 years younger. The government expects me to work for another 11 years.

Jeremy says

My first thought is such an obvious one that it’s inconceivable you haven’t already explored it. Over the past 30 years – and particularly, perhaps, over the past 10 – you must have made a great many contacts in the world of arts project management and related areas. If you haven’t already done so, you should certainly approach them. But I don’t mean simply asking them if they have anything for you. I mean using your knowledge of them and their activities so that you can suggest specific ways in which you might be of use to them.

There is nothing demeaning about using personal contacts in this way, and it means you can dispense with most of the introductory stuff that is necessary when making yourself known to others. But do be sure to emphasise how you think you could be of value. Each individual approach needs to be very carefully researched and thought through.

Next, I notice you’ve rejigged your CV in an attempt to be more “flexible”. This, theoretically, means you’re eligible for a wider selection of jobs, but it can also mean you come across as a bit bland. Then there’s the age question. You’ll never be sure – no one’s going to admit it and it may not even be a conscious bias – but it is probably a factor. You need to take it into account.

All of which suggests to me that, rather than broadening your appeal, you should narrow it. Your age licenses you to claim a wealth of experience in particular areas that could be of particular interest to particular projects. Ask yourself, looking back over your past 30 years, what specific knowledge and skills have you, however accidentally, accumulated? What difficulties have you overcome on behalf of your clients? What tricks of the trade have you mastered? In other words, what do you know that few other people know? It doesn’t have to be of universal appeal, but it’s almost certain to be of unusual interest to some.

Your task is to work backwards from that piece of self-analysis then apply it to those potential employers who are most likely to see its relevance to them. It should certainly earn you interviews.

Readers say

• A clearer focus on your unique skills is needed – your USPs. This “I have had 20 years of doing something” is often simply not hard-hitting enough in a crowded market full of people who know how to push those buttons. What were your standout achievements, what can you offer that few others have, why should they employ you? oommph

• If you could find a small temping agency and put yourself forward for admin/clerical/PA etc, it could lead to something – even if it does start at £8-£9 per hour. Tippingpoi

• Project work is the growth area, and most of these are contract, ie the job only lasts as long as the project. A quick Google search yields hundreds of contracting jobs in project management roles. IT is especially buoyant, if this is an area where your skill sets will stretch. If nothing else, it buys you time while you search for something more permanent. starterforten

My physics degree sounds good, and so does my job, but I’m wasting my time

I’m a bit stuck. I’m 22 and just graduated with a first class physics degree. However, I didn’t do the degree because I had a passion for it. I did it because I could and thought it would sound good.

I’ve managed to get on a business consulting graduate scheme, which again I don’t have a massive interest in, but I took the job because it sounded quite good and with all the news about unemployed graduates I thought I was lucky. My problem is I know that I’m wasting my time, but don’t know what else I want or should be doing – probably because I haven’t done it yet.

Jeremy says

I’ve seldom read a letter so devoid of enthusiasm, yet I can’t believe you’ve reached the age of 22 without once becoming enthusiastic about anything. I suspect you think of a career – physicist, lawyer, financial adviser – and decide you don’t much like the sound of them, when instead you should be finding out what those careers entail and what those people actually do all day. It varies hugely.

Physicists, it’s widely believed, are particularly good at problem-solving. Almost all interesting jobs value those who are good at solving problems. Simon Singh, a science writer, goes further: “I reckon that physicists can do pretty much anything. Our training can be applied to almost any activity, and it allow us to see things in ways that might not be obvious to others.”

So stop thinking about careers and concentrate on activities. At school and university what sorts of activities did you find most involving, enjoyable and mentally rewarding? Then dig deep enough into various occupations and identify those that value people with exactly those aptitudes. I think you’ll find you haven’t wasted your time at all.

Readers say

• Within the next five years you should do your job well and maximise as much income as you can; research and explore various career paths including entrepreneurship; and build your network. By then you’re 27, more mature, more financially stable, with five years’ of work experience and a strong professional network – you’ll be in a solid position to answer your own question. Avoid debt, because that’s what ties people to jobs they hate. lizbutterfly

• There’s no need to panic – many people go through various different jobs, types of work, have no real idea what they “want to do” for a long time. But it is always easier to get a job from the position of already having one, so you are in a good position. carsonmccullers

• As someone with a physics degree, it is one of the most flexible. Only the minority directly apply their knowledge – either in academia, running a nuclear power station, etc. The numerical skills can be applied in countless careers. Try a few different jobs, perhaps do volunteering, and find out who you are as a person. TimSCUK

Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.