A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:Hi everyone,less of a dating question and more a career one.I left college two years ago and decided not to go to university, it was a good move for me personally because I don't like what is happening to universities right now.I've tried and failed to find a path. I have gone onto Traineeships and placements that haven't worked out. I have volunteered as well and been invited to many interviews but have yet to find a job. I have good qualifications, but they're in art and they're only good for getting me onto an art degree and that's not something that I want to do. I have maths and english GCSE's but no others.Anyone on here with decent careers advise? I can't work in heavy industry or anything too physical because I have Dyspraxia and I would be a danger to myself and others. Teaching/Teaching assistant and Recruiter are also out. Any suggestions for what I could do to improve my chances of getting work. All suggestions are helpful, thanks.
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (5 March 2018): There are many different venues available to you, and it seems to me it's difficult to figure out which path you should take. There is no right or wrong path when you're looking to explore careers, so long as you're happy and passionate about what you are doing. I've actually tried many different things, because I was advised by my father when I graduated high school that art was not a good field to develop a career. I listened to him, and am just now beginning a career designing business logos and branding identities for local businesses. I am 6 credit hours away from receiving a bachelors in Rehabilitation counseling, and the university route isn't all it's cracked up to be. So I'll leave you with this website. Find what you love and what you're passionate about, and go from there. Good luck, and I hope it works out for the best! https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip
A
reader, anonymous, writes (2 March 2018): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionHi,
Thanks to everyone who responded, got some really useful and understand replies.
I'll up date soon when I've decided what I'm doing!
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A
female
reader, RubyBirtle +, writes (1 March 2018):
So why didn't your apprenticeships and traineeships work out? Could you not do the work or learn at an acceptable level or was it simply that you didn't like the job?
If you had problems in the work place I suggest you sit down with a careers advisor from the job centre and explore your options and see if you are entitled to any additional support in getting a job. (these people also help the learning disabled and those with other disabilities find work).
If it was simply that you didn't like the job, then I think you need to bite the bullet and stick at a job that doesn't really appeal to you but that you can tolerate. Not everyone has a job that they love or that has masses of potential for climbing the career ladder.... just a job that brings home the bacon. You don't have to do this forever - just until you find something else. It's easier to find a job from a job. This is because it shows that you have a good work ethic
I spent 5 years unemployed despite my qualifications and experience and found it really hard to find work again until I started right at the bottom and worked for a care agency that had the reputation of accepting anyone. The job was shit but bearable and I could do it standing on my head. Within months I was receiving offers from other care agencies and the place where I moved on to after about 8 months was somewhere that had turned me down when I had first applied.
So can you find a part time job in an undemanding role which will allow you to work and continue job hunting? Try jobs in care, retail and catering which might be demanding in some ways but don't ask for masses of qualifications or experience.
I also found that my involvement with my hobby group (which I really threw myself into when I wasn't working) was very useful to put on my CV just to show the range of things I could do. I'm an active member of an amateur theatre company and you can get experience in a lot of things by joining one. It would also be a great outlet for your artistic talents - set painting, programme design, photography etc. I highly recommend it.
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A
female
reader, 02DuszJ +, writes (1 March 2018):
 When I had trouble finding work my best result came from employment agencies- look up local ones in your area, so you have the option to go in and register in person, so they can put a name to your face. The agency that got me the most work was a 20 min walk from my home.
In the meantime why not get into making your own art? I'm qualified in art and design and carried on with my paintings as a hobby- maybe I'll one day make some money and put myself out there but you never know, if you love something never give up a passion. Why not try digital design? There's A LOT of courses out there that are free/ discounted and computers are the way forward lets face it!
Most people do jobs that aren't related to what they'd ideally do, but at least you're making money and saving a nest egg for yourself.
There is always the open university- it's half the price as a regular degree you still come out with an honours degree.. then you can go onto teaching art/english maybe. That's my plan!
IF you do decide to punt for full time artist, be aware how cut throat it is out there- it's twice as competitive due to the cuts they're making to the arts in this country. If you choose that path it's maybe worth emigrating to Germany or somewhere- they have a lot of money invested in the arts.
If you have gaps in your CV it may be worth fixing a few dates/names for the earlier positions to cover that up. Don't change the last two roles you put on there because they may contact the last two for references. Honestly? At one point my CV was over 50% exaggerated/ made up worked for me ha ;)
Just some ideas for you. I know how you feel I was in the exact same shoes a couple years ago. But we're not getting any younger! It's time to think big and throw yourself into it! Good luck I wish you well!
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A
male
reader, Fatherly Advice  +, writes (1 March 2018):
 The person I know who is similar to you has done quite well as an independent artist. There were times when he contracted with publishers. The thing is you have to produce. And you have to market.
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A
female
reader, Andie's Thoughts +, writes (1 March 2018):
 Just keep trying. It took me getting three jobs before I found the one I was essentially born to do: carer. I'm sure you knew it would be hard to find a job when you chose the art qualifications. Look into art therapy, volunteering, etc. Take any job you can stomach, just to gain experience until you find something you do want to do.
https://study.com/articles/careers_for_artists_with_no_degree.html
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