Needing a little helping hand

[KittyCat23]

I've been in recovery for almost 3yrs after a nervous breakdown that cost me my job. I haven't worked since. Since I left my last job in the midst of a depression/anxiety diagnosis and wasn't doing my best work I also left without any work references. No, I didn't get sacked, I quit but no-one there wants to be a reference for me despite having a good working record there for 7yrs. So....my question is. What's the best way to handle this? I'm sending out resumes getting interviews and have good interview feedback and even job offers. But the lack of references means that I just can't get a job in the current climate. I don't even have any personal references due to having lived as a recluse outside of work for the past decade. Any tips, advice and stuff? recruiters won't touch me, I can't pick up casual work and can't get a temporary assignment or even a job well below my skills and experience. I need some help with this as I'm desperate to work again and feel productive. I have a corporate background and experience, in technical and non-technical jobs. But the baseline for corporate work is 2 references min from direct managers in the past 5yrs. Which pretty much only covers my last job.

[smallwolf]

Hi. Welcome to beyond blue. I have some other ideas I can write when I get back to my laptop.

But my first thought was volunteer work. Could you use that as a means of transitioning into work.

Back shortly.

Tim

[KittyCat23]

Thanks Tim,

I've had trouble obtaining volunteer work in the past because in QLD you need 2 references even to volunteer for most organisations. But since I'm now temporarily staying with family elsewhere then that's something I can definately look into. Thanks

[Ggrand]

Hello KittyCat23,

i would also like to welcome you to the forums...

I'm sorry you had a breakdown 3 years ago.. I've had two major ones and they are not good at all..I..I'm pleased that you're recovering well, that's a huge achievement and something that is really hard to do..so well done..

Im wondering if you have a job provider at all, they will write you up some good resumes to take to prospective employers, If they can't find you work, they will let you do a course at taffe..references then could probable come from teachers etc.. Sorry if I'm not much help, but I wanted to try and help you.

Wishing you good luck, KittyCat, and please feel free to use your thread here whenever you feel to..

Kindvthoughts,

Grandy...