Will never be able to find part-time work.

Reiji · ‎13-01-2017

I've been searching for part-time work for my Hospitality studies for the past 1 and a half years, but have hardly any prior experience. I've sent resumes to various cafe's and restaurants but to no avail. It was just a few weeks ago when I finally found someone who was willing to offer me a job. I met up with the Manager and talked for a bit. He emphasised with me and said I just needed to be given a chance to show my potential. He then said I was going to start a 2 hour trial to see how I do. But wait, what? After weeks of waiting, I texted the manager only to find out that I got laid off because they simply "found others with prior experience".

Needless to say I'm pissed off. Pissed off at the hypocrisy of what he said. Pissed off that I was still stuck in the life of an unemployed piece of trash that I am. How do people expect me to gain experience without being even OFFERED a job?

I needed a place to vent... I'm done for now.

Croix · ‎14-01-2017

Dear Reiji~

I don't blame you for being irate - that manager (notice the lower case 'm') was most unfair. Come to that the whole system is unfair. That is not, as I'm sure you really know, a reflection on you. Also as you are aware it is partly the employment situation, and partly that many humans have little empathy and take the easiest way out.

So what can I say to you other than agree with your venting? I can disagree about being trash. Trash does not want to work. Being de-valued by a mercenary society does not make you trash either. Such times take stamina, the ability to endure and maintain a sense of perspective and self-worth - hard but necessary.

I was there when I was invalided out of my career. I was in luck (and that's what it was - just luck) I studied & I got a job as a result. You were not so lucky. You are no more trash than I am.

You may have thought of and done this - if so I apologize - but can you use your talents where you can rack up experience time in the voluntary world?

I do know that many charitable institutions, City Mission, St Vincent de Paul and so on run cafe and food services - could you approach them? Many times a voluntary job chosen with forethought can lead further. My son did this successfully .

Please let us know what you think and how you get on.

My best wishes,

Croix

Reiji · ‎15-01-2017

Hi Croix,

I appreciate your reply, and I agree that I was being too harsh on myself. My mind is clearer now.

As for the institutions and what not, do you know of any that are within the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne?

I am very interested in gaining that much needed experience although my transportation is very limited and would prefer a convenient location.

Kind regards,

Reiji

SubduedBlues · ‎15-01-2017

Hi Reiji, welcome to BB

I remember when I was starting out all those years ago, and I saw ad's for entry level positions that required years of experience... huh? what? I thought entry level was where people started.

Sometimes we just need related experience to get started.

So if you are set in your career goals, and don't mind doing some pro-bono work, may I suggest that you volunteer at a charitable service that could benefit from your skills. They win with getting your free service, and you win by gaining that experience you need for your resume.

Good luck buddy

SB

Croix · ‎15-01-2017

Dear Reiji~

I'm very glad you are being less hard on yourself, it's a big trap an awful lot of people succumb to.

As for specific suggestions I'm no help at all I'm afraid, I guess you'll have to 'let your fingers do the walking', though it was a good idea to ask.

My own method of finding info is to ask absolutely everybody the same questions, its call the 'scatter-gun approach'. Statistically you increase your chances of ending up with the answers you need - so keep going.

I'm please to see that Subduedblues, a person whose opinion I respect, is also recommending you try the volunteer-for-experience approach. I think he is also suggesting you do not limit yourself to your exact field of expertise - who knows what will happen.

Take care

Croix