Signing-off at Last
Having spent the past four months visiting the Jobcentre once every fortnight, I’ve finally signed off and achieved an elusive paid internship here at Vinspired. After leaving university this summer with my degree in hand and optimistic plans for the future, the last thing I expected was being stuck on the dole with an outbox of CVs yearning for replies. Now that I’ve signed off, I can share my experience at the Jobcentre and how to survive.
The Jobcentre is a challenging place. Everyone there would rather not be. The whole experience starts by detailing why you’re unemployed, what you’ve achieved so far, and your plans for the future. Make the most of this, as that induction is likely to be the most communication you’ll have for the rest of your time ‘signing on’.
You’re told you’ll be given an advisor (this never happened) and you’re given a little grey booklet to document your job search, then sent on your way as another plus one on unemployment stats.
For the next two weeks, you fill in the booklet with all the jobs you’ve been looking at/applying for. You can also plan your disguise for next week’s appointment when bumping into somebody you know is inevitable.
Your second appointment will form the basis for the rest of your visits. Sit down, wait, and wait some more. When your name is finally called, your job booklet is signed without being checked and you’re handed your next appointment date. Talking and eye contact are kept to a minimum.
The best thing about the Jobcentre, though, has to be their loyalty rewards scheme. It seems that the longer you’re unemployed, the more freebies you get! There’s the discounted travelcard, funding for further study, but best of all, you can get a grant for a new suit worth up to £300!
When I finally got my first opportunity doing a voluntary internship at a young people’s organization, Catch22, I was told that I would have to sign off. It seemed like gaining work experience was frowned upon, yet staying unemployed got you travel perks and a new suit. It just didn’t make sense.
After arguing my point several times over, I was told it would be okay as long as I reduced my intended hours and made sure I was available for my appointments. I also had to state which travel and lunch expenses I was receiving so they could reduce my payments. So I found myself gaining work experience but receiving less money - now that’s a true Catch-22 situation.
I could rant about how flawed I find the system. If leaders could try a ‘Secret Millionaire’ type program, thrown into a Jobcentre with results broadcasted live, I’d definitely pay to watch!
The Jobcentre can drain motivation and faith. Without resilience, you risk becoming a lifeless drone accepting your statutory fate. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Stay active and have faith that a job will come. The day will come when you can look back and laugh about your whole experience.
I’m using my paid digital internship at Vinspired to make myself super employable so I never have to go back. They say there is no hell on earth… I beg to differ.
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