My job search update

[Sherlock77]

It's been two months since I was laid off from my job at our local recycling depot, as a sorter of the municipal home recycling program

I have shifted more to what I would call a career search, attempting to move away from a crappy labour job, more particularly a crappy labour job that doesn't pay much

I did take a few weeks off, and have since taken some workshops, I do have the luxury of a modest severance package and my attempts at frugality, plus I will now be getting EI payments from the Canadian gov't

I took a Career Search workshop where I learned lots! Just signed up for a free online course to learn MS Office, a key skill for areas I may want to go into, I'll also plan to take an Excel course

And I am also now hooked up with a local agency for people with possible "challenges", have had two appointments with them... They will test me for Asperger's, at no cost to me (thank goodness), the lady I'm dealing is fairly certain I'll test positive for it, acknowledging that I'm capable of full-time work

After the test I can still work with them, and I'm leaning heavily towards some short term vocational training... Because I was at my last job for 10 years doing manual labour with few real skills, I probably need to to upskill through a college... And, possibly (hedging my bets) the lady said if I test positive I could be eligible for up $8K towards retraining, which could cover the majority of any college fees, I am willing to borrow smaller amounts if it leads to a better paying job, and/or one I will enjoy doing, I did not like my last job even though I stayed with it for so long

And for those wondering, unless I get a major revelation, my photography will continue as a hobby only, I know that will disappoint some people... It's just a very difficult market to get into...

And now I think I'll head downtown to wander around, perhaps take a few photos, definitely get some exercise, guilt-free because I know I'm in the process of career search activities

 

[Varzar]

If it helps any, I know electricians around my area seem to be in very short supply (Kootenays, BC)..
And seems like there is no shortage of work for an HVAC friend of mine in Calgary area.

Also, very cool that they'll test you for free!

 

[Mia]

I'm glad you managed to finally utilize the system! It's been there simply waiting for you to access it. Phew.... This may be the best thing ever for you Sherlock.

 

[Thinx]

Wow you have found some great ideas and opportunities, your research has paid off well! Hope you find work you will enjoy, and/ or an interesting training opportunity.

 

[Sherlock77]

@Varzar

I'm not an electrician... Not really looking for work in the trades, I'm a little clumsy at times

I might have some interest in HVAC work in the short term only, but don't have a ticket of any sort in that field

 

[Varzar]

@Varzar

I'm not an electrician... Not really looking for work in the trades, I'm a little clumsy at times

I might have some interest in HVAC work in the short term only, but don't have a ticket of any sort in that field

Oic, when you said you were looking for some short term vocational training, I interpreted that as trades.. Most trade programs are 6 weeks to 6 months to get first year apprentice training, so they are quite short.. I thought that's what you were thinking of..

I can say that trades work will make you less clumsy.. I was very uncoordinated as a kid.. Sucked at sports of any kind... Went into computer programming, and never imagined ever doing trades work.. But, now I'm building our own house.. And, it's made me *WAY* more coordinated than I ever was before..

 

[Sherlock77]

Oic, when you said you were looking for some short term vocational training, I interpreted that as trades.. Most trade programs are 6 weeks to 6 months to get first year apprentice training, so they are quite short.. I thought that's what you were thinking of..

I can say that trades work will make you less clumsy.. I was very uncoordinated as a kid.. Sucked at sports of any kind... Went into computer programming, and never imagined ever doing trades work.. But, now I'm building our own house.. And, it's made me *WAY* more coordinated than I ever was before..

Maybe I'm using the wrong term, I'm leaning more towards the areas like clerical and/or records management perhaps, stuff like that... I've done mostly manual labour jobs my whole life, and I want to get away from that...

 

[Varzar]

Maybe I'm using the wrong term, I'm leaning more towards the areas like clerical and/or records management perhaps, stuff like that... I've done mostly manual labour jobs my whole life, and I want to get away from that...

Nah, I think that's still the right term, I just misinterpreted.. Bad assumption on my part..

 

[Sherlock77]

Nah, I think that's still the right term, I just misinterpreted.. Bad assumption on my part..

At age 48, I just don't feel like doing a full four year university degree, also because I don't have lots of money without borrowing...

 

[Sherlock77]

One photo from my downtown walk today... Some traditional street photography...

 

[GadAbout]

Sherlock, one time when I was laid off from a call center job (the whole call center closed down), I took advantage of their outplacement services, including free community college classes. Even though I've always had good computer skills, they were a little out of date, so I took some Microsoft Office classes. You will have more confidence and look better on your resume if you have some RECENT skills classes. (In today's world, especially with tech, your training needs to be recent - things change so rapidly.)

One thing you might look for is Photoshop classes. That is a skill that is employable, and might also help you further your photography career - it's not enough to snap the photo, you need to be able to watermark it, put it online, etc. I'm not pushing you to become a pro in photography - just to get this in your "skill set" to become more employable. You would probably also meet interesting people in that class!

A construction trade is NOT a good choice for a middle-aged person. Our bodies begin to break down in that age range. Truly, very few people who start out in a trade can get through middle age without becoming physically disabled, whether it's back pain or carpal tunnel syndrome. Plus, you can't become an electrician by taking a six month course of study. It's much more extensive than that, and apprenticeships can be hard to find. I endorse your idea to get an office type job and updating your computer skills.

 

[Aspychata]

I Sounds like you are doing a great job of re-evaluating and coming out ahead. I sorta signed up for bartending online , then worked in liquor store and now l am actually a bartender. But l am just over 55+ and it is completely scary. I was a stay at home mother and teacher for my daughter with a lot of gas lighting thrown in by my ex. I use to be employed as paralegal and various admin. positions.