I'm struggling with agency work. Any advice would be welcomed.

[R2N2]

A few month ago I got made redundant from a job that I'd been in for the last six years and have been struggling to find work ever since. I used to work for a small manufacturing company based in Sheffield. I learnt on the job and after six years I'd finally, through a lot of hard work and long hours, got myself in to a very good position. I was earning £20,000 a year, doing a skilled/technical job that also came with a fair bit of responsibility. Unfortunately, as the skills I'd acquired were very job specific and not easily transferable, I've found myself back where I started all those years ago.

After searching for a job for a couple of months, and being unsuccessful, I decided the only option left was to sign up to an employment agency. They have managed to find me work, which I'm great full for, but I really am struggling with the type of work that I'm now having to resort to doing.

Please, let me explain what agency work is like.

You turn up to a factory, where the work is mind numbing, the hours are long, the pay is terrible and your fellow workers can't even spell the word solidarity, never mind understand it's meaning, and will be quite willing to blame "the agency lad" for all their mistakes.

Having been in a job for so many years where it was an absolute necessity to have a reasonable amount of intelligence to be able to do the job, to working in a place where, it's quite possible, that the guy working next to you has either:

a) a borderline mental illness.

b) an inability to construct even the most basic of sentences.

c) a strange fascination with, "very funny", racist jokes.

d) an obsession with telling you how many people he's "banged out" in his time.

e) all of the above.

I'm finding it very difficult working in environments like this, and I hope people who haven't suffered at the hands of the recession, understand how difficult it is.

I've talked to many people, who obviously have never had the "delights" of agency work, who have said things like "a job's, a job" and "you should think yourself lucky". I don't feel lucky!

I've always thought that having a job improved my life but now my opinions are starting to change. I'm starting to think that I'd probably be much happier not working at all!

Please, can anyone give me any sort of advice of how to get out of this agency nightmare?

[InTheDark]

Could you send off your CV to companies that could employ you in that specialist role? I feel for you.

 

In my experience Agency work plays havoc with my dignity.

 

I'm trying to think of ways to go self employed.

 

It's the only way you'll ever make some decent money.

[R2N2]

Thanks for your reply.

 

I have tried. Unfortunately, I don't have anything on paper, and when your going up against people with degrees and work experience, It's very hard to get your foot in the door.

[Grandad.Malky]

.

Having been in a job for so many years where it was an absolute necessity to have a reasonable amount of intelligence to be able to do the job, to working in a place where, it's quite possible, that the guy working next to you has either:

a) a borderline mental illness.

b) an inability to construct even the most basic of sentences.

c) a strange fascination with, "very funny", racist jokes.

d) an obsession with telling you how many people he's "banged out" in his time.

e) all of the above.

 

Please, can anyone give me any sort of advice of how to get out of this agency nightmare?

 

Been there done that, all I can say is stick with it until something comes along, its better than signing on.

 

PS

 

Your not working at Stocksbridge are you?

[R2N2]

No, it's not at Stocksbridge. I know I should stick with it, especially in the current climate. I hate to sound melodramatic, but the trouble is, it's making me miserable! I'm not sure being miserable is worth minimum wage.

[ging viking]

Been there done that, all I can say is stick with it until something comes along, its better than signing on.

 

PS

 

Your not working at Stocksbridge are you?

 

Im in the same boat but would rather sign on and struggle than go and work for peanuts in a factory.

[ging viking]

No, it's not at Stocksbridge. I know I should stick with it, especially in the current climate. I hate to sound melodramatic, but the trouble is, it's making me miserable! I'm not sure being miserable is worth minimum wage.

 

It isn't worth it mate, It makes you feel sick and useless.

Im a fully trained plasterer and have struggled to find any permanent work over the last year. I was used to earning £500 a week so taking a minimum wage job is unthinkable after all the hard work i have done to get to be a good plasterer.

It all depends on circumstances as well, need s must has been said to me but i will not work for nothing.

Good luck

[R2N2]

Thanks.

It's nice to know people understand. I don't think I'm going to be able to cope with it for much longer.

[Dave650]

Thanks.

It's nice to know people understand. I don't think I'm going to be able to cope with it for much longer.

 

If you have these specialist skills, have you thought about starting up on your own?

[Grandad.Malky]

Im in the same boat but would rather sign on and struggle than go and work for peanuts in a factory.

 

So when you and R2N2 go for an interview for a “proper” job, you have been out of work for X amount of time while R2N2 as been working, which one do you is think is going to be viewed more favourably bt the new employer.