And that's putting it nicely.  I realised a few weeks back that I was going to need a second job over summer to cover my bills, as my 30hr week at the kennels wasn't going to to id and I'd be in debt by August otherwise.

So I've spent the last 4 weeks trying to arrange a weekend job at a breeding/boarding kennels.  The owner has never rung me back; I've rung him 4 times, and he's usually too busy to talk.  I'm supposed to be starting tomorrow, but he hasn't rung me this week to confirm and when I rang earlier, he had a customer so couldn't possibly spare 2 seconds to say yes, he would like me to start at whatever timne tomorrow.  Just said he'd call in a minute, and that was 5 hours ago.

But that's not the pants here.  What's pants is that no sooner than I was considering just trying to get a weekend job elsewhere before all the summer jobs were taken, than my boss asks me to wait behind so he can have a word - and lays me off because they can't afford to keep me on.

They've given me a week if I want it while I'm looking, which I'll take, but I'm panicking - unlike the rest of the staff, I don't still live with my family who can help.  My nearest family is in Spain (my Dad) and he's as broke as I am.  I have literally no money in the bank, a house and bills to pay and four dogs to keep that will never, no matter what, be rehomed.

Sorry to sound off my problems here but I can't speak to anyone else

ARG!

Oh Nikita, you're right that is pants :(

You'll always get a job, even if it's not something that you enjoy, at least it will pay the bills. I've worked night shift at a petrol station a few times in my life. You can always just walk into a job like that - not ideal but buys the dog food.

I really hope this other person does need someone full time - although to be honest it doesn't sound very promising if he wouldn't even tell you what time to start - and not calling back makes me worry he doesn't want you but doesn't know how to let you down.

Chin up, there's work out there for people who really want it. Take anythign you can to keep going till you find your 'ideal' job.

Long term are you planning to stay working at kennels or perhaps start on a more lucrative career?

:::sending positive thoughts :)

Stay positive - this may be a blessing in disguise although it might not seem like it at the time :)

As chaumsong said take whatever you can find for now - if there is a university in your area the students will have broken up by now and there are often summer vacancies available due to this.

Is there a DogsTrust in your area as they seem to have quite a few vacancies at regular intervals at our local DT?

Hopefully you will find something soon - fruit picking is on now so farms may be in need of workers if you are in a rural area.

Will keep my fingers crossed that something turns up soon. As your employer has made you redundant you may be entitled to unemployment benefit - worth a try.

I agree with Harley, it will all work out for the best! It did for me and im a believer in fate.
Hope you find something soon, even if its not what you want you can do it for the time being until you find your dream job :)

That's what I'm thinking, so far everything that's happened seems to have done so for a reason.  I certainly wouldn't be where I am now if it weren't for a combination of rediculous luck and fate - I got this job literally the day I wrote my CV to start applying for full time jobs!

Thanks for the tips, I think the nearest dogs trust is over an hour away so a bit too far but I will check.

I did speak to the other kennels 10 minutes ago, but he cut the conversation short - all the warning I got was "oop, there's a dog come in" and that was it!  But I had just said I could work full time from Monday so he's aware of the situation, presumably that gives me this weekend to look around as well.  Okay, just rung him back and no answer.  Again, arg!

One vacancy I may look for is something in a bank - when I was sorting accounts out in barclays last week the woman helping me said they were great to work for and provided all the training.  Experience is the main issue for me I think - I've only worked in pet shops and kennels, so anything that trains me is good!  Grooming is a no-go, my clippers conked out just after I moved and my house isn't a good setup for it anyway.

If you've worked in pet shops and kennels then you are obviously good at customer service, team work and dealing with people which is what banks want I would have thought? Accentuate the positive - hope it all comes right for you in the end. :-)

Don't despair, something will come up, register with agencies they will at least find you temp work and normally quite well paid, you have experience in retail which is great also means you are good with people, I tend to find this time of year all the folks with families are taking holidays so they need cover even if it is reception work at least you will be bringing in something. I have never been out of work for more than a week just taken what I can to tide me over.

Keep your chin up

xxxx

something will come up

Sure but you also make your own destiny! :)  What do YOU want to do Nikita?? :)  Make it happen! :D

Get grooming again!  It's the only way that I've found to make a decent living working with animals, if that's what you enjoy! :)

Best of luck Nikita.  Keeping everything crossed for you.

Sarah.

What timing!    It seems like pants now but maybe you'll find your dream job soon ;)   I'm with Val, get your clippers repaired if poss, even if the motor has gone it can be replaced! and cheaper than a new clippers!  At least then you'll be in charge ogf your own destiny ;)

Are ther any dog grooming places nearby?  they often need skilled workers ;)

Re the 'other kennel' owner, if he's this good at communication, how good will he be at giving you you pay??  :rolleyes: :rolleyes:  

Keeping everything crossed that the door of opportunity is open for you :)

Aw that is pants! I'm so sorry to hear this Nikita :(

I wish I could help but I'm not exactly near to you! So sending lots of luck and fingers crossed for job finding and that you get something good very soon :)

Lindsay
xxx

Do you have a contract of employment with your current job?
As if so they legally have to give you notice (and pay you for it)
even if they don't need you to work it.
I'd honestly seek advice from the CAB or from here http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/index.htm

It may be that your current employer is using your lack of employment knowledge to it's advantage.
Definately check these pages out
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/RedundancyAndLeavingYourJob/DG_10026616

With the lack of repsonse from the other kennel owner despite many calls from you I'd be dubious too.

I'd definately have a back up plan!! So what if you've only had experience of animals/kennels/grooming.
It proves that you can build up good customer service skills. Which are required in many jobs.
You will find employers that are willing to train people up, the only downside is that some will pay you less
as they consider you a trainee. But once you get through that stage and have some experience behind you
'the worlds your oyster'!!
What about a postman's job? Delivering mail? Might be worth looking in to?

Really feel for you, my fixed term contract is finishing at end of Sept, I've really put a lot of effort into the job.
Which I've had thanks for, unfortunately for me they are relocating to London and I'm not prepared to leave the girls
for 15 hours plus a day whilst I commute. Where I am currently is set in 8 acres of land, by the river, get squirrels up
at my windows etc, it's just so lovely! Plus I can walk the girls in the grounds at weekends if I want to.
Gutted as now I've got to try and find another job local to home so I can get home for the dogs at lunchtimes.
Which is a bit like the holy grail at the moment..but at least on the positive side I've got 10 weeks to find a job.
So have everything crossed that I can find this 'ideal' job.

Sincerely hope you find your ideal job soon

No contract as I was only ever holiday cover, I was supposed to be covering till around September.  They have offered me next week as notice, which I've accepted - and I've given up on the other kennels.  I've just not got the time to waste now.

Handily I do have a decent CV, already proof read by my sister who's helping me out, she's pointed me in the direction of a couple of job lists online.

The trouble with my clippers is a dodgy connection somewhere - last time I used them I had to sellotape the lead to the body just so to keep them running for more than a few seconds.  As I was shaving a poodle it took quite a while :p To be honest though I'd rather find something different to do this time around - I never had the level of patience for fidgety dogs I should have had I don't think, and I'd quite like a job where I can sit down for a while :D

To whomever asked, my dream job is dog training/behavioural work - but that is something I'm not prepared to start up in until I've got the qualification I'm studying now.  And besides, I've not got the funds to tide me over while business builds up.  My sister has said this morning not to worry if I can't make next month's mortgage - the money goes to her account and she pays it - of course I'll try to but that is reassuring!

Cashier at a local supermarket (get to sit down lots)...but the only problem is once you are on they never let you off.
Or only grudgingly for dinner and tea breaks...:D Can't tell been there done that LOL.

Think regardless of a temp person or not you should still have a employment contract!!

Sincerely hope you find a job soon

Nikita,

Re. the clippers it's probably a break in the lead near the motor housing :(  Mine had the same symptoms and I had to have the motor replaced as motor and lead were a unit with my clippers (Oster) it didn't cost too much tho (no where near a new clippers ;) ) and is working like new now :) 

I know you said you didn't want to groom full time, but if you worked for yourself it could be a good stop-gap or a 'second job' if you can only find part-time work ;)    I do just a few dogs for people who have become good friends, the dogs know me and they have learned to stand nicely as they are regulars ;) My pet hate is having to sort out really matted dogs, I feel like a torturer as it's so unpleasant for the dog :( so I refuse to touch dogs who aren't kept brushed ;)  If the owner can't or won't make the effort after my first session, then they have to go to the local 'sheep shearers' ;)   I find the owners I deal with are more appreciative too :) :)

Hope you find something soon

Then how about dog walking in the meantime?  There seems to be a shortage of people with dog common sense out there. :(  You'll probably earn as much in a few hours as you will all day on minimum wage if you have no qualifications and it'll give you time to study more as well as get more dog experience. :)

My pet hate is having to sort out really matted dogs, I feel like a torturer as it's so unpleasant for the dog  so I refuse to touch dogs who aren't kept brushed   If the owner can't or won't make the effort after my first session, then they have to go to the local 'sheep shearers'    I find the owners I deal with are more appreciative too 

I worked the same way Dill.  When you're self employed you make your business as you want it to be - nice dogs and nice owners.  The rest are not my responsibility. :)

Nikita if you trim 2 dogs in say 3 hours - £25 each at the very least, then you'll earn more than all day on minimum wage!:rolleyes:  Turn this negative into a positive! :)

Now that idea's got LEGS!!!

Wish I'd thought of it :)

Not sure if location is an issue but there was a couple of kennel assistant jobs in the dog paper this week.

How about a Civilian Staff role in the Dog training schools for your Counties Police force? (cant remember where exactly you are Niks)
(Great Employer, pension,Healthcare, childcare...etc etc) Pm me if you want some Bumpf :)

I've already rung all the kennels within a sensible distance, none have anything available.

I'm mooching through job sites at the moment, so far I've got about a dozen sets of contact info for ringing up or sending my CV to - quite a mix, fair few admins and one for a general handy person for a decorating company!  Well, I did want a change :D

I shall be busy tomorrow I think...