The promised update about our work situation. I so wish this could be an exultant post, but alas. Many of you already know much of what follows, and have been steadfastly supportive with your time, your energy and even your money. We are more grateful than we could possibly say.
We are both still without a source of income.
We have gone through the process of 'signing on' at the DWP (aka the job centre), and receiving the weekly stipend. If anyone ever tries to tell you that living on benefits is the life of Riley, they lie. The amount we received wouldn't even have fed us, let alone put fuel in our car and covered our utility bills. And as for any mortgage or rent payments... Well, let's not even go there.
That provision was short-lived in any case, because as soon as the sale of our house went through, we had the proceeds from the sale to live on, and - quite understandably - our benefits were stopped.
Nevertheless, we continue to sign on every fortnight, in order that our national insurance payments are maintained. Most of the advisers we see are kind-but-realistic. They know we're not trying to milk the system. They also know we don't fit into the quick win box in the local job market.
Occasionally, we will see someone who will go through the 'have you tried..?' and 'why don't you try..?' checklist. Of course, we have tried everything on that list. More than once. On those visits, it's hard to remain civil.
We attend job fairs, just in case. And at the last one, we were advised that there is a government funded course on how to become self-employed, with the added possibility of a small amount of start-up financial assistance.
Mr Namasi and I are now working our way through that course together. He with a view to setting up an IT consultancy, and me with a view to formalising Karyn's Kreations into something more than a creative (kreative?) outlet.
If, therefore, you happen to know of any small businesses, particularly in the fashion and/or luxury brands arena, that might be looking to outsource their IT management, or are looking for consultancy support through a transformation/transition phase, please contact this man.
If, on the other hand, you know of any channels through which I might be able to sell some of my kreations, please contact me through the comments section below.
I promise that my next post will be more upbeat.
We are both still without a source of income.
We have gone through the process of 'signing on' at the DWP (aka the job centre), and receiving the weekly stipend. If anyone ever tries to tell you that living on benefits is the life of Riley, they lie. The amount we received wouldn't even have fed us, let alone put fuel in our car and covered our utility bills. And as for any mortgage or rent payments... Well, let's not even go there.
That provision was short-lived in any case, because as soon as the sale of our house went through, we had the proceeds from the sale to live on, and - quite understandably - our benefits were stopped.
Nevertheless, we continue to sign on every fortnight, in order that our national insurance payments are maintained. Most of the advisers we see are kind-but-realistic. They know we're not trying to milk the system. They also know we don't fit into the quick win box in the local job market.
Occasionally, we will see someone who will go through the 'have you tried..?' and 'why don't you try..?' checklist. Of course, we have tried everything on that list. More than once. On those visits, it's hard to remain civil.
We attend job fairs, just in case. And at the last one, we were advised that there is a government funded course on how to become self-employed, with the added possibility of a small amount of start-up financial assistance.
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| Grow your own Business course |
Mr Namasi and I are now working our way through that course together. He with a view to setting up an IT consultancy, and me with a view to formalising Karyn's Kreations into something more than a creative (kreative?) outlet.
If, therefore, you happen to know of any small businesses, particularly in the fashion and/or luxury brands arena, that might be looking to outsource their IT management, or are looking for consultancy support through a transformation/transition phase, please contact this man.
If, on the other hand, you know of any channels through which I might be able to sell some of my kreations, please contact me through the comments section below.
I promise that my next post will be more upbeat.
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