Job Seekers Allowance

[David Mond]

Take what work comes along. In your chosen field it is very difficult at the moment. Also an hours commute is not so bad. Good luck

[janderson]

Hi All

I fully agree the idea of all that travelling is horrendous, I have done jobs in the past that involved a lot of commuting and I have to say there is nothing worse than public transport. I do not drive unfotunately but my partner does and I try to work around her work patterns to allow acces to the car. When I do use buses they are always clapped out rattle traps with a driver who has the personality of Karl marx on a bad croseed with hitler. I also find some of the passengers who use the buses are drawn from an assortment of misfits and oddities. I know that sound unkind but that is what I see on a typical bus journey. On the issue of signing on, I too have experienced the attitude of Jobcentre staff, and it is crazy. They interrogate you when you sign on every 2 weeks.It is usually some spotty kid who is about 20 and talks to you as if your are a cretin. I was once told that the record you are asked to keep is not acceptable as proof of your job search. The only things they do accept are the jobs you apply for via the jobcentre system. This makes a joke of the requirement they give out at initial interview to keep a record of all the jobs you apply to.


Sorry for the ramble


John

[freelili]

I had to drive to another city for my job and if any of you know Coventry ring road, its a scary place for a newbie. I also had to do Dom rounds, almost had a nervous breakdown trying to find the houses in a limited time. It took me out of the house for 3 hours more than if I worked in my own town. I had to go where the work was and it was nice to drive away on a Friday and not worry about bumping into patients over the weekend. I wouldnt want to do it again though, its far too much of a long day, the parking was a nightmare, then they asked us to pay for the priviledge. A bit of a cheek since we were essential car users and expected to travel the city in the job. I was very well paid and my petrol was subsidised, so I guess it all depends on weigning up the pros and cons.

[kallis3]

I didn't mind travelling to Birmingham provided the train turned up! Hated going by car though.

Now it is a totally stress free journey. The worst part about it is wondering if any deer are going to stray across my path and if they do, can I stop in time! Had no problems in that respect yet (touch wood). Don't get too many of those on the M6!

[debbie.s]

I used to drive from Plymouth to Penzance, work a 12hr shift and then drive back. I felt so tired driving home. I did this 3 days a week for about 6 months, when they were able to find a new manager to relocate. I wouldn't want to do it again. It now takes 10mins to get to work.
[:D][:D]

[connie]

i only work 20 mile away from home but in the morning and evening traffic it still takes an hour each way.
its a pain in the butt

[elizabethr]

I think its a difficult society we live in. Companies are wondering why staff are stressed.The job centre rule of 1 hour travelling is standard and the people that work there have to go by the rules. If you were going for a job normally yourself you probably wouldn't question too much about the travelling. I know some people that travel much more than that for work. Sorry to sound patronising but it really does depend on what you feel about life. It really isn't a right to have a job - some people can't get one at all. The deciding factor should be is if you are worse off financially because of paying out for travelling then i agree you would be worse off but you have to balance that with the prospects of a job may make it easier to get another job that you really want so could be useful.

[David Mond]

Sometimes you have to take what is available. It may not be forever but it helps pays the bills until something else comes up. In these very difficult economic times take the position. Good luck.