h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

As some of you already know I need to find a new job. So excuse me if I go over what you already know here. Sales and office work aren't working for me. However, I love the arts and would like to work with this in mind. The job centre is useless as they only wish to know if you are on benefits, newspapers only show office and sales work and temping agencies aren't interested. Therefore, if anyone has any suggestions as to how to go forward please let me know.

Thanks

opti

*dusts off professional job hunter hat*
I've obtained a new job every 6 months for the past few years, which should qualify me, but I don't know anything about "the arts".

It's a tough field to break into, and may require more than just a love of art. Of course, it depends on what you want to do. Giving tours in an art museum requires different skills than designing packaging for cookies. And they're both quite different from living in a garret chucking paint at an easel and waiting to be discovered.

However, the most effective way to find a job (or so I've heard) is through networking. Meaning, you ask your friends to ask their friends to ask their friends if they know anyone who works in the field you're interested in, and if so, can you have their phone number? Then you call and explain how wonderful you are and do they know of any openings.

I've had varying success with that approach; it requires a bit of aggression and the willingness to go out and find the right people. For example, if you don't know anyone who knows anyone who knows anyone, the next step would be to join a club or organization for people who work in that field.

Etc. Good luck.

sorry opi
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as its been since 1994 that i needed to even look for a job, i aint the faintest idea.
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all i can say is if your wanting to enter the arts, then decide what you want to try, and if you can make a go of it, then do a google for how to go ahead with it. jim

What are the probs at your current place Opti?

Yea! as mentioned earlier the best way to find a new job is through your mates and having a good look around yourself
When I was in the oil industry we went from contract to contract and most of the time we got hired via word of mouth, (someone who had worked with you before, and could vouch for you)
Then again, if you were no good, you never got "invited" again
Good luck to you, and I hope you find what you want
Smudger.

I'm curious to know more about your six month stints Leo.

Networking... Yep I used to find this one an irritance, because I knew nobody except family, when I moved back home after uni. My family don't know anyone working in the arts. However, I've recently started joining workshops and have met a few like minded people. So your idea is being put into practice. Also been thinking of doing volunteering at other arts festivals/events in order to get experience. I'm thinking events, tour guide, youth worker, researcher, journalist etc...nothing too specific.

Jim ... consider that command dealt with and emails sent

>>What are the probs at your current place Opti?

a) the contract runs out soon
b)I'm cut out for project type work rather than fast paced stuff
c) I haven't used my degree yet (in Media)!

Must have almost simul posted Smudger

Don't know if this will help but

In 1974 I started going to nightschool pottery classes in malmebury and enjoyed it n just kept going moved to the usa in 76 and carried on in night school until 79 gave up my unwanted job and struck out

If you like arts then go for it, stained glass maybe anything ,I got my workshops n houses from enjoying my creations not from asking a bank to lend me money , 2 houses I built myself all my workshops and kilns were made by the hands typing this ,so just go for what you want .

Remember only I in 3000 make it

Malmesbury

Well whenever I feel tight around the wallet I get a job. Many are temporary, while I confess to getting sick of others, and even being sort of fired from one. (That is, they cut off communication, which I was pleased to reciprocate.) However, I can't give you much advice, because I'm never looking for anything particular. I've been employed as a lifeguard, freelance writer, secretary, copywriter, editorial intern, proofreader, pool operator, homework tutor, and even babysitter.
Some jobs I got via classifies, some from word of mouth, some by calling up and asking "do you need me?" and some by looking at the company website job positions. The proofreading job I got by sending the editor his newspaper with my markups. I then soothed his huffy feelings and was hired.

Also, some websites serve as "classifieds" for specific industries, so there might be something just for artsy stuff.

I know there are people who specialize in making festivals and things. Next time you go to one hunt them down and ask for their numbers.

Opti what are your qualifications

I've been reading your comments with great positivity, enthusiasm and enjoyment. I am coming round to believe that you have to try a lot of jobs before you find your place in society and this in its self is interesting for it opens your eyes to the world around you as well as what you are like as a person. I do wonder where you all found your motivation to keep going at the same time.

Dunno about anyone else, but for me the motivation was called "TUITION".

Definitely you need to try everything. Only by trying will you find out what you like and don't like. Of course, there's no job that's all fun; if it was, they wouldn't have to pay you for it. The thing to do is find the job that you hate the least.

Its funny the jobs I have enjoyed are those that were voluntary. I can't do voluntary though to support myself financially.

That's exactly how it is. I suspect the moment people offer you money for something it becomes a drag. That's why I said "what you hate the least." Because you can never quite enjoy something you're being paid for. At least, I can't.

hi opi
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hope something comes of the emails you mentioned.
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i couldnt even remember how i got the jobs i did,ive worked so many, in textiles,engineering, my last job i was a printer for a large architects, the main job at the time, was doing the plans for the sheffield meadowhall.
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thats the one that drove me to a few heartattacks, and i had to give up work for good, about 1994 as i said.
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jim

When I went looking for a summer job I just trawled around town for the day, looking for adverts in windows. Unfortunately I came in a bit late which meant I only found two. One was taken soon after, another I had an interview for and was rejected . So I'm currently living the life of a gentleman of leisure .

Not quite sure how that story is relevant, but what the heck. Good luck with your jobhunting Opti.

hi opi
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this will get you.lol
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in 1966, i worked a a place, called radio chassis, but it was a cover, to make the 2 inch,3 inch and 81 mm granades, as a relult of the job, i thought along with other lads, we make them so lets see what it like to use them, so we joined the army lol, i was in training for 3 months at the strencel barracks in york, but with my mother taking ill i had to come out.
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ive worked in rolling mills, 3 shift system. on the docks at manchester, sheeting the railway wagons, making circular saws in sheffield. as you said you want to try diff things, then hope one it the one for you. jim

Thats an interesting outlook Leo
Only one person has written back to me so far
It seems a lot of people have done a number of positions...this has opened my eyes and changed my perception
I'm you have suffered from heartattacks ... work should not affect people in this way
Laconian for your good wishes and hope you find a job too