rebeccaj1982

Aw, Daisy Duke, thank you for your kind words. I'm do pleased for you. I'm glad that the gamble of investing the time in a course that you were interested in paying off! It's great that you are getting real practical experience and your work is being seen and appreciated. I think many people do not understand what it's like to feel lost as I do. At school I didn't know what I wanted to do, and I thought that would change over time and I would find a path to pursue - but I haven't. I really would study and start from scratch to be able to follow a certain path- but I don't know what to do. I know you can train to be a Plummer or a dental nurse for example, but I don't think I've ever had a 'calling' for it. It's very frustrating bit knowing where to go,.. I envy youngsters that at 16 know what they want to be doing. In light of this, I've just worked hard in the jobs I've had and tried to gain further experience. All I want is a stable income and a job I can do and do really well. ---------- Post added 29-10-2014 at 21:40 ---------- Sorry, I spelt Plummer as in my nan's maiden name! Bad habit. Also, I am typing from my phone and getting lots of odd typos. I hope the general gist is coming across.

Thanks for your messages. I will continue to apply for positions and I think I will volunteer for something that will be advantageous to my skill set. However; if I am rejected from ant voluntary applications- I will be back to share my despair on a whole new level! P.S. If anyone can hook me up with a job- that'll be a much happier conclusion. I know that's unlikely, but worth a try right,..? Please PM me if you want to view my CV

I have been working in an office for a non-for-profit children's sports camp. It was still very much customer service- so customers calling to enquire/ book/ complain sometimes, as well as the admin that involves- so data entry, keeping Excel records, invoicing, taking payment, franking mail. Because it was only 7 months contract, I don't know but maybe that doesn't look good enough for experience..? I am only really applying for similar roles and entry level positions, but not getting anywhere. I thought having that as experience would be enough, but I guess not. My CV and cover letter is always very good (got a professional to take a look).

Haha! Belle, that's hilarious! I am not a job snob at all- I hated the retail job I had- not because It was beneath me or anything- but because the people I Was working with we're lazy, and the kind of people who didn't turn Up for work because they got drunk the night before; but i worked hatd and no custoner would ever have known how miserable i was. I really wanted to Work in a more professional environment and gain new skills. I just don't want to go backwards in terms of I worked on a supermarket, then a high street retailer, then finally in a busy office- I don't know, I'm worried that if I go back to retail then that'll be it forever. FOREVER! On a more personal level too, I do really need to work mon- fri for personal reasons and that's pretty impossible in retail. I would love to apprentice but because I'm over 24 I can't/ they won't find it.

It's been 2 months now!!! I am so struggling! Is it better to try for a retail job or volunteer in something a little bit more Like what I want to do?,.. What is better?

So, I have worked in retail for a many years- applied for hundreds of office type jobs and finally got a contract job for 7 months in a busy office environment.. I thought, great! now I will have that experience I lacked and be able to move into a permanent position now that that contract has ended,.. nope. So I gave up a permanent job in retail because I wanted to better my prospects and move forwards, but now I am just unemployed. Applied for loads since that contract ended, so I am feeling like I made a terrible mistake. It's better to be unhappy, but employed right? I am feeling pretty disheartened.

Yeah- I really recommend doing a course at The unique seat company. It's really enjoyable, And it's so much easier to understand the instructions From a book after you've seen someone doing it In front of you. A good guide I like to look at for reference is The Upholsterers Handbook. It has good images- but like I said- it helps to see it done.

Crookes is a bit 'studenty'. Which means as the summer comes along, people are out till all hours (usually outside my bedroom window)! I wish people would bare in mind that people have to get up for work- even on a Sunday!! I don't want to be a party pooper- but kids can be so inconsiderate. Even people sitting out in their gardens late into the night- I CAN HEAR YOU!

urgh! I totes cant see hardly any of peoples pics! ---------- Post added 22-04-2013 at 17:50 ---------- DOH! is it me? my computer? or other peoples posts not being viewable? Stupid internet!

How can I find out who lived in the house I bought? Its in Crookes. Not for any other reason than I'd like to know its history.

Thanks you lot, it's really encouraging to get advice and feedback. When I emailed the Apprenticeships Gov people, they sent me a email back saying that if I had a job, why am I trying to get into upholstery? and it doesn't pay well anyway. (which I was surprised to get such a negative response from the people meant to help). I did do a 2 day course in traditional upholstery at The Unique seat co. in November- which was great, it cost a fair bit, but it didn't exactly give me enough skills to go it alone, that's why I feel I'd rather work for someone to gain experience with guidance. DerbyTups advice is great,... but I'd feel such a prat if I went to a company and they were dismissive. I have emailed a few companies in Sheffield, just to see if they could advise, but they never even respond Hence the 'it's who you know' tag... and I don't know no one. (yes, double neg. I know).

Hi Sheffield! So, I am posting for the first time here to ask for some advice. I really am interested in a career in upholstery, but I can't seem to get started! I'm 30- so over the hill as far as apprenticeships are concerned! I work full time in retail, but I don't want to get stuck in a rut forever. I am of course glad to have a job, but it isn't want I'd like to do forever. Can anyone advise how I can get started in upholstery. I don't really know anyone in Sheffield who I can get advice from. Maybe someone would let me work for 1 day a week for them to get started?..