It's been a fairly mammoth task for me. I *think* my CV reads pretty well, Economics university graduate, current managerial position, advanced in CIMA studies fairly quickly, looking for a decentish company to build a finance career in from near enough the bottom, basically had nothing in return. Very demoralising. Only thing I can do is keep taking exams, keep applying and just hoping someone will take a chance with me. As the guy previously said, my job gives me little to zero mental stimulation, so although it pays the bills, it is a drag. I shouldn't moan as I am lucky to still be in employment given the current economic climate, but it doesn't take the mental pain away all the time.
Are you aiming too low for your qualifications?
Learned a lesson many years ago. I love interviews. The hardest part on getting a job is getting to the interview stage. I have only reached it once and not been offered a job. My gast was flabbered. I asked them why I wasn't offered the job. The reply was I was overqualified and would most probably leave as soon as another opportunity came along that was more suited to me. And of course they were right. It costs time and money to recruit and train someone.
And to what others have said..... make a list of what you want and what you don't want. For instance stress levels and pay. When I was younger I strive on pressure. Now I am older I love turning up for work, doing my job then going home. I don't think about work until I am at work. I don't take work home with me. This is very important.
Looking for a job you enjoy? Even porn stars get bored eventually. Many footballers stop giving their all. Whatever you do can get boring. You are very lucky if you have a job you enjoy and continue to enjoy for many years.
A big part for me is the people you work with. This is harder to choose.
I like my job. Haven't had a day off for a couple of years. Before that I hadn't had a day off for nearly 10 years. Do I love my job? No. I have learnt that it is a way of life. No stress. Turn up do my bit and go home. Switch off. If I thought about doing the same thing hour after hour, day after day, month after month and year after year it would get to me.
Retirement is my next target. 2 years, 3 months, 1 week and 1 day to go. Can't wait. My two youngest will be 13 and 14. My little boy will finally get to spend quality time with his dad. But it will have taken many years of switching off at work to keep my sanity. It isn't an easy thing to get used to doing.
Good luck everyone. I do know the challenges ahead. The unemployment rate was over 10% when I joined the job market. Try and keep hold of all the positives. And keep applying for jobs until you end up in one where you can go home relaxed that comes with decent pay. Your working life is a long one.