Inconvenient Annoyances

I do worry about skin cancer, and have been trying to protect myself from it (for the most part) for quite some time. It is just once in a while I have a lapse and forget. I had too many burns to count, every summer in childhood, but back then (I just turned 42), people didn't worry so much about sunblock and skin cancer, and a golden glow was THE thing for summer.

Yeah, that's the scary thing. Back then as soon as the snow melted everybody at my college would go outside to sit in the sun with those reflectors aimed at their faces  I probably only did it once or twice but -- who knows -- maybe that's what got me.

I got some of that Neutrogena sun screen for babies (in a stick) before I came over.  Small enough to fit in a bag or pocket. My derm. recommended Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunblock SPF 70 or Neutrogena Pure and Free Liquid SPF 50 -- for days when you're out in direct sunlight more than 10 minutes!!  He also said you can use La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX (SPF 15) for days of less exposure.  I think I've seen that brand in Boots.

Without anything, I start getting pink within 20 - 30 minutes in the US and about 1 1/2 hours in the UK. We have factor 70 for hubby, because he is a redhead, but I should use it instead of the 30 I have been using.

I actually paid attention to an advert for the local amusement/water park a couple days ago and learned that the sunblock they provide free for guests is fortified with vitamin D. I guess I don't get out much, because I've never heard of that option. It makes sense though. If the sun can't get through the sunblock, you're not getting your vit D.

Fortified with Vitamin D? I've never heard of sunblock like that, that's actually nice.

My IA is again about another job. Apply for job last week, get an email back an hour later the person acting interested then they ask me (and in some capital letters) why I have such a work gap on my CV, that they have researched the time it takes visas to be processed and it only takes up to 24 weeks so I must be fibbing!  So, I reply back with a time line and never hear anything back.  I notice the job has been reposted by another staffing company is handling it. So I email back and ask if she is still my point of contact or is another company taking over the hiring?  She says she forgot to get back with me, but they needed someone with more senior experience and that the other company hiring will probably have the same "standards" and won't hire me... but I could try.  Gee, thanks!  (I have the experience I just wasn't paid or have the title for doing the extra work!) I don't understand why she even asked me about the gap on my CV if she wasn't interested.  So I have applied to the other company.  I don't get it.  I've never really had issues before finding a job. I am completely clueless what I am doing wrong!! I can't even get a job handing out flyers in mail slots.  DH and I talked about it several months ago and if I didn't find a job by May I should probably go home. It's mid May and no jobs. I feel it's useless staying here unable to contribute, my student loans racking up interest (6k a year now in interest) and unable to afford to move out from his Dad's place.  Anyone have any suggestions for  finding a job? I'm applying for both my previous career and anything else - cleaning hotel rooms, etc. I think I'm really disappointed I can't even get to the interview stage.

StealthG, have you considered volunteering? It would give you something current to put on your CV and also a UK reference. Also, I tried to convert my resume into a CV using online resources, but it was only after my DH help me reformat it that I got interviews.

If it makes you feel any better, I haven't found a job yet either. I've sort of fallen into this catch-22 where I can't get a lower level job because I'm "overqualified" and I can't get something that I am qualified for because I "lack UK experience."

I would keep plugging away, ask for feedback and try volunteering. Don't give up.

I too think I'll be resorting to volunteering to get UK experience and references. I worked in a winery for five years before I moved, which was a combination of both retail and hospitality. I also had a temporary job for a few months as a tutor to disadvantaged children. I'm currently in graduate school over here. I've applied to several jobs, both online and by dropping off my CV in store. I've had nothing but application rejection e-mails. Not even interviews. Even low-hour sales assistant jobs like in B&Q and Superdrug said no. It's frustrating. I hate not working and not having money coming in. Could it be because I'm here on a student visa and they don't want someone who's living here, essentially, temporarily? Then again I've tried applying for temporary jobs too and those were a no.

I've got the NI number, my CV is converted to UK standards, etc.... the only thing I could be missing is that UK experience and references.

Volunteering is the way forward. I had a work placement in my field through my master's course and they asked me to keep volunteering with them for over a year after. I didn't land any jobs in my field through it, but I had plenty of interviews. It also helped for other jobs, like a seasonal job at HMV, a seasonal job at John Lewis (which I was offered but didn't take because I decided to move back here) and the temp agency I worked at for a month.

I've been awake over an hour, have an hour and 42 minutes until my alarm should go off, am exhausted and unable to sleep. My head hurts, my right eye is swollen and will probably fall out of my face, and prescription eye drops, used 3 times a day, are doing nothing to help with goopy eye.

Funny how being in the UK during this time the last three years made me forget the joys of my springtime allergies in Indiana. 

Our practically brand new shower is leaking -- marks on the ceiling below  Stupid plumber came the other day and went off muttering and promising to come back either yesterday (didn't) or today (not yet)  He's also got to replace the pump which we've been nagging about for months.  I hate baths.

Our practically brand new shower is leaking -- marks on the ceiling below   Stupid plumber came the other day and went off muttering and promising to come back either yesterday (didn't) or today (not yet)  He's also got to replace the pump which we've been nagging about for months.   I hate baths.

Try http://www.casac.org.uk/check-point - reliable & police vetted. Unless, of course, it is under  warranty  - then try that first to save ££££. 

Not having my baking groove on. At least the groove is back.  

Thanks, I'll try volunteering. I got another rejection email today. Sorry, but we're not hiring for your skills. The job I applied for is exactly what I used to do.  Any suggestions on places to volunteer that are good? The town I'm in is pretty small and the volunteering opportunities are really charity shops. I was told by a UK friend that volunteering at charity shops is not the way to go and could look bad on a CV because if only charity shops take you for volunteer work then you aren't that competent.  It's the Mc Donalds of charities if that makes sense. Does anyone find this to be true?  I really try to think of this percentage wise. Like I've submitted over 300 applications + re-did/customized cv several times + customized cover letters since January. If I have maybe a 1% chance of getting an interview it should have happened by now.  I kind of have been toying with an idea.. I have a plain white shirt, I'm honestly thinking about writing on it - "Give me a chance.  Give me a job!" Then writing my skills on the back.  If a man can get a job by submitting a CV printed on a chocolate bar wrapper, then who knows what can happen?

So, I'll start looking for volunteer work and also volunteer work in my field although it might just be writing articles for my old industry online.  All I can say is thank god the next visa isn't dependant on my salary!

I was told by a UK friend that volunteering at charity shops is not the way to go and could look bad on a CV because if only charity shops take you for volunteer work then you aren't that competent. 

I think that's a rubbish statement by your friend.  Charity shops are hard work, just like any other retail shop, requiring organisation, get up and go, teamwork and people skills. I say give 'em a go!!!   

Yeah, I wouldn't think it would really matter where you volunteer at, they are all for a good cause. I hate to ask, but I was going to PM cheesebiscuit to see if she had any insight on my CV as she works in my old industry.  Anyone know what happened to her, as I don't see her registered here anymore.

StealthG, 'Cheesebiscuit' has deleted her membership, so you won't be able to PM her, unfortunately. 

But I totally agree with what Phatbeetle said above about working in a charity shop.

But I totally agree with what Phatbeetle said above about working in a charity shop.

As an assistant manager (and an interim manager) of a charity shop I agree with Pb and Albatross!

And anyway, just because someone is volunteering at a charity shop why would anyone assume that was the only place who'd take them as a volunteer? 

It's retail and retail is not easy!  Charity shops are not dusty little smelly shops where middle-aged ladies sit around and drink tea!  They are very competitive money making businesses with lots of cash, people, stock, etc. moving in and out--busy places needing constant organization, merchandising, processing, etc. etc. 

Any volunteer who sticks with us and works hard gets an awesome reference and recommendation from me!

Also, we've had a couple volunteers gain their NVQ in retail simply by being observed a few times just doing what they would be doing anyway.  They now can put this on their CVs; good to have even if you don't necessarily want a career in retail.

Adding to yesterday's IA, after I had been at work a while yesterday, I broke out in a lovely poison ivy rash all over the right side of my forehead, which can only mean the swelling of my eye and cheek are from poison ivy, too. It was worse this morning, but I am monitoring it to decide if I need to have it looked at.