Blogs: Jack's job log: 9

Jack has just finished his degree. His job hunt is proving a long and difficult road.

These blogs are definitely bitter sweet, and like most things that are avoided, once you start them, you really do get stuck into them. To sound frightfully middle class, one really does begin to sink their teeth into them. So what’s new in the world of a working class adolescent Yorkshire lad who belongs in the 1930’s? Well not much in all honesty. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be interesting so I guess I should elaborate just a tad. Well I am trying to do a lot of juggling at the minute, with unpredictable consequences, interested yet? You should be!

Well I have started working with a well known bookmaker, and it appears that my responsibilities and workload will soon increase for a start. Then there is the internship I am currently doing with a company called The Racing Forum. They operate an online forum dedicated purely to horse racing, so works hand in hand with my actual job, which offers a mutual benefit to each role. There are four partners who have a financial interest; however there are only two of the partners who have visible hands on day-to-day interaction with the company. I applied and was successful, and now spend my time outside of my full time job writing articles, networking, attempting to raise the profile of the company and its brand image, along with gaining invaluable experience for myself, to increase my employability options.

The reason for pointing this out, is there seems to be an increased culture of doing the least possible, and where being productive and proactive seems idiotic. There are more reports of the 16-24 age group breaking records for unemployment with a whopping 700,000 people unable to achieve work. However there lies the crux of the argument. It is agreed and acknowledged that the majority of which would be able to find work and paid employment, yet they choose not to. Are you really going to tell me that they would be turned away from McDonalds? Or unable to get a job down their local supermarket? The comparison between generations seems to lie on the breakdown of ethics and ethos, and the refusal to take anything that may be seemingly ‘demeaning’ or hinder their reputation or ‘street cred’. Writing this has dawned on me how just out of touch with reality I am, however I like the sound of the old fashioned, traditional bubble with which I return to hide in away from the wicked world.

On a more light hearted matter, as mentioned at the start I have taken work with this company in an attempt to hone my writing skills, and also to help my work in both the bookmakers. Both seem to be benefiting, which if I learnt anything from a business studies degree (and it was very little), this would be called synergies; something that a jolly beardy lecturer man used to describe as: ‘1+1 = 3’ - genius. I have to write a tipping column twice weekly, which is going beautifully, with a 10/1 winner advised last weekend. A great perk being to rub the old mans face in it, a veteran punter of over 35 years, the irony of my mocking is usually lost on him however. For my next article due tomorrow morning actually, I have to preview the Grand National, the world’s most famous steeplechase as it is affectionately known. For those wanting some early tips, keep a close eye on a horse called ‘State of Play’ and another called ‘Big Fella Thanks’. Remember boys and girls, you heard it here first! And if you do have a pound or too on it and it then wins, I do take contributions and all donations are accepted.

Until next time. Jack. Over and out.