The Caterham Independent Newspaper has teamed up with Blue Turtle Business Services to offer support, coaching and mentoring help to both employees and employers alike during these difficult times as we slowly start getting back to life as we knew it.
With over 35 years experience in business and people support, BTBS offer a range of services to get your business back on track along with coaching and career advice for individuals.
This is your opportunity to send us your questions which we will try and answer via this new monthly column. Below is a selection of questions we received this month.
Dear Steve
I have recently been made redundant and feel like the world has dropped out of me. I loved my job and losing it has left me feeling overwhelmed, upset and totally useless. I am not a confident person and struggle through interviews. I feel like all is lost and I do not know what to do next.
Sez. Caterham
Hi Sez,
I am so sorry you have lost the job that you love. I know from experience that the feelings you get as a result can appear to be devastating. I often refer to this as like dealing with the stages of a bereavement. Shock or disbelief, denial, anger, and depression are all key stages anyone can go through when dealing with a change in life. However, the key stage is “acceptance or hope”. Once you get to that stage you will start to believe in yourself and move on into the next chapter of your career. However, you may need help getting to that stage and you should seek help to get there. Speak to a friend, doctor or a professional to help you move on. Do not bottle your feelings up. Writing to me is a great starting point but do not leave it there. It’s good to talk so please do it.
Just remember, you were great doing the job you loved. List down all the achievements and skills you learned and use those to help you find another job.
If you need help with interview techniques, please contact me. I will be happy to help.
I wish you loads of luck.
Steve
Dear Steve
After 15 years of happy marriage my husband and I are now not speaking, and we cannot seem to stand being in the same room together. During lockdown we were both furloughed and have subsequently lost our jobs. We cannot afford the mortgage and trying to look after 3 young children has taken us to breaking point. I love my husband very much, but with nothing to look forward to we just cannot see a way out. Please help.
Dawn, Westerham
Hi Dawn,
Like many other couples you are not alone in feeling like this. The pressures of lockdown and the uncertainty in people’s careers and futures are making people feel anxious, overwhelmed, and depressed. These feeling can make you think there is no light at the end of the tunnel.
But there is light. A great big shinny one. You and your husband enjoyed a great life with the family before all this started so you can go on and be a loving, caring family again. You just need help to get there.
Begin by talking to each other. An open honest conversation. You should then get professional help and get help with your finances. If you have not already done so, speak to your mortgage provider. They should be sympathetic which will give you some breathing space. Then you can start planning the next stage in your career.
If you would like a free, no obligation consultation with me, I would be happy to help.
Stay positive and start talking.
Steve
Dear Steve
For the first time in over 20 years I am in the market for a new job. I have never had a CV and do not know where to start in getting one. Can you help please?
Ian, Oxted
Hi Ian,
Your CV is a story about your career, achievements, and personality. It needs to sell YOU. With so many people sending CVs to prospective employers yours needs to stand out in the crowd. There are many good templates which you can download so that is a good start. However, we do a CV writing service at Blue Turtle Business Services. Feel free to write to me and I will give you the details.
Steve
To ask us a question or to request a free 30 minute, no obligation, consultation, please email Steve at blueturtle@caterhamindependent.com or call me on 0208 617 8111
