|
Post by Rusty Red Scrap Iron on Sept 19, 2009 19:03:45 GMT
well rusty red, youve given me your advise and sympathy more then once, i think it's time i repay you for your kindness. thinking from my own experiences, i was at prospect trainning for a year and four months (i should have been there for 17 weeks at max) and now going to college for 2 weeks (tomorrow is my second week) doing more or less the same thing. i feel my experiences is pretty much the same as your choices ahead of you. the advise i can give to you is to at least try one or two of these group sessions, to see if you like it or not. at least that way, your still get money and can still get a placement in media film and tv in future. everything takes time in this world my friend, and not everything turns out as planned, but hey a change is as good as a rest. it may seem the 13 week course teaches you the same thing, but the atmosphere is different, meeting new people who could be one of your future best friends, maybe (if there is a girl there and there should be) even a future partner as well. don't know til you try and give it a shot. besides i'd rather do it then loss jobseekers allowance. i sincirally hope the advise i've given has helped you out thanks again for your help in the past............. stanley/ smudger Thanks for that advice, Stanley/Smudger. I did go to the group session in the end, and it was alright although most of the things they talked about I wasn't really bothered about because they were more discussing jobs which I don't even want to do such as: cleaning. But now, the job centre found me a job in retailing which has had my Dad furious and he's been moaning for a while about how stupid the place is for offering me such a stupid job. It's for a company called 'Sportec' who I've never heard off, and the job is in Ealing but the Interview I'm suppose to be going too on Monday is in East London near Algate East (anyone from London may know this) which I've found completely odd when the job in another area. Now the advice I want now is, when you apply for a job (or if your signing on and the job centre offers you a job) would expect the interview of the job you've applied for take place at the actual place your working at or another place but just with the same company name? I know from previous jobs I've applied for (although haven't been to many interivews) but the ones I've been too have always taken place at where the job actually is. To anyone or to many who have been in this sort of position, is this normal or out of place? Also, should I treat this as normal for a job I don't even want or complete suspicion? I say it's a job I don't even want, because I can't really do much about it as the job centre people told me that if I don't attend the interview or accept jobs (that I don't even want) they would cut my jobseekers allowance for 26 weeks. I know the media industry is a bugger to get into and of course it's hard to find work with what's going on, but is really having an interview where the job is at one place and the interview itself is miles away from the workplace? EDIT:I wnet to the place today, truth is the job is in Ealing so there's mistake their. I don't really want the job (I hope I don't get it) but the Guy I spoke too said that it'll come down to five C.Vs and if I'm one of them I'll be called back for an interview (which I suck at), but I don't think I'll be one of them anyway because if they read my C.V carefully they will see that I'm more interested in media than sales assistant.
|
|
Rhodri
Goods Engine
You spin me right round
Posts: 407
|
Post by Rhodri on Sept 19, 2009 20:00:24 GMT
Ahem...Right... Kinda need some help and advice... I'm starting my new Collage (Yet doing a Uni course...) in ten days time... And to put it blank, I'm kegging me pants now getting nervous. I'm staying over there in accommodation, I am really only an hour away from home, well an hour and a half in the Land Rover. Its really freshers week which is getting me anxious as I'm not really into going out, getting pissed and mixing with other people. The real problem is, when I get nervous, I'm physically sick. I don't know why, just am. With only being an hour away from home and having my own machine, I ain't really trapped there so I shouldn't be this nervous... Starting to affect me sleep now. The other thing is I'm scared with me and all my friends going our separate ways that I'll lose them... Some more then others. I have had advice from family about this, so just thought I'd ask you all your opinions on the matter. Cheers, Bonner. I understand this fully Bonner. I started Uni last year (scary where the time goes), which is an hour and a bit away from home and spent the year on Campus in a flat of 5. Not being the social type, it was hard adjusting. For the first few weeks at Uni, most of my socialising was with my flatmates. We spent the first night together playing Poker and other games in the kitchen and made the occasional trip down to the pub. Personally, I'm teetotal, so I go to the pub for the atmosphere and trust me, there is nothing better than having a lock in (where out of hours take places behind locked doors) lasting into the early hours of the morning. Its only when I feel comfortable enough with my mates that I went into the city to partake of the clubbing scene (where I famously fell asleep directly under a loudspeaker playing at full volume!) My advise is to go at your own pace. Attend the icebreaker sessions, make a circle of friends consisting of flatmates and people on your course. Have a few nights in watching films or playing games together (games of monopoly lasting till 4am or multiplayer on Little Big Planet for the PS3 works wonders!). Once you are fine with their company, you 'go out on the town'
|
|
|
Post by Ryan on Sept 22, 2009 11:57:40 GMT
RRSI With regard to your job problem - the idea is to give you work experience and to get people off the dole. Having never been in this position, I wouldn't know - but realistically, it's an incentive for you to get active and start looking for a job that you want to do as opposed to one that the Job Centre wants you to.
In other words - start firing out CVs and applications, go for interviews and see what becomes of it. Employers want people with experience, and granted, it might be sales, but there are other transferable skills such as working with the public, developing your communication skills and other aspects that you can take away from a job like that. Granted, it's not ideal, but sometimes you have to grit your teeth and get on with it.
|
|
|
Post by OJ on Sept 22, 2009 12:40:10 GMT
Rusty Red Scrap Iron, I would wait until your actually offered the job first before you decide anything. Alot of the times Employers know who they're going to employ which tends to be someone they know or someone who already has a job elsewhere. I would just try your best at the interview.
Even though you might not want it, I's give it a go if your offered it. You will find it alot easier getting another job while your in one. I feel unemployed people don't get given chances in interviews and employers favor people in jobs.
|
|
|
Post by Aidan on Sept 28, 2009 4:49:23 GMT
I've got a real problem on my hands, and I need some help. I'm thinking of leaving Virginia Western Community College after I finish the spring semester. I've been having problems with my advisor, who kept switching me into classes that not even my parents could understand. One of these was the networking course I'd been enrolled in. Problem is, I wanted to be able to graduate from college so I wouldn't feel like a failure.
|
|
|
Post by FlyingScotsman on Oct 2, 2009 23:53:02 GMT
Is there anybody above your advisor who you can appeal to? Alternatively, is there any sort of Student Union you can talk to?
|
|
|
Post by Aidan on Oct 3, 2009 2:53:29 GMT
I guess I could appeal to the dean of the school. I think I might've talked to her about a different matter and she was able to help me then. Thanks for the advice, FlyingScotsman!
|
|
|
Post by Nicholas on Oct 14, 2009 21:15:45 GMT
Hmm, I could do with some words of wisdom...
I'm in a bit of quandry about what to do with myself in terms of sending off some spec scripts [if you don't know what they are think of them as example scripts for them to judge whether or not I can make the writing team] to HIT Entertainment now, so that they may judge my writing, and perhaps get me writing for the series for the next series or so. Alternatively, I could wait until I have my University degree and have finished my course, which will take me until around mid-2012. Normally I'm quite a patient person, but the prospect of getting my episodes in the Thomas and Friends TV Series, as you can imagine, has me itching to try to get involved as soon as possible.
For those of you who may not already know, I've contacted some people very high up on the Thomas and Friends ladder. HIT have reached the understanding that I'm studying English with Creative Writing at University and am serious about writing for Thomas and Friends and may have the capability and promise of being able to do a good job. They have told me that they are extremely selective in who they invite to pitch to be considered for the writing team and they, at first, asked me to get back in touch once I have completed my course and have some spec scripts ready to show them.
After asking a few further questions about the writing process, I asked whether I could pitch now, while I'm still studying but do not have my degree yet. Given how difficult it is to write Thomas episodes, they feel strongly that I should get as much learning as possible before trying to climb the mountain of writing for the pre-school world.
So you see, if I send off some spec scripts now, I could be in with a possibilty of getting on the team earlier and start writing for the next series or so. I mean it couldn't hurt to try, right? Even if they don't want to hire me, I could still send off more spec scripts when I have my degree to see if they are interested then, and if my writing is more what they're looking for. And if I don't send any off and heed HIT's advice, then it's about 3 years of waiting to be considered. I can't help but feel I'd be letting a golden opportunity pass me by if I didn't give a go now, but on the flip side I don't want HIT to think I'm too keen or not listening to what they're telling me. Also, I wouldn't want writing getting in the way of any studying, although I'm fairly sure I'd be able to manage it. And maybe it would be better having a degree under my belt before I even considered trying for the team. Then again, if HIT has a look and thinks my writing's good enough now, then why not get started?
After that long and unnecessary babble, it now comes down to what I should do... send them some spec scripts now and try to get considered for the writing team earlier, or follow their advice and wait 3 years, but perhaps end up putting off a golden opportunity?
Nicholas
|
|
Thomasfan
Passenger Engine
Ex-ter-mi-nate!
Posts: 571
|
Post by Thomasfan on Oct 14, 2009 22:22:24 GMT
Why don't you ask if you can send a test script? Or you could try to explain what you just wrote, to HIT. BTW Good luck!
|
|
|
Post by Ci on Oct 15, 2009 0:55:51 GMT
I guess I could appeal to the dean of the school. I think I might've talked to her about a different matter and she was able to help me then. Thanks for the advice, FlyingScotsman! how did this work out for you, Aidan? Were there any problems that followed?
|
|
|
Post by Aidan on Oct 15, 2009 0:59:33 GMT
There were no problems, Eric. I'll take another semester of algebra if possible so I can graduate, and I'll also be able to take a few elective courses, namely Drama and Music Appreciation.
|
|
|
Post by Rusty Red Scrap Iron on Oct 15, 2009 1:34:36 GMT
Hmm, I could do with some words of wisdom... I'm in a bit of quandry about what to do with myself in terms of sending off some spec scripts [if you don't know what they are think of them as example scripts for them to judge whether or not I can make the writing team] to HIT Entertainment now, so that they may judge my writing, and perhaps get me writing for the series for the next series or so. Alternatively, I could wait until I have my University degree and have finished my course, which will take me until around mid-2012. Normally I'm quite a patient person, but the prospect of getting my episodes in the Thomas and Friends TV Series, as you can imagine, has me itching to try to get involved as soon as possible. For those of you who may not already know, I've contacted some people very high up on the Thomas and Friends ladder. HIT have reached the understanding that I'm studying English with Creative Writing at University and am serious about writing for Thomas and Friends and may have the capability and promise of being able to do a good job. They have told me that they are extremely selective in who they invite to pitch to be considered for the writing team and they, at first, asked me to get back in touch once I have completed my course and have some spec scripts ready to show them. After asking a few further questions about the writing process, I asked whether I could pitch now, while I'm still studying but do not have my degree yet. Given how difficult it is to write Thomas episodes, they feel strongly that I should get as much learning as possible before trying to climb the mountain of writing for the pre-school world. So you see, if I send off some spec scripts now, I could be in with a possibilty of getting on the team earlier and start writing for the next series or so. I mean it couldn't hurt to try, right? Even if they don't want to hire me, I could still send off more spec scripts when I have my degree to see if they are interested then, and if my writing is more what they're looking for. And if I don't send any off and heed HIT's advice, then it's about 3 years of waiting to be considered. I can't help but feel I'd be letting a golden opportunity pass me by if I didn't give a go now, but on the flip side I don't want HIT to think I'm too keen or not listening to what they're telling me. Also, I wouldn't want writing getting in the way of any studying, although I'm fairly sure I'd be able to manage it. And maybe it would be better having a degree under my belt before I even considered trying for the team. Then again, if HIT has a look and thinks my writing's good enough now, then why not get started? After that long and unnecessary babble, it now comes down to what I should do... send them some spec scripts now and try to get considered for the writing team earlier, or follow their advice and wait 3 years, but perhaps end up putting off a golden opportunity? Nicholas Colonel, this could lead to a golden opportunity which nobody gets very often and also you've recently start University. I think HiT's Thomas writing team would be more looking to see if someone has got the Talent to write a good story for our faithful little Tank Engine. I think as Thomasfan has said, send off one of your scripts and just gradually work on with your studies at Uni. If HiT like your script, they'd reply back saying they'd want to hire you. Of course they will know that your currently studying at Uni and will know that your interested in writing for the show. But then again, they could reply back saying it's your not quite what they're looking for in a Writer for the show. Best bet from me, is to send off one script and leave it to them to decide if your script is any good and whether your the talent they're looking for. The worst HiT can say is 'sorry your not quite what we're looking for' yes it'll be disheartening but that's life as we know. But if your that interested and passionate about writing for the show someday, then as I say send one script draft off and hope for the best. But don't let that put you off studying at Uni, after all it's costs quite a fair amount to get into Uni (though I probably won't ever go, but you never know with me).
|
|
|
Post by Nicholas on Nov 1, 2009 23:13:36 GMT
Wow, I use this thread more often than I realise.
Anyway, I have a new problem to present to our think-tank. I've started University recently. I made the Induction week, and then one day at the beginning of my normal schedule, but after that I was terribly ill. I was concerned it was Swine Flu, but turns out it wasn't, and have just recently recovered. But now I'm behind with everything. I managed to get back last week, but the Uni seems to have put me on some 'Cause for Concern' list, and I'm still just as lost with all the work as ever. I only found out an hour or so ago that I had an assignment due in today, and I've no idea how to go about doing it. I've looked on the NILE internet system that we're supposed to use to put all of our work on, but it isn't helpful, and only links to seemingly irrelevant sites in the instructions, so now I'm more confused than before. The NILE system itself is a pain. I imagine it's going to use up a lot of internet, it's terrible slow and unreliable and generally complicated and difficult for me to navigate. What's wrong with using pen and paper, then handing work in? It'd be better than having to post my work on a blog and check my account so that I can find all of the links and module information that I'm going to need. I thought it was creative writing, not creative surfing or creative typing. NILE is no-where near as easy to understand or navigate as SiF (then again, I have been here over 6 years). But that's not the only problem.
Because I've been away so long, I've fallen behind with loads of reading material that I was meant to do, and have only vague ideas about what's being said in lectures and seminars. Most people seem to have made friends with everyone else already, and I'm left slowly struggling on my own. I'm not really enjoying the Student Life, as I'm not really a heavy drinker or the sort that goes out clubbing an awful lot. Student Finance has been messing me about no end, and I'm starting to run out of money, which just adds to the stress and lack of control over anything. Things are just stacking up against me, and I'm beginning to feel that I'm not really meant to go to University. Not right now at the least. Maybe I could start again next year, and start from the beginning, instead of in the middle of everything, desperately trying and failing to catch up.
I'm thinking perhaps I should give up with Uni. What are your opinions; what do reckon I should do?
Nicholas.
|
|
Eisenheim
Shunting Engine
It's been a long time
Posts: 67
|
Post by Eisenheim on Nov 1, 2009 23:44:28 GMT
Well I recommend you to start from the beginning like what I'm doing now for the University exam as I'm going to an academy for preparing because I went to the Dramatic Art School but didn't pass and I thought that preparing the whole summer wasn't enough time. I prefer to rest for a year and start the next one feeling all right because starting things in the middle is very difficult to follow. Well that's my opinion. Good luck Colonel.
|
|
|
Post by Rusty Red Scrap Iron on Nov 2, 2009 1:29:29 GMT
Wow, I use this thread more often than I realise. Anyway, I have a new problem to present to our think-tank. I've started University recently. I made the Induction week, and then one day at the beginning of my normal schedule, but after that I was terribly ill. I was concerned it was Swine Flu, but turns out it wasn't, and have just recently recovered. But now I'm behind with everything. I managed to get back last week, but the Uni seems to have put me on some 'Cause for Concern' list, and I'm still just as lost with all the work as ever. I only found out an hour or so ago that I had an assignment due in today, and I've no idea how to go about doing it. I've looked on the NILE internet system that we're supposed to use to put all of our work on, but it isn't helpful, and only links to seemingly irrelevant sites in the instructions, so now I'm more confused than before. The NILE system itself is a pain. I imagine it's going to use up a lot of internet, it's terrible slow and unreliable and generally complicated and difficult for me to navigate. What's wrong with using pen and paper, then handing work in? It'd be better than having to post my work on a blog and check my account so that I can find all of the links and module information that I'm going to need. I thought it was creative writing, not creative surfing or creative typing. NILE is no-where near as easy to understand or navigate as SiF (then again, I have been here over 6 years). But that's not the only problem. Because I've been away so long, I've fallen behind with loads of reading material that I was meant to do, and have only vague ideas about what's being said in lectures and seminars. Most people seem to have made friends with everyone else already, and I'm left slowly struggling on my own. I'm not really enjoying the Student Life, as I'm not really a heavy drinker or the sort that goes out clubbing an awful lot. Student Finance has been messing me about no end, and I'm starting to run out of money, which just adds to the stress and lack of control over anything. Things are just stacking up against me, and I'm beginning to feel that I'm not really meant to go to University. Not right now at the least. Maybe I could start again next year, and start from the beginning, instead of in the middle of everything, desperately trying and failing to catch up. I'm thinking perhaps I should give up with Uni. What are your opinions; what do reckon I should do? Nicholas. I think you've really summed it up Colonel, I think as you say it's best to start out from beginning and then work your way to where you are at the minute. If this is becoming too stressful for you, and your running out of money then your best bet as you say is to drop out and start over again next year because then it'll give you a fresh mind to sort out everything you hope to achieve in a year's time. Granted it's along while, and finding a job at the minute isn't easy with the ecomony the way it is. But I would go with the option of giving up Uni for now, it was really unfortunate that you feel ill mate and falling behind both with work and making friends but it's better to give up something while you've got the option too and then being able to re-group for another time than keep going where your at and making yourself worse from all the stress.
|
|
|
Post by Ryan on Nov 2, 2009 10:41:15 GMT
Listen to the above and you'll sorely regret it later on.
Speak to your Lecturers and Tutors at Uni in charge of your course, explain that you've been ill and as a consequence, you've fallen behind in your work. If you're lucky, they'll give you an extension to get the work done later.
As for the money situation - explain to your folks that you need financial support until your funding comes through. And in the meantime, chase up the funding people repeatedly until you get some joy out of them.
|
|
Eisenheim
Shunting Engine
It's been a long time
Posts: 67
|
Post by Eisenheim on Nov 2, 2009 13:17:10 GMT
I'm very sorry Ryan. It wasn't my intention to make someone regret.
|
|
|
Post by Nicholas on Nov 2, 2009 14:52:19 GMT
I'm very sorry Ryan. It wasn't my intention to make someone regret. Don't worry about this. Some people are simply in different situations and more able to empathise with the situation and have a better understanding of circumstances and consequences. I'm aware that Ryan has been to, or is still at, University, so I'd be inclined to take his advice. Thank you, everyone, for your input, however, of course. I'm in the process or trying to sort most of the stuff out now, and I'm going to ask for an extension on the deadline I missed last night, now that I have a better idea on what I'm expected to do. Wish me luck. Nicholas.
|
|
|
Post by Ryan on Nov 2, 2009 16:42:42 GMT
I'm very sorry Ryan. It wasn't my intention to make someone regret. I know you weren't mate, but I've been in a relatively similar situation various times. I was caught out by deadlines more than once when I was at Uni, and more often than not, I had to wing it when I tried to put things right. Never failed anything - so that's a blessing. Nicholas - the moral of it all is, never give up until you've exhausted every avenue. From the sounds of things, you hadn't even begun trying to seek out the relevant help that you needed to go for at the University. It's better to do this and try to get yourself back on an even keel than to jack it in at the first signs of trouble.
|
|
Tayhan
Passenger Engine
Nothing but blue skies and clear tracks, and a good head of steam.
Posts: 554
|
Post by Tayhan on Nov 2, 2009 16:57:15 GMT
I hope everything works out for you alright Nicholas Although if something does go wrong, there's always the Student Union to help. But as you said, it's probably an idea to follow the advice and guidance of someone who's been through the process of university. Best of luck with whatever you do. Right, I need help: I went to a university Open Day at Lancaster for the Creative Writing course. Lancaster is an AMAZING town, just right for a student of literature, and not only is it in close proximity to some famous railways, it's also got a lovely old station which, when I went to, I could actually picture a steam engine coming in from the Victorian/Edwardian era. So, sounds like something I should do, right? Wrong. I recently asked a girl who I've asked out before if she'd consider having a more romance-based relationship with me. She said it wasn't a definate 'no', but now I'm thinking, I'm going to uni in September. She will also be going, and the university I'm going to doesn't have the course she wants. So, we'd only be in a 6-month relationship, which is far too short IMO. So, the way I see it, I'm left with one option. I have to break up what was never started. I could always say that we maintain a long distance relationship, but that wouldn't be fair on either of us. And suppose she met someone nicer or better suited to her needs at her uni, but she couldn't be with the guy because of me? I couldn't do that to her. Hence why, I'm going to say to her, that we should remain close friends, and go off to uni. And if, when we're finished, still in contact and haven't met other people, then we try something then. I'm just wondering if there's anything you guys would suggest I do. Ideally I want to keep her as happy as possible, but I accept she may be upset, especially if she's reached a descision about us. So, what do you think?
|
|