In a really tough situation

Hi, I just graduated university this year in Fashion Business and management, coming out with a 2:1 degree. I'm in a really difficult, tough situation right now. At the end of October this year, my mum is going abroad for two months with everything already booked. This is her second time. First time was 2019. This means I would be left by myself to live with my dad as my brother is off to university this September. But every time my mum is not here and she is away, my dad always becomes really toxic which really damaged my mental health and made me want to drop out of college the last time in 2019. So I don't want to live in that situation again. My only solution is to get a graduate job secured by end of October to make sure I move out before my mum leaves. I already have extra saving put aside to cover the first month when I start my job. The case is just being successful at securing one. I worked on my portfolio after I submitted my final project, I started applying for jobs in first week of June, where I now have 35 applications sent. I am just really worried if I don't get one by October, meaning I would again have to go through what was the toughest times which I don't really want, especially with me being left with my dad. My life has been at its peak since I came to uni and I don't want to throw it all away, as my life back home wasn't too great. I've taken all the steps to ensure success such as carefully doing all job applications so that they stand out and match job relevant specification, also keeping up to date and ahead in my application numbers to ensure I get it before the time, also applied to as many as I could. I'm just really worried about the uncertainty as Fashion is really competitive and hard to find a job in and don't want to end up in tough situation at home. In terms of toxic, it was in a way that made it difficult to function and live everyday. Always draining my physically and mentally through constantly putting me down, controlling me, taking away my sense of freedom resulting in loss of identity, putting pressure on me to give up my happiness to play second mum and nagging over things that are not my fault. I would really appreciate some advice, especially from anyone that has experience on this. Thank you so much.

Hi, I just graduated university this year in Fashion Business and management, coming out with a 2:1 degree. I'm in a really difficult, tough situation right now. At the end of October this year, my mum is going abroad for two months with everything already booked. This is her second time. First time was 2019. This means I would be left by myself to live with my dad as my brother is off to university this September. But every time my mum is not here and she is away, my dad always becomes really toxic which really damaged my mental health and made me want to drop out of college the last time in 2019. So I don't want to live in that situation again. My only solution is to get a graduate job secured by end of October to make sure I move out before my mum leaves. I already have extra saving put aside to cover the first month when I start my job. The case is just being successful at securing one. I worked on my portfolio after I submitted my final project, I started applying for jobs in first week of June, where I now have 35 applications sent. I am just really worried if I don't get one by October, meaning I would again have to go through what was the toughest times which I don't really want, especially with me being left with my dad. My life has been at its peak since I came to uni and I don't want to throw it all away, as my life back home wasn't too great. I've taken all the steps to ensure success such as carefully doing all job applications so that they stand out and match job relevant specification, also keeping up to date and ahead in my application numbers to ensure I get it before the time, also applied to as many as I could. I'm just really worried about the uncertainty as Fashion is really competitive and hard to find a job in and don't want to end up in tough situation at home. In terms of toxic, it was in a way that made it difficult to function and live everyday. Always draining my physically and mentally through constantly putting me down, controlling me, taking away my sense of freedom resulting in loss of identity, putting pressure on me to give up my happiness to play second mum and nagging over things that are not my fault. I would really appreciate some advice, especially from anyone that has experience on this. Thank you so much.

Hello,

It sounds like a really tough home situation and I am really glad you have taken proactive steps to move out of your home environment. I think you are right that you need to leave if possible. I guess a back up plan would be to take a hospitality role or similar not in your industry, just so you can leave and then continue applying for roles in your industry?

Are you applying to roles in specific cities?

One of the ways you can try and stand out from other applications is also by picking up the phone, often on job descriptions it will say who you can ring to have an informal chat about the job description with. If that is the case - always ring and ask a question, as it will help you form an emotional connection with one of the interview panel and help you stand out if you come off well.

You can also try and network with relevant people on LinkedIn. Commenting on people in your industry's posts with relevant questions and comments regularly will make you memorable too.

Keep going - the industry is hard to get into but if you stay motivated I am sure you will crack it!

Jenny - a rep from Arts University Plymouth.

Hi, I graduated from the University for the creative arts, which was based in Epsom. So I've applied to jobs in the London and Surrey areas. Also looking at Manchester possibly.

Just get any job at first, hospitality, warehouse, you have to be broad minded at first, whilst you are waiting to fulfill your dreams. Your dads probably sees things from a more practical point of view, bills need to be paid etc. When you've covered the basics, e.g. actually paying your way in life, then your dad would probably go easier on you, and you would have real world experience to put on your C.V.

Okay cool - did you have an area of specialism that you focused on at University?

May be worth creating a few different portfolios to attach to a few different variations of your CV to fully nail any applications you're applying for.

Good luck!

Jenny

Hi, I was very versatile with different topics and areas in fashion, so I created a website portfolio that covers a range of areas, that has more showcase of work in particular areas of interest. Some of my areas of interests are styling, trends forecasting, editorial and fashion writing. But I am keen to try a range to be open to new things.