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A shock of reality I didn't meet up with the receptionist in the end, she called this morning and rescheduled until tomorrow. Quite nice, I could prepare myself and make sure I had everything ready for my meeting with the Job Centre. In the post I received my information pack and JSA (Job Seekers Allowance) statement, which I read through at my own leisure and browsed the leaflets too. I also got a letter from the Inland Revenue letting me know that between 2004-2005 I hadn't paid enough National Insurance contributions - 37 weeks worth for a total of £264.00 - but after speaking to my sister I might just not pay it (it's voluntary) because I'll only lose a little when I begin to receive my State Pension in all those years to come. Plus I don't really have enough money at the moment to just hand over, and I'm already saving in a ISA for my own "pension". If I continue in this way I should have plenty when I reach 60+ years old. The meeting at the Job Centre went fine, although I did work myself up in to a slight frenzy and I don't know why. My claim is being sent off tomorrow and I should be able to claim JSA as of 9th January, after the days I'm owed money for from my previous employers have passed. I just have a form to fill in each time I do a job-seeking activity such as calling for an application form, arranging an interview or sending my CV in the post. Nice and simple. I have a meeting again with them on Tuesday at 2.30pm, so I want to try and apply for a job by hen to have something written in my records. After this meeting I should only have to go every 2 weeks but will still have to be actively job-seeking during this time. Everything looks like it's turning around. I must admit whilst sitting waiting for my name to be called at the Job Centre, I did have a brief moment where it all hit me and my only thoughts were "I can't believe I'm in this position". It suddenly seemed so real and that it was really happening to me, not that I was seeing it through someone else's eyes. I seem to have had blinkers on all over Christmas and don't think it had really sunk in until that point. But instead of wallowing in pity I pulled my chin up, smiled and continued about my business. I'm at a low, work-wise, but will pull through. I'm a trooper. |