I did this same thing for the same reason 11 years ago and to be honest, it was not as grim as I expected. I confess however that I was expecting it to be a lot worse this time, given that the job centre nearest to me is being converted into luxury apartments (yes, really), and I have been sent to the giant Brixton Road one
where they lock the loos to stop people shooting up in them (yes, really).
I have to say though, the whole thing was brilliantly done and I'd like to commend the staff there for making a huge effort to be human. In fact I began to wonder if my career aspirations are really worth the agony of the day-to-day slog that I've been doing for the last 7 years.
The woman who did my initial interview was funny, sweet and relaxed; the chap who checked my papers was smiley and kind, the security guards were friendly and I got convinced to sign up to a free boxing class by an incredibly enthusiastic couple of women.
Everyone working there seemed to be really enjoying their day - maybe it was just that this is a good day, the sun is shining, it's Friday... but my intake chap has been working there 10 years and said outright that he loves his job.
I've been informed that I have the luxury of looking for work at my current level until the end of the year, following which I need to revise my expectations downwards... however perhaps I should revised them upwards, towards something that might actually make me happy.
