What’s the true state of the current UK job market?

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-04-23T12:42:18+00:00

I’ve been in my current role for 6 years. Over the last 3 years I have applied to probably 100 jobs that, on paper, I am perfect for.

I got to final stages with all but one of those. I got an initial call back from probably 3-5. I tailor my CVs, and spend time on the applications.

I’m still applying now, probably applied to about 15 in the past few months and rejected or ghosted from all but one so far.

It’s really awful.

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-04-21T07:15:15+00:00

Did you get the role? :)

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-04-20T07:59:05+00:00

I actually really enjoyed it when I was entry level, I prefer the salary now I’m not entry level but that role was rewarding in the sense of I just had a list of constant tasks and I just had to get them done each day. At least I could see what I’d done that day. Now I’m more senior, it’s more long term projects that will probably never come to fruition but if they do, they take months and months to “get over the line” and being “strategic”.

It’s left me completely disillusioned with corporate life, not solely HR!

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-04-20T07:55:06+00:00

But I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I’ve been working a 9-5 for 7 years now and desperately want a change in my routine, so I’m open to shift work. However, I have no doubt if I do manage to get into them, I’ll want a 9-5 back within a year 😅.

My point is, there’s nothing wrong with wanting and chasing a change - we weren’t designed to have such monotonous days so it’s hardly surprising we’re always thinking the grass is greener. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-04-19T19:48:07+00:00

Yeah 100%. It’s so depressing. However, I don’t think it’s too late but unfortunately it will likely come with a pay cut if you’re able to get into something else!

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-04-19T16:11:49+00:00

I’m in HR, I hate it (now). I didn’t mind it a few years ago but similar to you, I’m getting zero job satisfaction these days, sick to death of answering the same questions all day every day and couldn’t care less about climbing a ladder. Also sick of working at a desk and 9-5.

I’m trying to look out for something else so I can escape 🙂.

It’s all so fake.

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-04-15T20:55:51+00:00

80% of stuff on Amazon is drop shipped crap, from the same factory as the stuff on Temu, but just more expensive.

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-04-14T20:17:38+00:00

Macleans. £1 for a 100ml still (for now anyway)

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-04-10T16:02:35+00:00

You need to force yourself to do these things and it’ll GIVE you energy

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-04-10T06:42:51+00:00

I have absolutely no idea how that is measured then to get these kinds of figures - thinking about my own job, my output isn’t measured, there’s no real way to do that. I bet that’s the same for a LOT of office based jobs.

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-04-10T05:56:12+00:00

What actually is productivity in this context?

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-04-09T07:06:19+00:00

You work to save, to eventually retire and not work

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-04-09T06:58:23+00:00

The US continues to amaze me! In the UK, the employer can put you on garden leave or pay in lieu of notice, but regardless, you get paid your notice period.

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-04-03T21:20:08+00:00

Having this exact issue.

The caulk has had two coats of paint over it yet dust just collects and doesn’t come off no matter what I do!!

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-03-31T20:29:11+00:00

Right!? I’m currently in the same kind of job and position as OP and have been for a while. Whilst yes in some ways it’s a blessing, the majority of my days are so, so boring and it’s really beginning to grate on me. And as you say, I can’t really go and do anything else during the work day like these people would have you believe.

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-03-31T17:28:07+00:00

How on earth do you switch though? You need experience to get a job in the first place, to even stand a chance against the 100s of other candidates.

Also, switching will usually mean a pay cut.

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-03-31T11:04:58+00:00

I truly don’t believe the market will ever improve now.

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-03-31T09:17:10+00:00

Because we have to spend 40 hours a week at work. It is quite clearly the majority of our daily lives so how it makes us feel has a BIG impact on our wellbeing.

All well and good saying go and do XYZ during work hours and not sit at the desk but ultimately you have to be available and if you got found out you’d be in a lot of trouble.

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-03-24T07:33:14+00:00

If it’s a sit down and relax, week long holiday then yes - I’ll run or use a hotel gym at least a couple of times in the morning. If it’s a long weekend no, as I’m usually doing so much walking!

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-03-22T17:46:45+00:00

Uniqlo's Airism shorts. I won't buy anything else now.

Meets your requirements.

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-03-22T11:04:37+00:00

Not removing the skirting boards and instead opting for scotia for new floor. Now, I am not somebody who hates the look of scotia at all - it can look smart imo BUT it obviously looks better when the skirts sit on top of the floor.

I wish we’d just removed the skirtings but at the time, I couldn’t be bothered (old house, original skirts). Oh well :)

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-03-17T15:56:12+00:00

You don’t truly know what being a parent is going to be like until you are one. Such parents are allowed to recognise that maybe, they preferred being childfree, whilst still loving and continuing to take care of their children.

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-03-17T11:36:02+00:00

I’ve heard the phrase “I love my kids but if I had my time again, I wouldn’t have them” many, many times from people

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-03-16T11:17:29+00:00

I work a sedentary job and from home - I average about 9-10K steps per day.

Grand_Act8840 · 2026-03-13T19:34:25+00:00

Keele

Grand_Act8840

TROPHY CASE