What Are Opportunities, And What Are Traps?

[HëllaBubz]

Often when I'm bored, I browse a site called Gumtree.

I came across an ad titled, "So, you are disabled. But what job WOULD suit you?", which for obvious reasons, caught my eye. I had a look through it, and got in contact with the woman who posted it, who has since been talking with me.

My thing is this, how do I know if this is a worthwhile endeavor, or spend of money?
I'll post up the original ad, as well as a link to her website that I found, I would really like to know other people's thoughts.

I'm really wanting to get started on a path that would allow me to look at work and education, because I cannot, or rather WILL NOT, stay home forever. There has to be something I can do out there, that will help support the family.

I know that it is going to take a fair while, which I why I want to start looking at options now, and start preparing myself for what is going to be a long journey.

I just don't know if this program that is being offered, is a good idea, or if I should really put myself out there.

So much confusion, so scared my drive to get through these barriers might blind me to something that might be potentially not only a waste of time, but a loss of precious money and a scam.

Has anyone any thoughts?

The Ad.


The Website.

 

[maddog]

Oh Bubzilla, I'm afraid that my 1st and all subsequent reactions (after an admittedly very brief look through the ad and website) are no no no!!

Please know these are just the reactions of a very suspicious and cynical mind, but this screams "scam" to me. The ad is unprofessional (including multiple typos), full of motherhood statements and sweeping generalisations about the wonderful things she can do without any specifics as to what or how, and absolutely no substance to the claims she makes about her own qualifications, programme content, authorisations/endorsements etc. There is no evidence that this is a legitimate business from what I can see and the simplicity of some of the site's claims is downright insulting if nothing else.

I'm so sorry, please just ignore my reaction if it seems harsh or without just cause, but this made me angry. Talk about exploitative!!

If you are so inclined, you could phone the number and ask her some very pointed questions, that would absolutely be the best way of gauging a more accurate sense of what this is all about from a real person, but I would be very, very cautious and guarded about this.

Would be interested in others' reactions though, as mine may be outliers... wouldn't be the first time!

Maddog

 

[HëllaBubz]

It was my first reaction too.

 

[nursenurse]

I say nay along with Maddog. Got my hackles up. If you would like a life coach, there are other ways of sourcing them, but this ad screams too much "Pick me!", which by the way, it actually says somewhere in the body. I agree wholeheartedly with Maddog's reactions and cannot express them any better. Save your money from this one.

 

[HëllaBubz]

Yeah. Glad I'm not the only one. When I have second thoughts, I usually listen, because my common sense usually speaks first, then the cynicism follows as back up.

Sometimes my head is so muddled, it's better to speak up and ask.

 

[nursenurse]

We all get like that, the only stupid question is the one that doesn't get asked :)

 

[Hashi]

EDITED TO ADD - Didn't see other replies before posting this. But mostly it's about general approaches to considering working with anyone. So maybe still relevant even if you've decided not to go ahead with this particular person.

As someone who's just been unemployed (starting work again on Tuesday - help!) the first thing I'd ask you is whether you've looked into all the possible free programmes, one-to-one sessions and online tools provided by the government/state or charities to help people review their career and training options. In the UK, there's a lot available for free - skill reviews, individual advice sessions, training, information about grants that are available for more education etc. Some of this is for people claiming unemployment or other benefits, but some of it's open to everyone. There may also be additional services for people with disabilities, women wanting to return to work etc.

I don't know if you have anything similar? If so, I'd exhaust all those possibilities before paying for anything. Some of the training and coaching I had through the government programme here was carried out by excellent companies who also work privately and charge individuals for their services - but I got that same training/coaching free.

I also got a lot from books, websites etc. There are books like "What Colour is Your Parachute" and other guides to doing your own review and action plan. Again, I'd have a thorough look at what's available this way before paying for anything. Especially if you have more time than money.

With regard to private coaching, the questions are:

- Is the person genuine?
- If they are genuine, are they good enough?
- Is it the right time for you?

Obviously, you need to check the person's credentials. I'd want someone to be a member of at least one reputable organisation, and would check directly with the organisation/s that she was a member, what type of member and what that means. I'd also check that they actually have qualifications they say they have, and look at the qualification curriculum to see what it represents. Also ask for client testimonials/references. I'd look up their job history on LinkedIn to see how much relevant business/human resources/recruiting experience they've listed (if it's important, then I'd check it's genuine). Things like that.

If that's all in place, there's still a question of how good she is. For example, what do you think of the blog she links to from her website? This is the kind of advice she's going to be giving you, presumably - is it worth paying for? Is it impressive? Is it something you couldn't have thought of yourself? Can you see yourself following it? Can you see it being successful with employers?

I'd look at her website, LinkedIn profile and blog - is she demonstrating success and not just promising it? Are there are specific examples of the advice she gives, and not just descriptions of it? Case studies of how she's helped people? Testimonials from people who've done the programme? Does she say how many clients she's worked with? Why is there only one blog in 5 months? People with lots of experience, ideas and a range of skills tend to have a lot to blog about. In her field blogging is how to sell yourself, so if she's not doing it what does that say about training others to sell themselves...?

She might be a good person for you to see, I've no idea. I think you're right to approach it with a healthy cynicism. I really do wonder if there's more you can do first without paying, though. (Apologies if you've already looked into that all you can.)

 

[Hashi]

I actually think this person is genuine, but just not very good. She's not necessarily trying to exploit anyone, just seeing this as a business opportunity and over-rating her abilities. That's my impression.

 

[HëllaBubz]

I got the impression that she has a passion, but over rates herself.
You cannot reasonably ask that sort of money for something so new.

My general feeling is that this is a promise the size of the demanded paycheck.

Grandiose, verbose, over sold and generally unrealistic.

Afterthought:

There is no reason that I cannot take advantage of courses that the government will pay for to upskill mother's returning to work, and continue to work on my perception of the world in therapy.

In my opinion, you have to be a frigging good P doc before I'd agree to pay an amount like that!

Besides, why pay a coach when I have a p doc who knows more about who people work than almost anyone I could pay!

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I'd be wary of anyone who offers employment coaching, voice coaching AND hypnotherapy. Just ONE of those areas can take years to master, and she looks quite young. (No offense to the young, it's just that I wonder how many people she's really been able to help?)

 

[jmni]

bubzilla-
I am doing a work study right now.

Major things to access about yourself. How stable are you. Will people notice your symptoms, will you need to claim fmla. You really have to be honest with yourself. One option is to chose a career where you could work at a business or work from home. Anything that allows remote work is an option.

 

[HëllaBubz]

I'm not stable, my symptoms are not stable either, and noticeable. If I went back to work now I'd be let go due to my failing attention span and memory.

The more stressed I am, the worse my memory and processing gets. I'll find something eventually, but my first port of call is to get stuck into therapy.

If worse comes to worse, I'll do home and community care work part time once i get better, and then look at options from there.