Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremyadvice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights.
I took voluntary redundancy to start up my own business in the food and drink sector. Unfortunately, four years on (and now with a young family) it looks like the business will not provide enough income for myself, or to support my family.
With savings almost exhausted, I’m in a make-or-break situation of whether to struggle on, or fold the business and look for permanent paid employment again.
I have a wealth of experience in retail, information technology, finance and marketing, but how do I account for the past four years on a CV or job application?
I am concerned that my experience and knowledge gained from running a business will be devalued by it not having been successful and worry that any past work experience is now invalid (particularly IT as it is now 10+ years since I worked in that sector).
I’m doing some part-time work to bring in some income. For this particular part-time work, however, there isn’t any scope to increase hours or rates in order to provide any meaningful income longer-term.
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
