It’s time to revive my blog. It’s scary to think this is my first post of the year. To be honest this year is proving to be incredibly challenging and it’s about time I shared it all.
I have got so many woes to write about. This post will focus on my struggle to find secure employment. For years now I have been happily floating along with two jobs that are 0 hour contracts. Whilst the work has never been guaranteed, in general I have worked on a weekly basis and have been comfortable financially.
Last year I was furloughed by one job and the other job continued to provide regular work. This year the story has been somewhat different. On average I have been working three days per month! I am good at budgeting and have managed to keep on top of my bills but the situation is so stressful and there is no sign of it ever improving. When I do get work it is often at very short notice, it’s not uncommon to be asked if I’m free in the next half an hour. The majority of the time I am able to drop everything. When this isn’t possible I chastise myself for being busy and missing out on essential income. I’m fearful of making plans in case I’m asked to work.
All year I have actively been applying for jobs and to date have been offered three interviews. The first interview I couldn’t attend as I was asked to work and they couldn’t move the interview date. The second interview was for the Step Up to Social Work programme and I worked so hard on my application. However, after completing multiple assessments they informed me on my birthday that I hadn’t been successful. It was a kick in the teeth but I brushed myself off and applied for a job at a sight loss charity that I really liked the look of. Ever committed I made sure I submitted a strong application. Despite receiving glowing feedback I received another rejection. It was too much, my confidence was crushed and pride damaged.
How many times can a person pick themselves back up? If you’re me there is no limit. I had a big ugly cry and invited the smallest violin to play the saddest tune at my pity party. This year I feel like I’m failing. Failing at everything. Yet I know that failure doesn’t have to be forever and whilst I didn’t get this latest job I am proud of my application. That’s why I’m going to share it. I enjoyed working on it. Spoiler alert, the following does mention some of my other woes!
First I had to send my CV, cover letter and an audio presentation that lasted no longer than three minutes. The presentation needed to talk about a mentor in my life, how we met and how they have helped me. The written version is printed below. However, you can find the actual audio version on my Face Book page for this blog ‘Insight Out’. Skip pass the text if you have already listened to the audio to see what the interview assessment entailed.
Start presentation
Productivity breeds success. That’s the motto of my mentor, friend and guide runner Ryan Asquith. My name is Selina Litt and I am a T11 visually impaired 100m sprinter.
For as long as I can remember I have loved sport and in particular running. I volunteered for the cross country team at primary school and joined an athletics club at the age of 11. However, this was short lived because I struggled to keep up with my peers due to my partial vision at the time.
In my late teens, now completely blind I joined an athletics club specifically for the disabled and in 2009 started competing. Like many I was excited about London 2012 and dreamed of racing at the games. Unfortunately I am not naturally talented and initially I ran around 17 seconds over 100m.
By 2011 I had reduced my time to 15 seconds and trained with Charnwood AC. I was on the lookout for a new guide runner that could help me progress further when I was approached by Lincoln Asquith, former GB sprinter and guide runner. He said I could run with his son Ryan providing he could coach us. Little did Lincoln know I wanted him to coach me for years. Nevertheless, I knew nothing about Ryan.
In late 2011 Ryan and I started training together 4 times per week. Two track sessions and 2 gym sessions. A trend that would continue for the next 10 years.
Over the last decade Ryan has advised, motivated and emotionally supported me. He has guided me both physically and mentally so that I can reach my goals.
He has advised me on nutrition, technique and recovery. Motivated me to train when the weather has been miserable and when I’ve felt tired. He has emotionally supported me through injury and poor performances.
He has guided me to the T11 60m indoor British record, 5th place at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, a 13.52 seconds 100m PB and a 3rd place ranking in Europe in 2017. The same year I sustained a career threatening injury.
I STILL HAVE DREAMS of competing at a Paralympic Games despite spending the last few years rehabilitating. For as long as I have Ryan by my side I believe I can achieve. Productivity breeds success…
End presentation
At interview stage I had a regular question and answer session that was followed by a written task. I had twenty minutes to write about ‘a perfect day’ and email the response back to them. It had to be written over three paragraphs. Considering how many hours it takes me to write these blog posts, it’s a miracle I managed to write more than a sentence! In all seriousness writing the below made my eyes prick with tears, it really was the most perfect of days.
Start text
About a year ago I had the most perfect day when my partner and I travelled to Old Hunstanton with my retired Guide Dog Calvin and current Guide Dog Riley. It was the first time we had holidayed as a four and I felt like I had my own little family.
Surprising for England the sun was shining and I found myself in a t-shirt and shorts on the beach, in Britain! I love the beach, listening to the soothing sounds of the waves, feeling the sand between my toes and this time listening to the merry jingle of Calvin and Riley’s bells on their collars as they played happily whilst my partner and I walked hand in hand.
I will always treasure that day on the beach as little did I know that would be our one and only holiday together as a four. Calvin sadly passed away earlier this year. I’m so pleased we could make that magical memory before he passed. Despite being twelve and a half at the time I’ll never forget him jumping up on me to say thank you for bringing him to the beach, our shared love.
End text
Of course Calvin will have his own blog post before the year is out. I have written most of it but every time I go back to it I’m in bits. I will find the strength. And yes I do seem to be crying a hell of a lot this year. I never used to be a crier at all. Testing times.
Anyway, the job hunt continues. I’m going to put it out there, if anyone wants to offer me part-time work then don’t be afraid to contact me. I am more than happy to send you a copy of my CV.
