Ask the expert: How to make a fresh start

Q: I have been in a relationship where my spouse supports me. He owns his own business and I help out a lot. We have separated and I am uneducated but I am presentable with a lot of skills - but no high school certificate or degree to prove I am worthy of the positions I apply for. Is there any advice or wisdom that you could give me?

A: You haven't specified what type of work you'll be seeking, but I'll assume that it builds on the work you've been doing in your spouse's business. A CV or job application can start with this, particularly if your ex-partner is willing to be a reference for you during this transition.

If the work that you have been doing is office/administrative, you may find that there are temporary agencies that will be able to provide both access to employment where you can build up greater confidence, and some offer skills development to support your ability to work effectively, as well.

You may also need additional support services, particularly for longer term work. I consulted two colleagues for additional pointers for you.

Dr Felicity Lamm, an employment relations expert at the University of Auckland, suggests that you may also need to obtain qualifications at the same time that you return to employment (if possible).

In terms of jobs, Work and Income NZ has advisers who assist mature people to get a job. There are also organisations attached to local councils that either assist with seeking a job (not all councils offer this service) or help in starting a business (Bizgrow etc).

There are a number of initiatives aimed at helping people seeking long-term employment by providing training, writing CVs etc. These are often run out of local councils or the information can be obtained from the Citizens' Advice Bureau.

Dr Lamm suggests that if you are interested in obtaining qualifications while working, you might consider extramural courses, such as those offered by the Correspondence School and Open Polytechnic. There are also evening classes at local high schools offering certificated courses, such as the courses in Microsoft software programmes.

Advice on literacy courses (if needed) can be sought from NZ Literacy (see email link below). You may wish to become a full-time student, in which case you should contact Work and Income NZ about support programmes.

Mattie Wall, a member of Dress-for-Success, a not-for-profit group that assists women referred by other agencies with a start-up wardrobe for returning to work, also suggests you contact the Citizens' Advice Bureau, as there are many community-based programmes dealing with skills development, CV and interview skills, and returning to work.

The holidays can be a slow time of year to be seeking work, so persevere, check out your options and follow through in the New Year.

* If your New Year's resolutions include volunteering, consider voluntary organisations who could use your skills to help people with their career and business problems. And if cleaning out your closet is part of your holiday ritual, make sure usable items go to voluntary organisations who will find them a new home where they may make a difference.