Thanks Scuba you always have good advice and I do appreciate you pointing out the options because one can some time be blind to the obvious, getting the job and mortgage would make me a slave and with today’s house prices I think I would be crippled by the repayments so the travel would really have to be put on hold permanently I think. Ultimately I am willing to make that sacrifice because it’s what I want.

This is indeed a crud place, on my travels to USA I have seen how much easier it can be for young people in the same position as me…
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Arrive.Raise Hell.Leave

Chet it took me a year to find a job after graduating. Ended up working for a pittance but it was the best experience I ever had. I was so keen by that stage that I learnt loads. some of the graduate schemes took over 18 months to reply to me! Did a few assesment days and I know how draining they are but keep on with it mate.

Really don't let yourself get down. I did and it took ages to get my confidence back.

25 is nothing. I am 30 and have just changed direction again, no nearer getting my own place bought, but feel a new enthusiasm in my life again.

So how did it do then matey?

Didn’t go well 14 out of 15 people failed the initial testing so I was home early but still never mind. Had a phone call today from the company I had a telephone interview with on Monday and they have invited me for a proper assessment day next Friday so it's all good.

Went to a pub, this evening full of nice young ladies, who were quite friendly as well. Having a BBQ tomorrow with some friends to cheer me up a bit!
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Indeed Dave, the more interviews I do the better I will get.

All this is new to me as the first only interview I ever had before all this was when I was 17 and I got the job right away. So it’s a learning process and I will get better.

They aren’t going to break my spirit anymore.
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Something you may have missed out on...
I work at a software company, in fact, it's a computer games company.
We get loads of graduate applicants.
Loads of ellas send in their cvs.
The ones who get interviews are the ones that take that extra step.
eg: send in technical demos

If you want to wow a company, work on a model project that demonstrates the things you can do and how well you do them. If an employer can see that you were driven enough to do something off your own back, and it's quality work, they won't be able to get you in the door fast enough.