Quote Originally Posted by singkit View Post

Hi ya! My name is singkit. I'm new here in the forum as well as in the UK. No friends, no job, no relatives But I have my husband with me who is very supportive, loving and understanding He's british, by the way. Being new in the UK is not easy for me. Most of the times, I can't help myself being lonely. I miss my parents, sisters, brother, nieces and nephews. Indeed, there is no place like Philippines. Good thing I found your website Am feeling better now. I don't see many filipinos here in Leeds. I wonder how busy they are at work. I only see many Pakistanis and Indians all the time. But filipinos...I've seen four of them since I got here ( just got here 5 months ago). If you'll ask me how am I doing in this country, well I am a bit disappointed. I couldn't find a job inspite of the many applications I've tried. Not even as a cleaner or housekeeper. Just wanna ask if someone from here knows about NIC (National Insurance Contribution) How to get one. When and Where? Somebody already told us that I have to get a job first before they can issue me one but the problem is I cannot get a job. Please help. I appreciate it in advanced.
Hi Singkit

I remember my first year here still vividly, that is why I can still appreciate what I've come to achieve in this country. I felt all the the emotions you mentioned. I felt alienated from everyone else, and from being so confident in my own country because I had a good job (I'd say), to suddenly relying on my husband for everything, especially as being a breadwinner in the Phils I suddenly had to rely to my husband for everything (ALTHOUGH THAT IS WHAT HUSBANDS ARE FOR - isn't it hubbies out there?)

Anyway, I decided I was going to start looking for a job, anything, and started working for Marks and Spencer store was like being demoted from what I used to do, but I had no choice if I wanted to get out there - learn to speak the language, understand the different accents - I had to be out there!! I did try agencies, but I found them not very helpful that in the end I said to the other guy on the phone 'you want someone with experience, how am I going to get one if you would not give it to me', to which he could not really give me a decent reply! Anyway, the job at M & S was quite enjoyable experience to me, and gave me a bit of self confident.... and then to cut a long story short I am much happier and contented at the moment where I am. So you see, in time, you will find something, don't lose hope and be positive, I believe there is something out there for you. By the way, I got my NI from Department of Social Security.