Diary of a 50-something jobseeker

Stephen Scullion 50-something and out of work, Gateshead

I try to be as positive and upbeat as I can Stephen Scullion

As part of The Big Question series on the BBC in the North East and Cumbria, Stephen Scullion tells of his struggle to find a secure job.

I left school at 16 without any qualifications, as I knew that I did not need any - I was to join the British forces in the Royal Navy.

I left school on the Friday and was in the navy on the Monday!

After leaving the forces, and being without any recognisable qualifications in civilian life, I undertook a couple of government schemes (which promised secure employment).

I then decided to study for some qualifications in sport, as I had always been the "sporty" type while I served my country.

I managed to gain employment through this - working within the community - and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I then decided to take further qualifications, and also undertook work abroad when I could - in particular, with those who were deemed "socially unacceptable".

Feels stigmatised

Stephen has found it hard to find work since leaving the navy

I continued to try and improve my standing, by undertaking further and higher level qualifications in a range of subjects and areas - including one that cost me in the region of £3,000!

But, it was still difficult to get anything secure or long term, as there is, I think, a system in this country where it is "jobs for the boys", (for the sycophants, which you get in all walks of life). So I had to continue to take anything I could.

My last job ended in March 2009, and I am now in the unenviable position of having to attend my local Job Centre Plus so they can "help me back to work".

Why anyone would choose to live their life this way, I will never understand.

Stephen says unemployment has affected his psychological wellbeing

In fact, I remember a few years ago, when the late Piers Merchant MP said it would be easy to live on benefits… he soon realised it wasn't so easy!

It is, and always will be, anathema to me to be on benefits, as I know that I feel stigmatised by the whole process.

It has also had quite an adverse effect on my psychological wellbeing. I try to be as positive and upbeat as I can - but it is so difficult to be so, day to day.

An alternative view: Read the diary of a graduate jobseeker