Pre-reg Placement Problem Need Some Advice

[Thornewood9]

Hey guys
I need a bit of advice.
Okay so what's happened is I was interviewed for my pre-reg placement in July 2011. I got the placement and when asked where I would like to be placed I mentioned the area I live or thereabouts.
I specifically mentioned that it would HAVE to be quite close to home because I am married and live with my husband and in-laws and travelling a fair distance would not be suitable for me at all.
I can't move away for a year either owing to the fact that we have a mortgage.
The interviewer told me that this would be no problem and took it down.
Then in September 2011 when I should have received my contract I got nothing. I went on to call and email them throughout September, October, November, December. I finally get through to them a week ago.
They tell me that they have one place left its about 60 miles from where I live and all the other places have been taken.
Also they don't have a branch yet.
Now I'm starting my pre-reg in four/five months.
I need to make arrangements for a daily commute of 120 miles.
I don't have a car. Train travel means I will have to pay up to £400 per week.
They don't pay travel expenses.
Also I have to leave the house at 6am and I'll get back at 8pm I will have no time to study apart from Saturday and Sunday but as I live in a busy household I don't think I'll be able to study as much as is needed.
At work I only get one and a half hour of study per week.
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
I've been phoning up pharmacies to find if anyone has a last minute pre reg available near home I have one interview next week.
Should I just say no to the place I have?
I havent got a contract sent out yet so I haven't signed anything.
But should I say no when I have no backup in place?
Any advice would be appreciated.

Confused and Stressed Me

[MD178]

You should look near your house for a local independent pharmacy and see if you can find something nearer as you waited this long you should have tried pharmacies near your house rather than multiple?? and im sure if you give reason of travelling cost and time and stuff to them then its ok to reject but not now have a look near your house first and get an answer or contract with them then say no to this people?? I know you are not allowed to do this as you cant change your mind but they have taken their time and still its not confirmed as to where you will be based so you might try and find it yourself first rather than just saying yes..

[kl06229]

Hey guys
I need a bit of advice.
Okay so what's happened is I was interviewed for my pre-reg placement in July 2011. I got the placement and when asked where I would like to be placed I mentioned the area I live or thereabouts.
I specifically mentioned that it would HAVE to be quite close to home because I am married and live with my husband and in-laws and travelling a fair distance would not be suitable for me at all.
I can't move away for a year either owing to the fact that we have a mortgage.
The interviewer told me that this would be no problem and took it down.
Then in September 2011 when I should have received my contract I got nothing. I went on to call and email them throughout September, October, November, December. I finally get through to them a week ago.
They tell me that they have one place left its about 60 miles from where I live and all the other places have been taken.
Also they don't have a branch yet.
Now I'm starting my pre-reg in four/five months.
I need to make arrangements for a daily commute of 120 miles.
I don't have a car. Train travel means I will have to pay up to £400 per week.
They don't pay travel expenses.
Also I have to leave the house at 6am and I'll get back at 8pm I will have no time to study apart from Saturday and Sunday but as I live in a busy household I don't think I'll be able to study as much as is needed.
At work I only get one and a half hour of study per week.
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
I've been phoning up pharmacies to find if anyone has a last minute pre reg available near home I have one interview next week.
Should I just say no to the place I have?
I havent got a contract sent out yet so I haven't signed anything.
But should I say no when I have no backup in place?
Any advice would be appreciated.

Confused and Stressed Me

I'm not sure how your interview process worked but it sounds a bit different from the matching process I went through. In any case, since you haven't signed anything you could contact them and decline the offer. Of course your biggest worry is that you have no backup. Have you recently graduated? Have you considered taking half a year or a year out, if only just so you can try for a placement closer to home?

Taking a year out may seem pretty terrible, and if you're anything like most people you're probably quite eager to start. However that sounds like a long commute and you've got issues that make relocating difficult. It goes without saying that studying forms a big part of the year, and with that long commute you'll be quite tired by the time you get home every night. It's not an impossible endeavour but personally I'd take a year out.

[Thornewood9]

I'm not sure how your interview process worked but it sounds a bit different from the matching process I went through. In any case, since you haven't signed anything you could contact them and decline the offer. Of course your biggest worry is that you have no backup. Have you recently graduated? Have you considered taking half a year or a year out, if only just so you can try for a placement closer to home?

Taking a year out may seem pretty terrible, and if you're anything like most people you're probably quite eager to start. However that sounds like a long commute and you've got issues that make relocating difficult. It goes without saying that studying forms a big part of the year, and with that long commute you'll be quite tired by the time you get home every night. It's not an impossible endeavour but personally I'd take a year out.

It wasn't a matching process, I applied to them directly and was called for an interview. I'll be graduating (hopefully) June 29th 2012. I thought about taking a year out but it would be quite difficult with the financial situation I'm in right now. I've been calling pharmacies up and asking but no joy yet

[Thornewood9]

You should look near your house for a local independent pharmacy and see if you can find something nearer as you waited this long you should have tried pharmacies near your house rather than multiple?? and im sure if you give reason of travelling cost and time and stuff to them then its ok to reject but not now have a look near your house first and get an answer or contract with them then say no to this people?? I know you are not allowed to do this as you cant change your mind but they have taken their time and still its not confirmed as to where you will be based so you might try and find it yourself first rather than just saying yes..

I've been looking for a place by phoning up pharmacies, haven't found anything yet. Hopefully someone will get back to me as soon as possible They said they will be sending a contract out in the next few weeks so I think I have some time to find something before it comes. I hope I find something thanks for your advice.

And kl06229
Thanks for your advice too. Always helps to hear other people's thoughst on a matter

[johnep]

If find impossible to get a pre reg place, you may be able to get direct entry into teaching as I did. Holidays would give you time to look for a placement.
johnep

[Thornewood9]

If find impossible to get a pre reg place, you may be able to get direct entry into teaching as I did. Holidays would give you time to look for a placement.
johnep

As a lecturer for Pharmacy? Don't you need to do an extra course for that?
Thanks for your advice, it's really appreciated

[johnep]

'lecturer for Pharmacy'. No as science teacher in a school. May even get a 'hello' payment. research with LEA. I taught chemistry to O and A levels and physics to O level.
johnep

[Merlyn]

Don't THINK you can get automatic entry in the same way now. There are all sorts of ways to get into teaching but I'm pretty sure that none of them enable one to get a salary, or at least a full salary, for the first year at least.

You were on a scheme designed to be instead of National Service weren't you? That was because there there was a national shortage of science teachers.

[johnep]

'designed to be instead of National Service weren't you? That was because there there was a national shortage of science teachers.'
Yes, I was at a University of London Joint Recruiting Board with the intention of trying to become an officer in the tank core as i had engineering experience. A speaker said they were so short of science teachers that we could do this instead. The meeting was in July. Beginning of September I started as a temporary chemistry teacher at Highbury Grammar School.
Understand still severe shortage in some areas. may be worth enquiring. Because this gave me recognition as a teacher, was able to return in the mid 80s following redundancy as a supply teacher. Did this and locums until took permanent (well one year) position in retail.
johnep