I have to find £200 in the next 5 days, that's without finding money for the family holiday. Traditionally, dad pays for transport and food, then I buy the occasional coffees and cakes, plus little extra things and perhaps some clothes - that won't be happening this time.

I'm already working 3 extra days this week at the dealership, have an interview on another of the mornings and may have to lose a morning of work for a hospital appointment for my skin, if I can manage it.

Co-incidentally, the money I need to find corresponds almost exactly to the amount I spent on the Summer Ball out of my own pocket, which several friends offered to contribute to. They didn't, thus I learned my lesson. But I still wouldn't mind if they had.

eBay is going to be seeing a few new listings tonight, but I'm worried about putting my silk ball gown on- technically I need the money more than the dress, but I spent £120 on it and it's far too high a quality to let sell for £30. Hmm.

For the interview I've been doing a little preparation work. I've read a great book on interview techniques and questions, how to answer them and make sure you've shown yourself in the best light. I'm torn between feeling that it's cheating and knowing that as long as no lies pass my lips it's honest and fair. In the current job market I'm going to take any advantage I can get. Is there a book on "How to bag a career in your dream job at your dream salary"?

Job Shopping

The time has come again to find full time work. Apparently, as a highly qualified, socially normal person, it's difficult.

I've tried Monster, Gumtree, Totaljobs, Hays, newspapers, random internet searches, asking friends, family and people off the street. Job, o'oh Jo-obs, where are you?

There's a 2nd interview next week with a promising firm, which I'm guessing means I'm down to the final 5, an improvement on recent attempts. I'm not holding my breath though.

I'm also looking at graduate schemes, as a few are looking interesting, however due to the current job market I'm foreseeing a highly competitive (even more so than usual) process.

It probably doesn't help that no-one in the family right now is happy with their career. Dad has clearly lost his joie de vivre, mum has lost her way and Ethan is doing quite well in his engineering degree. Perhaps he'll need a cleaner when he's wealthy and saving the world, maybe a house-sitter when he's away telling people how to build things properly.

Overall it's just wholly negative.