How to stop stressing about health reassessment plus job hunting etc.

Tesslynne

Hi all. OK so I've got what's called a "long term health condition" that started last year. I'm having to do my health reassessment. Currently, I'm LCW and just on Universal Credit, no PIP. I'm really stressed out about this, about the health reassessment. I can be a bit of a worrier as it is though I'm trying to change!

On one hand, compared to when I got my first health assessment, things HAVE improved a lot, HOWEVER, because of my condition I can't do a lot of jobs I might otherwise be able to do. And I feel scared that I'm going to be judged as fit for work, hurry up and get a 5 day a week job, when the pool of jobs I can actually do has shrunk a lot. Also, having been through the health condition was quite traumatic in a way & I was burned out from my job & career before that (that I can't return to physically, nor do I want to!) So I don't want to go into a full on job either.

I'm volunteering only a few hours, love it. It is of course a job that doesn't contradict my condition. I would love my next step to be say applying for part time paid jobs in about 2 months and then a bit later on apply for full time work.

With the background I have work-wise, our application process is SO different & although I've had some great help - even job centre are amazing! - I feel overwhelmed by the whole CV part & tailoring CV etc. I will get more help. I just feel like it's probably not realistic to expect me to suddenly go from only volunteering a few hours a week to BAM full time job? And I don't even feel like I could GET one.

I've done a LOT of work on preparing to look for work and I am on a programme to help.

But this whole thing is getting to the point where today I am feeling the stress in my body - in my shoulders and my stress.

I also realise I don't know how long it will take for a decision to be made. The longer the better frankly LOL. I have done the form - with help - and I do have one medical letter but I've had trouble accessing any more, but might be able to AFTER the form is sent. I'm wondering if I should hold onto those in case I want to appeal?

Sorry this is so long. It's partially me getting out some of my stress. I'm trying to enjoy this month & however long or short it takes for a decision but it is quite unsettling, all the uncertainty, and I keep hearing how bad the job market is, that stresses me out too.

I guess since my health condition etc. I also see myself as less employable. I believe I CAN get a full time job, yes. But I don't believe I can say get it before the end of this year, especially in this dreadful job market.

So please anything you can say to encourage me, I'd massively appreciate it. And ways to help me stop stressing and take things one day at a time. I've done a lot to make myself more employable, including some career coaching, working on my CV and trying to upskill through videos, websites etc. Worked on my Linkedin profile all sorts of stuff. But the whole process still stresses me out, I'm not used to it and it's unsettling not knowing if I can start with part time and things more at my own pace or if it will suddenly be hurry up and get a full time job!

So any tips and or emotional support, I'd really appreciate it!

Tesslynne

When I say full on job, I mean in time it COULD be part time, but I feel like I need something that is NOT a "dynamic" "fast paced" type of job with lots of targets and micro managing would be the worst thing ever. Something a bit more chill than that.

Tesslynne

Sorry I meant to say it COULD be full time or part time. Can't edit my comments and posts LOL

Tesslynne

Sorry again, last PS, I meant to type, today I am feeling the stress in my shoulders and in my chest. Also a little bit in my tummy. I want to go back to taking one day at a time! But this whole thing is freaking me out! I think the typos might be partially cos I'm panicking about the whole thing, you know?

Rosie_Scope

Hello @Tesslynne, don't worry about making mistakes or typos, I understand what you mean 😊 it's good that you were able to type it all out to get some of it off your chest.

It can be really daunting getting a new job, especially when you're managing a condition, but it really does sound like you're doing all the right things so far. Volunteering is always a great way to get back into things and you're already doing that, and you're working on your CV and getting help with it all. It's all positive stuff!

If you feel like you'd ever want some more support to get into work, Scope have some employment services that might be worth a look:

Employment support services | Disability charity Scope UK

One thing I've done to reduce stress in the past is to restrict myself to only a certain amount of time each day thinking or tackling the things that are stressful. You an even set a timer so you don't go overboard. Then the rest of the time try to keep yourself busy with other things if you can. That can be easier said than done but it's worth a try! Are there any hobbies or interests that might help you feel more at ease and keep you distracted?

If your condition allows, gentle exercise can be good for stress. Or even just practicing some breathing exercises to calm yourself down 😊

You should hopefully be able to work your way up starting from part time, especially if that would be better for managing your health. And if there's anything that you might need to make whatever job you find more manageable, you can always discuss reasonable adjustments with your new employer. Part time or reduced hours can be part of reasonable adjustments:

Reasonable adjustments at work | Disability charity Scope UK

Sorry if I've misunderstood, but is your health assessment coming up or have you already had it?

Tesslynne

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/909519#Comment_909519

Thank you, Rosie, that's really helpful! No, its coming up. I DID have my initial health assessment when my condition was even worse. But I do still have physical issues even though it's a lot better than before - to the point that I can't do the range of jobs I could before, although I could do some.

I'm going to look up about the reasonable adjustments regarding the hours etc.

Thank you so much too for the stress management tips and other tips!

Tesslynne

It's coming up. I had the initial one before and the decision was LCW, but this is the reassessment and I don't know what the outcome will be or when it will be decided.

Rosie_Scope

Fingers crossed you get the result you're hoping for in the reassessment! It's difficult to say how long things will take as it can vary quite a lot but I hope yours goes smoothly and you get an answer nice and quickly 😊

Tesslynne

Thank you so much