Hey, I’m Jackson. I have no idea where to start when trying to get back into work

Jackson87

I’m 34 and suffer with Svt, Chronic back pain, Spasms, Ibs (undergoing tests atm to see if I’ve got Colitis), Ptsd, Depression and Anxiety.. Over the last 6 years I’ve tried to hold down jobs but ultimately lost them due to at least one or two of my issues each time.. I really want to be able to hold down a job but every time I mention my heart or my back on the “have you got any medical condition” forms I’m not even considered for the jobs (my family tell me to lie which I can’t do as I think that’s silly especially if something bad were to happen)..
I have no idea where to start when trying to get back into work as I’m just so scared that one of my conditions will just mess it up for me again. I have an animal management level 3 diploma that I’m worried will go to waste because manual labour is off the table for me now.

Has anyone got advice for me of how to go about finding the right kind of work and employer that would be better understanding of conditions etc.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Jackson

rubin16

Hi welcome to the community,

Unfortunatley there is alot of people out of work and looking for work at the moment, which means employers can be more selective for new employee's. I had a similar situation months ago and wanted to find work even though I can't due to my illnesses. I found that if I mentioned my conditions when applying I wouldn't hear anything back or be declined, so I tried not mentioning anything and got a job easily. However this backfired as I fell ill again and had to give it up after only working there for 2 weeks.

It just shows that there is still descrimination going on in the workplace, but I wouldn't give up it may just take longer to find a suitable employer or job.

Scope do help people find work, and help with support and cv writing. You can find out more information here: https://www.scope.org.uk/employment-services/support-to-work/

I hope your successful in your job hunting and find a suitable job soon.

Jackson87

Hi Rubin, 

Thank you so much for your reply to my post. 

I’m so sorry that it has happened to you very recently too! 

I’ll check that link out, I’m all good with my CV and that side of things it’s just the getting and keeping a job… I used to own my own pet services company before Covid and that completely messed up when everyone rightly so had to stay at home so they no longer needed me… and I had to close my company.. that took a huge toll on my Mental Health and I can’t cope with that again unfortunately.

Kind Regards 

Jackson

Ross_Alumni

Hello @Jackson87

Welcome to the community, it's lovely to see you join us and I hope you are having a nice Saturday.

Thank you for telling us a bit about your situation, employment certainly is a challenge for many people at the moment and the pandemic absolutely hasn't helped. 

It's important to do as much as possible to prepare for going back to work, if that's what you want to do. Volunteering, taking part in schemes like Support to Work (linked above) and figuring out what sort of job you want to do are all super ways to get yourself ready for work again. Have you considered any of these?

Can I ask, do you receive any support to manage your conditions and your mental health?  It appears as though it's been a tricky time for you and hopefully being a part of this community will help.

Jackson87

Hi Ross,

My wife supports me, other than that not really. 

I had unsuccessful EMDR Therapy where I was told they had to stop because my Traumas are too complicated to treat with that.. after that I heard nothing back and was left to just deal with everything in my own head myself again.

As for help with my conditions the only help I get is from my wife again (physically helps me on bad days and mentally ofc).

I know exactly what I want to do with my life but I know right now it’s not possible for me to realistically achieve that at the moment  (I want to be an Animal Care Assistant) I’ve got the qualifications I just have quite a few obstacles in my way that I need to tackle.

I will check out that link thank you.

Jean Eveleigh

Hi Jackson,

I would suggest doing a strengths and weaknesses chart as a first step.

In the strengths don't just think about the typical employ-ability skills you would pit on a CV but think creatively about the other skills your disability has afforded you that may be transferable into an employment setting.

In the weaknesses be as honest as possible about all the things that hold you back from working not just around your disability

And then look at college courses, volunteering opportunities and jobs that can work with your set of skills and accommodate your weakness.

As well as the resources of scope there is also a specialist job center/agency for disabled people you can look to http://evenbreak.co.uk/

Ross_Alumni

Jackson87 said:

Hi Ross,

My wife supports me, other than that not really. 

I had unsuccessful EMDR Therapy where I was told they had to stop because my Traumas are too complicated to treat with that.. after that I heard nothing back and was left to just deal with everything in my own head myself again.

As for help with my conditions the only help I get is from my wife again (physically helps me on bad days and mentally ofc).
.

Hello and thanks for your reply.

It's a shame that the therapy wasn't able to help you, but I'm glad you have a very supportive wife. How long ago was it that you tried to access support? It might be worth paying another visit to your GP to see if you can get any fresh help and support.

Jackson87

Hi Ross,

I am not here for support about my Mental Health.. I’m here about trying to get back into work etc… I’ve tried many avenues about my past traumas and I don’t rely on anyone else to help me with my MH because they’ve never been able to help me the whole 20 years I’ve suffered especially after they just left me to it last time and let me down a number of times so I am fine with dealing with that aspect of myself with my wife’s support as she’s never let me down which is fantastic and I’ve accepted that. It’s more about the physical side of things for me and the whole finding an employer who doesn’t just sack me off when I get my flare ups etc that I struggle with.

Thank you for your advice I do appreciate it

JessH

Hi Jackson,

I'm not sure if I will be much help, but I know what you are going through! I'm 34 and was a teacher. I lost part of my sight when I was 24. I gave up work and most of my life! After 10 years, I decided I wanted to go back to work, but I had no idea where to start! Firstly, I knew I couldn't go back to teaching as I couldn't see as well as I did, I didn't know what I could do with my new disability and I didn't know what I wanted to do.

My husband has an office in an innovation hub near to where we live, and he said the people who work there were amazing - really lovely and cared about people. I asked them for a job and they gave me one! I am now their disability and inclusion lead. I work across two locations and love my job. The people are so supportive and help me whenever I need it. I really want to help make other companies like ours - inclusive and supportive.

I also started a programme which allows people to gain work experience in a career they think they would like to do. I thought, when you have a disability, it's really hard to know if you will be able to do the job. So before you apply for a job in a certain sector - try it out! 

Do you know what kind of job you would like to do? Do you have anyone who could help you find work? 

I honestly know how it feels - its so frustrating and gets you down.

I really hope you are able to find something soon.