Growing more and more frustrated with how difficult it is to find a job.

baumaus
baumaus Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 11 Listener
in Work

I know so many of you will relate.

A decade ago I had freshly turned twenty years old and was full of ambition, I had so many plans and such a drive to do and be. Then I became disabled, and suddenly I wasn't as physically able, some days were very bad, neurological symptoms would flare up constantly. But the ambition is all still there, so is the drive. Just the opportunities have gone.

I am educated, I am capable, I am intelligent, I have so many talents I could share with the world given the opportunity. I want to have a job and I apply for hundreds a week which is exhausting and disheartening when you get rejected or ignored. It has taken a toll on my confidence.

I want to contribute. I want to DO something. I am tired of feeling embarrassed about being on benefits. The stigma is horrible and I am so tired of it, but I don't see any way out. If by some miracle I can find an employer who will cater to my needs, that would change my entire life.

I know the job market in general is awful at the moment, but for disabled people it's even worse.

People who criticise and bash those of us on benefits have absolutely no idea.

Does anyone have any advice? Anyone relate or have any personal anecdotes to share so I don't feel alone? If you did find a job, how/where did you do it?

Thank you, Scope family.

Comments

  • SheffieldMan1976
    SheffieldMan1976 Posts: 2,570 Connected

    People who bash the unemployed, particularly the disabled, seriously need to touch grass and shut the heck up.

    Most of 'em are on social media from "work" when they're supposed to be working.

  • ColonelBlink
    ColonelBlink Community Member Posts: 1,103 Trailblazing

    @baumaus I decided to give up getting back into work, there was just no point making myself feel bad for circumstances beyond my control. Why not put your energy into doing what you enjoy, whilst you still have the ability?

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 4,064 Online Community Team

    Your situation sounds incredibly frustrating @baumaus. I can totally understand you wanting to utilise your skills and knowledge and not being given the chance to. We have a Support to Work service which may be useful.

    What kind of job would you like?

  • baumaus
    baumaus Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 11 Listener
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1135740#Comment_1135740

    I moved in with my partner and due to him having a job my UC has been cut massively, making me financially dependant on him. I need a job, I need my own money, I want to contribute to the household to help and not feel like a burden.

  • baumaus
    baumaus Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 11 Listener

    Thank you, yes it is very frustrating. I would love to have a remote job that I could do from home, I could manage that. I would also love to be a teaching assistant in a primary school but I think that could prove difficult.

  • Stellar
    Stellar Community Member Posts: 515 Trailblazing

    Feel this so much. If it wasnt for abusive scum making me homeless shortly after uni (and services equally being abusive and neglectful) i'd havw a career.

    worth adding the UK job market is absolutely broken for everyone. These are systemic issues that require systemic solutions.

    @baumaus have you considered self employment? that might be best given your situation.

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 4,064 Online Community Team

    @baumaus I now work here remotely which I'm incredibly grateful for but before this I worked in schools. I found it incredibly rewarding but it was too difficult to manage with my chronic pain. Are there any aspects in particular that you think would be difficult for you? Maybe I could offer some advice as I've been through it.

  • baumaus
    baumaus Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 11 Listener
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1135761#Comment_1135761

    Funnily enough I have been looking at the job listings on Scope as I would love to work for a charity whose cause resonates with me so deeply. But I know it's rather competitive.

    I was support staff in two primary schools before getting fibro and M.E and rheumatoid arthritis, it was so rewarding and enjoyable. But I struggled with keeping momentum as I needed to pace. I get chronic pain and fatigue flare ups often if I don't pace. I also don't drive so would need to use public transport which I find difficult to do (unreliable buses, having to climb stairs at the station, walking long stretches etc)

    Thank you so much for offering help, I really really do appreciate you.

  • cass21
    cass21 Community Member Posts: 44 Connected
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1135780#Comment_1135780

    Ah thats tough i can feel your determination this sounds silly but manfest the life you want ive been watching so many podcasts about this so im manfesting alot lol worth a try ? Its so hard not to lose hope but the job market shocking at this moment in time all you can do is what your doing be kind to yourself your doing great i wish you all the best

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