Out of work, psych appointment prevents proper full time work. Thoughts appreciated.

purplefiona

DVardysShadow wrote: »

Here is the rub. The therapy gets in the way of what you want to do. Maybe you can find an employer with hours which fit. But if the hours don't fit, then the employer will be unlikely to take you on. If you were able to specify an endpoint, then it might make the prospect more palatable to an employer.

If you are now ready for a job, I would say that things have advanced for you. If you really want a job, you will find other ways to manage your condition. You really need to talk this through with your therapist.

I see what you are saying but I'm not Ms Long Term Unemployed- throughout my therapy I've always had a job! this is the first time ever I've had a problem with it. So its still sinking in. How much of a Big Deal it is. reading this thread is helping it sink in. I could literally have a job tomorrow if I didn't have therapy. Maybe its time to wind this one down and change to a private therapist later if I still feel I need it. I don't know.

purplefiona

Rockporkchop wrote: »

I meant moving on with the employment part of your life. Getting a new job is "moving on" IMO.

Have you ever thought about getting a job as a doctor's receptionist? You would probably be able to fit in your appointments and your personality would fit the job perfectly.

Oh dear!!! hahahaha I know what you mean. Yeah maybe, I did think of going for jobs like that. Not sure how I would cope all day telling people they can't see the doctor, etc. eek!

purplefiona

thriftymanc wrote: »

Can't you move your appointments to last thing in the day instead? With office jobs, a lot of employers offer slightly more flexible working than just a rigid 9-5 to allow for things like people picking up their kids from school etc. Some places let you choose when you start and finish as long as you're there for 'core hours' (e.g. 9-2pm) and as long as you get your 7.5 hours or whatever done. Fridays are also popular days to finish early even if working isn't so flexible, a few of my friends work in jobs with fixed hours but their finish on a Friday is always an hour or two earlier. If you could change your appointments to e.g. 4pm on a Friday you might find it easier to fit around a 'regular' Mon-Fri job.

Or how about something like receptionist at a hotel? You might be able to get a shift starting later in the day and finishing in the late evening, or night shifts if you don't mind doing them. I'd definitely look at agencies that specialise in hospitality for a better range of hours. What about a 'maitre d' type job? (If you're looking for something a bit 'better' than e.g. waiting tables or bar work - though there's nothing wrong with those jobs either, it just depends what you're after.)

I wish I could change it to later- all the late appointments are full.
Hotel receptionist- good call. I live near Heathrow which ought to be a bonus for out of hours jobs. I will keep looking

williamD1964

Fiona, might I suggest you look on the Tfl website for vacancies. The company offers flexible working in some positions.

bestpud

Have you spoken to your therapist about this?

It's hard to end after three years but it has to be done and it does seem like it's become a 'part of the furniture' for you.

I know you didn't ask for advice about your therapy but I also think it would be helpful to discuss how you feel the therapy is progressing and what you hope to achieve from it. It's very easy to drift after so much time.

If you won't budge on the therapy then you may have to lower your sights when it comes to a job but it seems absurd to do that when therapy is meant to make you feel you can achieve more!

purplefiona

bestpud wrote: »

Have you spoken to your therapist about this?

It's hard to end after three years but it has to be done and it does seem like it's become a 'part of the furniture' for you.

I know you didn't ask for advice about your therapy but I also think it would be helpful to discuss how you feel the therapy is progressing and what you hope to achieve from it. It's very easy to drift after so much time.

If you won't budge on the therapy then you may have to lower your sights when it comes to a job but it seems absurd to do that when therapy is meant to make you feel you can achieve more!

Depends what therapy it is. You might be thinking of CBT or something short term. This is long term. This is not counselling, or soft therapies. this is long term psychotherapy, and it means just that. Long term. But i do absorb what you all are saying. Therapy HAS helped me achieve more. I didn't think it was unreasonable to expect a job to fit that-seeing as all my jobs have so far- but clearly it is. AH well.

job or therapy. hmmm.

purplefiona

williamD1964 wrote: »

Fiona, might I suggest you look on the Tfl website for vacancies. The company offers flexible working in some positions.

Ta. nothing at the moment but I will keep looking

bestpud

purplefiona wrote: »

Depends what therapy it is. You might be thinking of CBT or something short term. This is long term. This is not counselling, or soft therapies. this is long term psychotherapy, and it means just that. Long term. But i do absorb what you all are saying. Therapy HAS helped me achieve more. I didn't think it was unreasonable to expect a job to fit that-seeing as all my jobs have so far- but clearly it is. AH well.

job or therapy. hmmm.

I wasn't thinking of CBT and tbh would be rather concerned if that type of therapy had gone on so long!

I'm not sure what you mean by soft therapies but I think any therapy should involve you and the therapist having regular 'where are we and where are we heading' sessions - I'm sure there is a better way of putting that but I hope you know what I mean!

Person_one

You might not have a nursing degree but what about healthcare assistant or support worker jobs. They are regularly advertised on jobs.nhs.uk and plenty don't require experience.

LondonDiva

The supermarkets and MacDonald's type places are good for varied shift work