Training/job/come off ESA

carolannie

I hate claiming benefits and want to get a job and stand on my own two feet.
I have cyclothymic mood disorder (a type of bipolar) and severe anxiety.

I had a meeting with Orchard skills and was told I could do a few courses to update my office skills. Great
She also said I could do an apprenticeship in office work (£2.60 an hour)
I said yes, great, but I'm not sure I am ready yet.

Any ideas or help please, about how to get off benefits and get into full time work.

I feel like I've been ill forever

MrsManda

If you don't feel ready to take the step to come off benefits and go into work because you're worried about your health it may be a good idea to do a few courses to update your skills and see about doing some voluntary work.

That way you will build up your confidence, gain a better understanding of what you are capable of and gain experience and a reference before taking the step of coming off ESA.

Have you spoken to your doctor/psychologist/specialist to see whether they have any recommendations to support you?

LadyMissA

Or the job centre to see if there is any help they can give with training etc

carolannie

I don't feel ready yet, but I'm made to feel like scum for not working. You only have to read some of the answers on the benefits page and in the papers.
I don't mix with people, because I am embarrassed about not working.
I feel like a nobody and I'm sure getting a job would give me back my confidence and self esteem.

I will try some courses and see how I feel.

If I try the job center, they might take me off my ESA, as they already think i'm fit for work (ATOS found me fit for work and I am waiting for a tribunal date)

Thank you

SailorSam

If you're not sure whether you'd be able to cope with work maybe you could do some voluntary work.
I use to do Victim Support which i really enjoyed but there are lots of other agencies crying out for help. You could start with one or two half days and build it up until you felt better. That would get you some experience and training without the pressure of a proper job and you'd be able to keep your benefits.

LadyMissA

carolannie wrote: »

I don't feel ready yet, but I'm made to feel like scum for not working. You only have to read some of the answers on the benefits page and in the papers.
I don't mix with people, because I am embarrassed about not working.
I feel like a nobody and I'm sure getting a job would give me back my confidence and self esteem.

I will try some courses and see how I feel.

If I try the job center, they might take me off my ESA, as they already think i'm fit for work (ATOS found me fit for work and I am waiting for a tribunal date)

Thank you

It's all about coping and if you cant then they wont get far pushing you.

carolannie

me again.
Up to now, I am doing one day a week at college (learning office skills)
Have put my name down for volunteering at an elderly peoples lunch club, to help at lunchtime and help in the office. Just waiting to hear from them.
I have a disability adviser, who is a great help and on my side.
I have seen a job advertised for a carer in a Bupa home. I wouldn't have to travel as it's not far from my home and I have had lots of caring experience, with mum, nan and my children.

Question is, do I tell them I have Cyclothymia (milder form of bipolar)?
I have off days, but come out of it quickly.

I am worried about when to tell them, if I was lucky enough to be offered a job.
And what happens if I get in the job and feel unable to cope.

Any help would be great, thanks

My disability adviser says I have to tell them, IF I get offered the job.
But won't they just withdraw the offer then?

marybelle01

You may have little choice if they ask about medical conditions - which is often the case - or the reason why you haven't been working. I think it is always best not to lie - so if you are asked something, tell the truth, but put the best spin on it you can by explaining how you have improved and are now considered employment ready by your advisor. I would also explain that it is a mild condition which you have learned to manage. We all have off days and we don't have such a good excuse for it!

My only word of caution would be that caring as a job is very hard work and can be stressful. Remember, there are no family bonds to make the people more loveable (and they may not be!) and you are dealing with a bigger group of people than you would at home.

carolannie

Thank you.
This is the one thing I worry about, regards care work, that it will be too stressful for me.
I'm updating my office skills with Learn Direct and an office job would be better for me.

But I do like people and would enjoy the work, but I can't seem to find an honest view of care work. So I can make up my mind if it's for me.
I know a couple of people who do mobile caring and stick at it.
I can't do that type because I don't have a car.

the worse thing about my illness is that I change my mind so much, so
quickly.
One day I am up for anything and the next, really down.

With the job market, I can't be picky and have to just take a job to get off benefits, not hang around until a suitable stress free job comes up.

ohreally

Question is, do I tell them I have Cyclothymia (milder form of bipolar)?

carolannie wrote: »

This is the one thing I worry about, regards care work, that it will be too stressful for me

You shoud do some investigation into this type of work before taking any decisions.

The code of practise for care workers puts an obligation on you to inform your employer of any difficulties that may affect your ability to do you job - CoP care workers 6.3.