Started a job I'm not fit enough to do. How to proceed?

totalfailiure

My work history is pretty poor and I've been unemployed for 9 months. My mental and physical health aren't the best.

I applied for a cleaning job, one of the only things I thought I could possibly do given I'm useless at everything. I did a good interview but later got a letter saying I hadn't got the job. Fast forward a few weeks, they phone me up and ask me to start the next day.

I start and they're setting up a new shop. The hours are 8am until 6pm, 6 days in a row for the next month at least. I thought to myself it could be difficult, but gave it a go.

There's no cleaning yet, it's carrying boxes, opening boxes, stacking shelves. Being on my feet for 10 hours isn't agreeing with me. I'm knackered after getting home and can't walk. I walk 40 mins to work as well as getting a train and the same back. I don't think I'm fit enough to keep doing these hours for another month like this and worry I might injure myself or faint or something.

I rang the boss today to day I'm aching all over but he wasn't happy.

What I want to know is, since I haven't signed off (I just hadn't had time for this), could I reach an agreement with the manager to say I'm not suitable and then go back to finding a more suitable job? What do I tell the jobcentre?

I appreciate anyone who takes the time to even read this or reply.

Ozzuk

Not knowing your medical history then you could be surprised how quick your body adapts. Make sure you are eating well and getting enough energy from your food/drink as your body won't be used to the new routine yet. If you can stick with it I bet you'll see results and a change in performance pretty quickly, sore muscles is good! Keep it up, you have a job and you'll be getting fitter!

bap98189

If they are setting up a new shop then the amount of lifting and carrying is bound to reduce once the stock is all on the shelves. I worked a store opening for Sainsbury once and there was a week of just stacking shelves, but once it was done things reverted to normal.

PasturesNew

I'd say well done to you for getting through the first hour ... I'd have collapsed. Just stick with it and it'll get easier, you're getting fit for free (no gym required).

The fact you can make it through a day and still go back the next day is proof you're UP for this job ..... and in a month's time you won't even think it hard.

You've gone from 0 effort to full effort at the drop of a hat, in the HOTTEST summer for decades!!! and should be congratulated - possibly even given a medal - for continuing to turn up.

Stick with it .... this time next year you'll wonder what all the fuss was about and find the job a doddle.

All the best.

Eliza_2

Completely agree with all the above. It'll be a really good challenge. I'm in my 60s and started work in a large shop (not sitting at a supermarket till!) but lots of lifting and carrying stock, running round finding items for customers, taking heavy bags to their cars, certainly no sitting down! I started wearing a stepometer and couldn't believe the number of steps I walked each day. The first month of full days was hell, I would get home nearly crying with exhaustion and my legs, feet and back ached like nothing on earth. However, after a month or so, my body has adapted as others have said, and I can now do a full day and think about going out in the evening afterwards. I've also offered to do cleaning there after work 3 evenings a week, I know can do it, after all, this sort of stuff is what our bodies are for, - movement, work etc.

Can't believe I was such a wuss in those early days, my legs and back are getting stronger every day!

Stick with it - just think of that payday!!

busy_mom_2

How many days here have you actually done?
And you you cannot just come to an agreement, you need to declare with JCP the exact circumstances, you could have done the work trial but you didnt notify JCP and set up the agreement beforehand.
As others have suggested stick with it and give it your best shot. If you do keave unless you have done a minimum of four weeks you face a sanction on your benefit for leaving a job.

duchy

I'm reasonably fit and have always done mainly desk based jobs but for a while bar work fitted in with my family responsibilities far better.

I worked for the same company three different times and the first week or so of each job boy did my body protest. I simply wasn't used to been on my feet so much -plus moving kegs etc.-Day three was probably the worst. By week two my body was getting used to it -and it got easier and by week three everything was fine and I honestly didn't notice. Make sure you are wearing shoes with decent support and up your fluid intake though.

I doesn't feel like it now but it will get so much easier and you'll realize how much fitter you become which of course has benefits as well.

Make sure you know how to lift- there are specific techniques to avoid injuring yourself. If you aren't sure then google for it.

I'm not surprised your boss wasn't happy that you rang up moaning to him that you were achy. Do you mean you didn't go in today ? Getting fired for not showing up will get you sanctioned. Take a couple of ibrufen for the aches and go in.

dippy3103

Your user name made me sad.... You got the job and have started it. You are not a total failure.

Hang in there for a few more days. Not only are you earning but you are showing that you can graft. It will get easier

I_Can_Haz_Job?

I feel for you as I had jobs like this in the past and I have a condition where my joints are dodgy so my knees are rubbish! The worst was 12 hour shifts in a supermarket as a fruit and veg girl - this was during university days and I took any hours going. What really helped were basic things - nice chunky insoles for flat, comfy shoes are a must. You can get them from any cheap shop and the best are £1 come from the clothing shop that sounds a bit like Denmark (trying not to use brand names - other clothing stores are available):p I can vouch for them as they beat the £20 odd ones I bought from a chemist. The muscle pain will pass - it's only natural as you're going from (I assume) very little physical activity to a lot. You can make it much easier by taking an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen and using the hot and cold spray or gels that sound a bit like Cheap Meat. You can get all this from pound shops. You've done so well so far - just imagine every hour that passes as another chunk of cash in your bank. Try to stick it out - any job is better than having to deal with the Jobcentre, sadly. x

miniemma

dippy3103 wrote: »

Your user name made me sad.... You got the job and have started it. You are not a total failure.

Hang in there for a few more days. Not only are you earning but you are showing that you can graft. It will get easier

This is exactly what I was going to say. You are not a total failure and you are not useless at everything. You have suceeded in getting this job and you have turned up and worked hard. As eveyone else has said, eat well, drink enough water in this hot weather and you will be able to pat yourself on the back once the shop is set up x

jackieblack

Yep, everything they all said ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^