Getting back to work after mental illness

Blaidd_Drwg

Hi

I've been unable to work for almost two years due to mental illness and used to be in quite a reasonably paid job. I can't go back to my old job. I would just like to get out of the house and earn my own money. I think I'm one of the few people who actually likes cleaning. So I thought I might apply for a cleaning job. However, even with cleaning jobs they want CV's. I can imagine the questions about why I'm applying for the job considering my previous work history, not to mention having to explain my period of unemployment and possible illness. It does get a bit overwhelming thinking about it. Does anyone know how to approach this or know of any resources?

Thanks

Savvy_Sue

I'd think about it a little less, and maybe play down your previous job, leave off the job title?

Is it worth offering to clean for friends? And charge them, obviously ...

InsideInsurance

Was your last job with a small or large employer? Did your illness impact the job or had you left it before you deteriorated?

At the end of the day you can just say you had a period of illness and so took the time off to recover but are now fighting fit and ready to get back out. There is no need to disclose what the illness is unless they decided to get occupational health involved to ensure you capacity for the job wont be impeded

A reference from the prior employer may be an issue depending on what happened etc but its a fairly low risk unless its a tiny employer with cantankerous management and you had a meltdown in the middle of the office etc

jezebel

I'm assuming from your post that you don't want to disclose your condition; I would be honest and say that you were off through ill health are looking to get back into work and can't go back to your original industry/role/profession because of ill health.

Cleaning is not a job that requires high levels of qualification or specific skills so I suspect the fact that you are physically fit will probably be more important than any previous history. You may find that lack of experience in cleaning limits positions available as some will want experience but it's worth applying.

Having previously left a stressful job after ill health I started temp work on data entry basis - still with the same company 8 years later and working with them in a more senior role with support so it's possible to get back into work and get through it - hope it works out for you

Blaidd_Drwg

Thankyou for all the responses. I have digested them. I think I am still treading water after this time. I'm actually a touch typist, which used to be a good skill to have.

I was employed by both a large organisation and a small one. No obvious problems caused to my employer - um apart from argumentative and aggression. Would probably not be enough to be conveyed to another organisation. I've worked on that.

BigAunty

Self employed cleaner? Advertise that you have liability insurance and clean DBS/basic disclosure? Once you get your first client, you have a got a referee for all future clients.


You might be able to charge £10-15 an hour rather than getting NMW.

You might be able to extend your services to your clients by offering pet sitting/dog walking/staying in for the gas man/collecting parcels or whatever.

Is this a job that you actually want to do or is your self esteem so shredded that you can't see yourself doing a job with greater status/pay?

My semi retired mother in law has no problems finding self employed cleaning jobs and which often extend to more general social/domestic care. For example, doing the shopping and errands for her elderly or disabled clients, as well as their cleaning. She's even been gifted money through inheritance when one died (she often has infirm and elderly clients, quite a few have died).