Finding work after long time ill with ME

hjb123

Hi,

I am thinking in the non too distant future Im hoping that I may be able to try and get back to work again following 2.5 years out of work with ME/CFS

Just wondered how people have gone on looking for work when they have ME/CFS and a few other things:

1 - does the jobcentre help much as I have been on IB for 2 years and at my last medical they said that they could help and remember attending a work focused interview a while back where they said they may be able to help - what is the help - does anyone have any experience of it?
2 - what do you tell potential employers, at what stage do you disclose the fact you have ME?
3 - what do you put on your CV?
4 - how many hours do you start with?
5 - any other pointers?

Thanks

ngbhughenden

Hi there

I know what you are going through. I was off work for 18 months with ME and going back to work was a worrying step. I am surveyor and I saw my current job advertised in the local paper. When I went for the interview I was completely honest and said that I might want time off. Fortunately he too had been very ill and completely sympathised.which helped. in fact I think it helped me get the job. I started working full time but I made sure I rested each evening and weekend. 2 years on I still get very tired but i am still in the same job.

The benefits people were surprised when I said I wanted to come off benefits , they said it happens very infrequently! So my advice would be for what it is worth is , go for it, be completely honest from the outset and good luck

So my advice

hjb123

thanks for that, as at the moment I dont feel upto it as am having a bit of a bad spell but hopefully by the end of the year I shoudl be upto it. Have done a cv, or made a start on one anyway!

urban_spirit

hjb123 wrote: »

Hi,

I am thinking in the non too distant future Im hoping that I may be able to try and get back to work again following 2.5 years out of work with ME/CFS

Just wondered how people have gone on looking for work when they have ME/CFS and a few other things:

1 - does the jobcentre help much as I have been on IB for 2 years and at my last medical they said that they could help and remember attending a work focused interview a while back where they said they may be able to help - what is the help - does anyone have any experience of it?
2 - what do you tell potential employers, at what stage do you disclose the fact you have ME?
3 - what do you put on your CV?
4 - how many hours do you start with?
5 - any other pointers?

Thanks

Hi hjb123

I'm in a very similar situation except i'm looking for a new job as i'm being sacked from my current one for sick absence due to a very similar condition to yours.

1. Have you had a chat with a Disability Employment Adviser at your local job centre? They help someone with a long-term health condition/disability find employment. Have a look on your local job centre plus website for details of your nearest DEA and what they do.
2. As far as i'm aware, either on the application form or at the interview is when you tell your potential employer. If you withhold the information and eg are absent further down the line due to your illness, you can be sacked for not disclosing it.
3. That is a very good question - if I can work that out (as i'm writing mine out at the moment) i'll come back and post. If anyone has any ideas let us know.
4. You'll know how many hours you can do. Don't throw yourself into doing too many causing a relapse, so maybe not full time employment at first until you build yourself up (if you can). If you haven't worked for a while, have you thought of volunteering somewhere (eg charity shop) to ease you gently into the working routine?
5. If anyone has any other pointers, please let us know!

The trick (beside finding a job) is balancing your condition and how much it takes out of you with working. You need to find your limits and as much as possible work within them.

Good luck, and hope you're feeling stronger soon xx

hjb123

Im just finding it so hard working out a good balance, some times its so different to others. I would just love to be out at work, but its knowing how much I would be able to do, for how long, what I would manage and how an employer would manage me and my condition

urban_spirit

hjb123 wrote: »

Im just finding it so hard working out a good balance, some times its so different to others. I would just love to be out at work, but its knowing how much I would be able to do, for how long, what I would manage and how an employer would manage me and my condition

I know 100% exactly how you feel. The only thing driving me to paid employment is paying bills, and because of the fluctuations in my condition i'm fully expecting to go through being sacked again

If I didn't need the cash i'd be a volunteer, which is so much more flexible and would allow me to contribute in a positive way

teeni

hi,

I am a survivor of M.E. I say a survivor because 10 years ago i spent 6 months in bed and about two years totally useless with M.E.

When I felt ready to start looking for work I contacted my local CAB and applied to be a volunteer advisor this allowed me to guage how much work I could do without giving up the security of my benefits.

May be worth a try unti you are sure of how you will cope.

Good luck.

Teeni