PERSONAL EXPERIENCES - Leaving benefits and starting a job

SingleSue

ska_lover wrote: »

Thank you so much. This is a very honest and informative post of what my friend can expect to go through. Do you mind if I print this out and show them? I think it would really help

My friend is of a very similar mind set to you, determined to work - but it is obvious there will be hurdles to overcome, on a permanant basis - and it would in some ways be 'easier' to stay on ESA, it is not my friends wish, same as yours.

My friend has become increasingly isolated and is only young still, in their 20s , so they want to get out and meet people and hoping this will be positive for them as well as the fact they will be supporting themselves and the pride that comes with that

I really admire your tenacity and resilience, Sue - you indeed are an inspiration

No worries re printing it off.

The isolation was what got me and going back to work was one of the biggest advantages now to counteract that. I have met so many people since going back to work, have become part of the town street scene that I now can't go more than a few paces without someone saying hi...it's a lovely feeling.

I'm not saying it is all plain sailing and hearts and flowers, it's unlikely to be especially with disabilities involved and there are days when I am near collapse as I have pushed it too far (in fact, I have indeed collapsed more than a few times, both at work and at home) but for me, it gives me a huge boost to say "Right, got to go, I've got to get to work"

ska_lover

poppy12345 wrote: »

Permitted work is always an option to start with. This was also advised in a previous thread of yours about your "friend."

True that, however - The thread you refer, was a very different scenario, from a thread eight months old.

Permitted work is only an option in certain circumstances, and this isn't one. (Hence why that wasn't the question, on this occasion)

ska_lover

SingleSue wrote: »

No worries re printing it off.

The isolation was what got me and going back to work was one of the biggest advantages now to counteract that. I have met so many people since going back to work, have become part of the town street scene that I now can't go more than a few paces without someone saying hi...it's a lovely feeling.

I'm not saying it is all plain sailing and hearts and flowers, it's unlikely to be especially with disabilities involved and there are days when I am near collapse as I have pushed it too far (in fact, I have indeed collapsed more than a few times, both at work and at home) but for me, it gives me a huge boost to say "Right, got to go, I've got to get to work"

Thanks Sue.

My Friend is the exact same, they have been pretty isolated for ages now, I really hope this will help in the same way it has for you

Thanks so much