Bouncing back

Dakta

The above people have covered it tbh, it really does depend.

However to answer one of your points:

"I’m just wondering if this will be the end of work for me. I used to enjoy working until I got sick. "

I don't know your circumstances but if you're able to work, fit to work, and have a good attitude towards work then something will be doable, the game is not over.

Because you have circumstances, there may be hurdles. And not every company is as good as another and you may have to find ways to explain any sickness or absence or issues in previous employment. But it's definitely not game over.

elsien

mrfoxy said:

elsien said:

Some companies wouldn’t look at you (sorry, but that’s the reality), others are more open and some value lived experience in their particular fields. 

It’s not impossible but it’s too early to know at the moment going by your other thread. 

Is this due to mental health conditions or due to the sickness record? What I’ve found is that the pandemic has been problematic in receiving treatment for said conditions, which has obviously made the time off I’ve had worse. Mental Health system is overloaded. 

Both. You don’t have to declare any MH conditions but if you don’t then you’ll have a job explaining any gaps away, and can’t expect any adjustments if you do need them. It’s a bit of a judgement call sometimes. 

Jillanddy

mrfoxy said:

elsien said:

Some companies wouldn’t look at you (sorry, but that’s the reality), others are more open and some value lived experience in their particular fields. 

It’s not impossible but it’s too early to know at the moment going by your other thread. 

Is this due to mental health conditions or due to the sickness record? What I’ve found is that the pandemic has been problematic in receiving treatment for said conditions, which has obviously made the time off I’ve had worse. Mental Health system is overloaded. 

The entire health system has been overloaded, so it's no surprise that people haven't been treated for just about any condition. 

Personal circumstances always matter - obviously if you have a family to support then you need a greater income than if you are single, etc etc. 

But whilst it would be foolish to think that some employers would be reticent to employ someone with your history, actually I don't think, if you can recover to a point of being able to engage in work, that it is impossible. I think the key here is to be proactive - there are mental health / disability charities that have employment advisors and services, so get on to them now about getting advice and support - don't wait until you feel better, start preparing and planning for feeling better, because actually that may also help you feel better! Try here for starters https://www.scope.org.uk/employment-services/ I have worked with them and they are great. They can also signpost you to other help, training and educational opportunities.

If you want to go back to retail eventually, it probably won't be that hard. But if you want a change, with your educational qualifications (albeit sometime in the past) it is not too late to consider an apprenticeship. Modern apprenticeships can help you get a grounding in new skills and experiences whilst being in employment. And for these, your employment /health history might even be an advantage! Many public / third sector employers have apprenticeship schemes and will positively encourage applicants who have struggled with disadvantages due to their circumstances. You won't get any favours - so you would have to get the jobs on your own merit, which is a good thig - but your past circumstances, or even a need to ease back into work, wuld not be the barrier it might otherwise be with some employers. 

To be honest, I think a lot of this is going to be down to you, and your approach. It is easy to say that employers will be put off by your history. Some will. But others won't. They will be looking at how you have approached this, what you have done to help yourself, and how keen you are to turn this around. "Character" matters to employers. You are only "down and out" if that is what you decide. If you lose your job, then you can choose to lose hope and do nothing - or you can see it as an opportunity to grab and to rise up from. Your mental health may influence how hard or easy it is to make that decision, but it isn't the only factor in which way you decide to go. You still have a lot of opportunities and choices, but only you can take them.

mrfoxy

The lady I spoke to at the Job Centre says it looks incredibly good that I held down a job for 17-18 years and did education prior to that before I fell sick with mental health conditions. She said that will go in my favour. 

But I agree, should I lose my job I need to start focusing on getting better and getting better could be some form of work. Different kind of work. 

mrfoxy

Another post. 

This is the only job I’ve ever had since age 18. So I’m literally screwed in the future I guess. 

SusieT

mrfoxy said:

Another post. 

This is the only job I’ve ever had since age 18. So I’m literally screwed in the future I guess. 

If you feel that an apprentiship or change of career is not for you at this moment, have you considered volunteering in or for a charity shop? Depending on what point in retail that you work it could be a good option for you while you are recovering, and if the lady at the job center agrees it could mean that you can still get benefits even if it is an unpaid position. 

Ksw3

Definitely try the Richmond Fellowship. They were really supportive helping me back into work after a very lengthy stay in hospital due to MH. My local mental health team also have a specific employment team who help people back to work even if initially it's volunteering to show you can meet schedules, have some responsibility etc and to have something on your CV. 

I've been back in work for a few years now. It's definitely possible. 

mrfoxy

I’ve had a look at the Richmond Fellowship website but it’s totally confusing me at the moment and I don’t know why. I can’t see where to apply or do I just contact them directly?

Also, I haven’t been hospitalised but I struggle really bad. Does this mean I won’t receive any help? 

I can only see Tameside Housing support in my area from the Richmond Fellowship

Ksw3

I'd try calling the Tameside Housing Support (if you can) and see if they are aware of any employment support service as locally there may be specific charities for your area, they may even cover it themselves. You could also try your local MIND or asking your GP. It would be great if these things were well signposted but there we are!

My experience with support services are that they are for everyone with MH issues. People who have had brief episodes of illness up to those with years out of employment regardless of the level of treatment they've had.

Edited to add an organisation link that may be able to help

https://www.tameside.gov.uk/supportedemployment

mrfoxy

KSW3. 

Thank you so much! That seems like a brilliant service for if the worst case scenario happens.