Dear Shoulders~
Ok, I can relate to your problems, however it may be an opportunity, at least for a while.
With a young child I can understand your wife needing her mum's support too.
Being on Newstart and having to apply for job after job, most often getting no reply, is a soul-destroying way to live. This is quite apart from the complete lack of money. Money at a time with a wife and new child to support.
Before I go further let me say phone calls can be misleading, you have no idea what the person on the other end is thinking, they could be in a bad mood or anything - that being said they could indeed be not the best - who knows.
If it was me - yes I know it is easy for me to say - I'd think very seriously about going through with the job. There are reasons. First the money. Second you avoid the terrible times one has with Centerlink, and thirdly it's always easier to get a fresh job when you are already in employment.
Having depression -as you no doubt know - skews one's thinking and makes all look grey and full of problems. I think you would be unfair to yourself to let things slide.
Driving to work -I use audio-books to keep me from getting bored, you can get them from your library. sometimes I'm disappointed to get to my destination as I'm caught up in the story.
If you set up good communications - like Skype - you can be in constant contact with home, which is a comfort both to you and your wife.
You have not mentioned anything about your depression and ADD. Are you being treated, and is it effective if you are? Sometimes things need re-visiting if they are not as good as they can get.
Please post as often as you'd like, you'll be met with understanding and care.
Anyway you have my best wishes
Croix
