Venting I guess or wanting advise

[blues23]

So I have been off work for around nearly two years ( Work cover injury) I did successfully find a new role unfortunately it seems it doesn’t have much work In it ( contracted 16 hours with potential for more ) has been my first day and feel a bit flat I guess my sister ( including myself ) think this job probably won’t pay me enough to survive ( with myself & my young daughter) sooooooo I got back on that seek wagon and I honestly feel like disheartened I don’t know what to do with my life really this Wc  kinda changed me a lot  and made my brain change it doesn’t think or cope like it used to it gets overwhelmed like that just a tiny thing and it’s panic stations . I’m a bit lost I think and maybe just maybe I put too much of myself into the job it’s not good really that’s why I liked this job ( even thou it may not be good money I can chill and just be chill I don’t want to work myself to the ground I’ve been there done that but I also need to pay rent. & bills that never end and I don’t know if this job can cover this expenses and of course Im trying to save money too but because I just started this job I not get paid for another week and it may only be a small amount for a lot or a bit of work . Its kinda unfair that life is a bit stressful and im wired just from restarting work maybe I bite off more than I can chew but I have to try as WC will not last forever and I have to earn to make a living. I’m a bit sad to be honest that my last job screwed me up like they did . I guess I not know what to do it’s sucky 

[HappySheep]

Hi blues23,

I have a bit of experience in WC and RTW stuff but am not an expert - so check my advice with your WC officer.

Well done for getting back to work. It's the best thing you can do to aid a recovery from a work injury. BUT, take it slow. You've been off work for a long time, it will take a while for your brain to get back into work mode.  You don't say, but I'm assuming your WC is for a psych injury? (if I'm wrong, I apologise for guessing). If it is, it will be even more important that you don't rush back into full time work but take it step by step.

Are you getting professional help from a psychologist or similar? While WC is paying for your medical appointments (if they still are) get all the help you can get. They should also be providing you with some return to work assistance. It's in Work Cover's interest to help you back to work so ask your liaison person what help they can provide.

I know money is an issue and a 16 hour contract will not be enough to live on, but you say the job works for you in other ways.  Take it slow, once the company see you in action they may offer you more hours - or use this job as a temporary entrance back into the work force.  I know job hunting is soul destroying - but you got one! Congratulations.  Now you can take the time to look around and find a better one.  It's always easier to get a job when you already have one. 

Is WC still paying you? My understanding is that they will keep paying something until you are either better or they send you to an Independent Medical Examination and you are determined to be permanently impaired. If that happens, they'll give you a payout. (The size of any payout depends on what percentage of permanent damage the IME determines you have - it won't make you rich).

The other option is to talk to Centrelink about assistance while you are on part-time hours.

Good luck with the new job. Please keep talking to WC and push them to help you.

HS.

[blues23]

Hi happy sheep 

thank your for your reply ( love your name too it’s really cute ) 

yes my injury is psychological ( had a physical one too but that healed & recovered) 

im happy but sorta not in this new job  & I realise a lot of my problems are self inflicted & negative thoughts & stress and stuff but it’s stressful like really trying to RTW and function without feeling panic or nervous or anxious or anything it’s a new( but old role -as In work I’ve done before but not for 3  years ( previously prior to WC) I know it’s a good thing to have a job and stuff and is easier to get a job while having a job , the job seems ok it’s a little bit odd in areas and not too sure if I’ll stay long term if I get another offer with better hours and money . I’m trying my best not to rush it the RTW but I have to , I have approx 5 months left of WC & I have to live I’m currently even on WC dipping into my savings to live pay rent ect it’s hard like really.  In regards to centerlink yes I already am as I’m a single mum and have been on it for a while ( pre & post injury)  & even then it’s a struggle with centerlink help & WC is always always inconsistent with payments and part payment and leaves me short a lot of the time so in some ways it’s better to be in a job where I can earn a bit and try to get myself back on track which is a lot harder than I thought it would be .

[HappySheep]

Hang in there Blues23, it sounds like you're already having a hard time with all the government bureaucracy. At least with a job you'll have some independence! It sounds like you're already doing everything you can - well done! Just make sure you are getting everything you're entitled to in the way of ongoing medical assistance from WC before they cut the cord!

Hope today was a good day for you.

HS.

[blues23]

Hi happy sheep 

yes I have some independence but still not sure if it’s the right fit for me I’ll have to wait and see I already feel it’s not it may be due to my  past experiences but a lot of the staffing say there is bullying culture ( more of course of course) and ceo opinion is is up to staff to fix it not them only staff can lead the way it’s the usual no ownership of what is actually happening in the workplace. Disappointing but happens a lot . I only know my strength will not allow this to happen again to me and will actively engage to help others who are being bullied and will Stand up for them when they cannot stand up for themselves. I’m a tough cookie these days but very intolerant of a lot of things that workplace try to put in their staff which may become problematic due to my assertive approach and no nonsense attitude re my health ‘ safety in the workplace