Employment Advice

[MorbidMuffin]

Hi everyone,
Just curious how people have been finding employment while dealing with depression and anxiety. I am currently unemployed after focusing on my physical health after a health scare, problem is apart from the all-encompassing apathy I find engaging with people highly stressful; i.e. it has taken me days to psyche myself to even post this. Does anyone have any tips for the process, soft lead-ins like volunteering, or agencies that they’ve used and found helpful?

Any advice would be grately received 🙂

[white knight]

Hi MM, welcome

It is a case of - you reap what you sow. Meaning even voluntary work leads to a benefit down the track, be it experience or your prospective employer realises you haven't been home watching Dr Phil.

Keep active at all times.

This is a safe anonymous place for you to seek advice or just read. There is a great search bar above.

Here is a couple of threads I wrote that can help. Just need to read the first post of each.

Google

Beyondblue topic variety and distraction

Beyondblue topic 30 minutes can change your life

Beyondblue topic anxiety how I eliminated it

Beyondblue topic the timing of motivation

I'm glad you posted. Feel free to do so anytime

TonyWK

[foxandfate]

Hi MM!

Thank you for sharing- I completely understand. I am in the throes of a serious job hunt at the moment, and I feel like I am swimming against the tide.

I know I have good days and bad days. Good days I work on job applications as much as I can, bad days I watch YouTube.

A few things have worked for me, and they may be something to consider.
- I volunteered to become a Justice of the Peace. I sent in an application, was accepted, did the training course and was sworn in. Although the process was lengthy (I took the maximum 12 months- others can do it in three), it has given me a) post-nominals, and b) legal knowledge. It has helped when looking for work.

- I got involved in local government elections with my local council. In WA, local government elections are being held in October this year, and the process starts in about August. They need people to count votes, help with keeping an eye on social media posts and organising events. The good thing about local government, is that there is no 'politics' involved- it's about the community. You will meet people, and get experience in event coordination (if you choose to assist with that side of things).

- If you are on Centrelink benefits, and if you aren't already, ask to be set up with a job provider (like APM Employment Solutions or SkillHire). These companies can assist with building resumes, putting you through a training course (like a barista course or getting your truck licence) and assist with job leads.

I also feel anxiety towards people- I stay home as much as I can and avoid people. Even the supermarket makes me anxious.

One thing that does help (on good days- bad days I have become ok with 'writing off') is job searching and applying from home, online. I use platforms like SEEK and the government jobs website, local newspapers (they usually post jobs on their websites) and Facebook 'jobs' pages in my area. This way my resume is out there, I am making a start at job hunting, and I don't have to see or speak to anyone.

I have a job interview this Thursday. The idea of seeing people and talking to strangers makes me feel sick. But we've got this.

Keep us updated!

foxandfate x