My job provider wants me to look for more jobs and I' m not coping

romantic_thi3f · ‎06-04-2021

Hi,

Not entirely sure where to put this but hopefully someone can relate.

I'm with a DES (Disability employment service) and have quite a few health issues and mental health issues. So when I got assessed by Centrelink they set me at 8 hours per week, which seemed okay because I do want to work.

But I've had a really rough time applying for jobs. I live in the city and our public transport is horrible, so without a drivers license something that's 15 minutes drive can take 2 hours to get there, and then a lot of the jobs that I like need a car anyway. Initially I wanted to do something in mental health like peer support or support work, but at this stage I'm open to anything. I've applied for receptionist jobs as well, but everything seems to be a very competitive industry.

Overall, it's pretty defeating and it gets me down, but now they've bumped up my job hunt from 8 to 15, and it feels rather daunting. I've even relapsed into depression which is really hard.

Is there anyone else in the same position? How do you cope with the job hunt when it all feels so overwhelming at times?

rt

white knight · ‎06-04-2021

Hi RT

It is daunting. I dont have much to suggest but I'd look at an electric bicycle, even small motorcycle. "L" plates for motorcycle is relatively easy to get.

I do think that Centrelink know full well you will find work hard to get but raise the limit to satisfy their own statistics etc. It wouldnt mean they expect you to actually get a job and without public transport to a job location within reason then surely those jobs are not worth applying for.

I could be wrong on some of that but behind the scenes there is often a method in their madness. Not worth worrying over it.

TonyWK

romantic_thi3f · ‎07-04-2021

Hey TonyWK,

Thank you for your reply! Your support all over the forums means the world.

Unfortunately motorcycle license falls in the same category as drivers license in that I have medical issues so I can't qualify! I have looked at an electric bike (and an ordinary bike in general) but not in my budget at the moment.

Sorry I'm not sure what you mean in not worrying about it - like I don't know how I'm supposed to meet these expectations of applying for jobs? If I don't apply for them then my payment gets cut off.

Thanks!

rt

white knight · ‎07-04-2021

Understood

My comment on worry...ive always had the view worry just gives us ulcers. Concern is good. Worry will harm you, concern will help you.

Just my perspective.

I struggled financially most of my life so I get that. Also my brother (dec 27yo) should not have held a licence in the last two years if his life due to medical issues. We lived in Melbourne's western suburbs (1970's) so a bus was our only transport then train. It was very restrictive.

A bicycle will give you say 4km radius to an employment location, an electric bike up to 12km or more depending on charge range. Then there is risk of injury from a medical incident I presume.

I would return to Centrelink or find on the internet what is expected of you in your predicament. There must be provisos. To take this to extremes if a job was 4 hours drive away from home then return it would not be sustainable.

TonyWK

white knight · ‎07-04-2021

The following link covers "reasonable excuse". I believe your issues are covered here.

https://guides.dss.gov.au/guide-social-security-law/3/11/15

:)

TonyWK

Cee123 · ‎08-04-2021

Yes I'm in the same position. At the moment, I've got a 2 month exemption from the jobseeker because of severe anxiety and depression. I just know for a fact I'm not going to get a job anywhere. I've been out of work for so long. I've considered going with a disability employment agency. But these Centrelink people and this government really don't care about the people who are struggling and on their backside. For the most part, I'm not coping. I'm really depressed. I'm suffering anxiety attacks. I'm on medication at the moment which I feel is only marginally helping. And they seem to think all of that is going to be resolved within 2 months. I might have to get another doctor's certificate for another exemption if things don't improve.

Sophie_M · ‎08-04-2021

Hi Cee123,

We are sorry to hear that you are stuggling at the moment, it sounds like you are having a really hard time with work and Centrelink. It is a great step to come to this forum and share your experience and seek support. Thank you for being a part of our community.

We would really encrouage you to reach out to the BeyondBlue phoneline on 1300 22 4636 to speak to someone about how you are feeling. You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Please feel welcome to continue to post on the forums and seek more support.

Kind regards,
Sophie M

romantic_thi3f · ‎08-04-2021

Hi Tony,

I understand. I want your perspective, definitely!

I suppose I'm just at that stage where I feel all consumed by it. If I didn't have so much pressure to find a job, then I'd probably be able to cut myself some slack because I would have to think about it constantly!

You are right about the jobs, but my job agency don't really offer me any as is! So I just have to be a little picky and keep trying I suppose.

I did look at the site you gave me, but it looks like it's an excuse for failure to meet the job search requirements just once. I've been doing it already so I have no doubt my job agency is going to have zero sympathy for struggling to continue!

I will try not to worry so much 🙂

rt

romantic_thi3f · ‎08-04-2021

Hi Cee123,

Thank you for jumping in and even though I feel for you and what you're going through it still means something that you can relate as I feel very alone with it all. It's exactly the same for me.

I think the only good thing about going with a DES is that your job search requirements can be lower- some have to apply for 20 jobs per month so I guess I'm lucky in that way. I've also heard some people can have nice providers?! But I'm yet to find them.

From my own experience I did 3 certificates in a row before they said I couldn't submit them anymore. So that's something you can try.

It really sucks hey. Thanks for your post and making me feel less alone.

rt

Cee123 · ‎08-04-2021

Is your job provider APM or AtWork Australia? I'm thinking of inquiring with APM. From what I've seen with their advertisements it's like they really help people. I've even seen that they help people out with depression, and anxiety. Even people with Down Syndrome and Autism, and even people who've been out of the workforce for a long time. But I don't know the ins and outs of it, or whether they can help me. I've rang them and they were really, very nice. But those that I spoke to were in the eastern states. And they told me I had to get referred by Centrelink. They were very kind, they listened to me, they took the time out for me, they answered all my questions, and even said that they could help someone like me. But I just don't know that. I'm feeling really hopeless and depressed.