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

[romantic_thi3f]

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

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Cee123,

Yeah I know- I have no idea. Given how little they help I feel like it must be the easiest job ever, but who knows what it's like on the other side.

I had an appointment yesterday with them and they said "oh, that's unfortunate" (when I said I was struggling to find the right number of jobs), and then told me about a man who had scoliosis (which is where the spine curves), and she's like "who would ever hire him"?? Apparently they put him on a study course so he just does Cert 3 after Cert 3.

My friend is on the DSP- she has bipolar but she got it before they tightened all the restrictions, but functionally she's a-ok, and when I applied for it I was falling every couple of weeks and it still wasn't 'bad enough'. It is so demeaning.

Also thank you for wishing me best of luck! It's a work-from-home job so it would suit my health well but its 8.30-6pm which sounds so exhausting!!

Please, ramble away. I feel like there's not many people I can talk to about this really.

rt 🙂

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Sleepy21,

Thank you for joining in 🙂 Making this thread and having people reply has made me feel so much less alone.

I hear you. From memory you can have 3 for the same 'issue' legally so hopefully this one goes through okay. It's such a lose- lose because it's a really shitty system. I like the idea of getting it over and done with, I guess with the job count increasing I feel like it's always in my head.

Can I have a hug too?

rt

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi TonyWK,

Yeah I get that- there are a few people out there who are lying/misleading for whatever reason. Sometimes I think all the Government sees is just people who can work, don't care about work and just want free food or alcohol - like this one way tunnel vision.

I mean unless you know someone who is getting CL or getting it yourself can people really have any empathy? When I got the stimulus payment I was so excited I bought a new top- which probably says something when all my clothes are so old. I don't know, I don't see it changing anytime soon.

rt

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi IreneM,

Thank you for jumping in! I really appreciate your positivity- and I like your bio image too, such a good reminder (and very important right now).

I have been thinking about getting a bike actually. They aren't exactly cheap, but yeah you are right- a lot quicker than walking!

Well done on getting your licence as well 🙂 🙂 I hope that was a very proud moment!

Full disclosure: I did have my license but when I started having seizures I stopped driving for other peoples safety, so I don't think I'd be eligible for it. I do miss driving though.

Thank you again! I'm going to save your post to remind me to try and stay positive 🙂

rt