What jobs work when you have depression, anxiety and some physical limitations?

[A2D2]

I'm curious what works for others in this situation.

I am a personal shopper and while I enjoy the job, I have no work-life balance in spite of working part time. The shifts mean I am sleeping more, not eating properly and can't even get time to comfortably get the dog out for a walk. Almost every week I do at least 1 day of 10 hours or more with no meal break because we are so short of senior staff.

BUT, I don't feel capable of doing anything directly customer focused, I'm falling apart at the slightest stressor and I suffer from injuries that make it difficult to do anything like barista or kitchen work. My background is in administration which now seems to mean you need to do reception as well. Add to that, I'm mid 50s and live in regional WA.

I feel like there is nothing out there that I am suited to.

So, I'm curious what jobs work for other people with depression and anxiety.

[Mark Z.]

Hi A2D2,

I can tell that it must be very hard for you.

As you're located in regional WA, unless you're open for relocation, I guess there're not so many opportunities available, but it might make things more simple for your case. Just have a look on Seek the available positions and choose those with less pressure to apply.

Alternatively, you can find a career coach to help. There're two kind of career coaches, one is to provide fee-based consulting, the other is to provide government funded free services, either would be helpful and worth a try.

If you like you can also look into free TAFE course cause they're indicators of the market shortage of resource supply.

Hope you will find your ideal job.

Mark

[HappyHelper88]

Hi A2D2,
Thankyou for your post and Welcome,

That sounds very tough I'm so sorry your experiencing this
I suffer from Moderate Depression Anxiety and BPD and I actually manage well working in reception and administration, the reception part is not too hard for me also
I find this kind of work a good distraction from my thoughts

I hope this helps

[Petal22]

Hi A2D2,

Nightfill jobs are good the teams are usually very friendly and easy going.

[Leisa68]

Hi A2D2,

I could have written your post, sincerely! I am in my mid 50's with irreparable injuries to both my feet, after 35 years of nursing. I have a couple of degrees, but they involve nursing and I cannot walk far. And you need to walk as a nurse! For myself it has been learning, I am doing a double degree, and although it does not completely dissolve the anxiety and depression, it certainly helps alleviate it. I do also walk short distances when I can, even when I really don't want to, that helps too. I have the usual 'psychiatric army' a psychologist and psychiatrist who I regularly visit and I pop in here at the forums too, to see replies to posts, have got a lot there also. I guess there is no magic fix, just doing what makes you happy or happier.

I am diagnosed with bipolar, PTSD, and chronic depression. I wish you all the best and hope you find something that you would like to do that would alleviate your symptoms a little.

Leisa68

[A2D2]

Thanks to those who have taken time out to reply.

I've been looking at job boards for about 5 years. The longer I search, the less I feel I can do.

Petal 22, I started in nightfill and moved to online gradually. Unfortunately, not enough hours there for me to go back although I help out very occasionally.

I also completed a Building design course a few years go but, nobody wants you unless you have experience and I couldn't even find anyone to take me on for free.😟

Moving isn't an option - elderly parents and a teen with connections to here...

Sometimes I feel like a Kylie Minogue song...I'm Spinning Around.🙃

[Mark Z.]

Hi A2D2,

Have a look at this government website, maybe it’s helpful.

https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/jobswa#i-how-we-can-help

Mark