Ideas needed

[Pokermon]

Hi everyone mums got that look again. My future what do I do next? Last four years have been tough unable to go to school much as after getting so ill. So could only do two exams so went to college to catch up on being a teenager that was going well until covid so lockup became the norm. So now it's time to join the Big world with only two results no work experience after no chance of doing normal things for last four years. Just not sure what to do next mum thinks it would be good idea to volunteer at different places and see what my illness allows me to do. It looks like I won't even be able to claim any benefits as awarded bit of money when mum died so only get my pip award not sure what the future holds. Any ideas?

[Hidden]

Sounds like a good suggestion from your mum to start, it will give you work experience and who knows if a paid job may open up for you eventually in that work environment.

Perhaps ask yourself or ponder what you really want to do within reason of your capabilities taking into account your health issues and seek work or further training in that area through College etc. You may even be able to start a course on-line in your area of interest. I do believe the Colleges are doing a lot of online training at this time.

Best wishes for your future whatever you decide.

[ninelives in reply to Hidden]

Great reply

[madonbrew]

What type of things do you enjoy doing?

It could be a good idea to do something voluntary...even a couple of different types of things , obviously within your ability, and see what you enjoy doing the most. My situation was very different to you, but I got sick aged 19. I did my first year of training as a student nurse, then got sick. After some while, I volunteered in a day care centre for the elderly which I loved. But I found experience went a long way when trying to find work eventually. And by volunteering, like your mum says, you can see how much you can cope with, without having the pressure on you!

Also, these days there are so many opportunities to go back to college and study as an adult, so don’t feel like those years have passed and that’s it! The only thing is, is having to pay, but sometimes there’s ways and means of getting financial help.

It’s worth asking about ESA because I think you can claim something even with savings over £16,000. The form is quite easy and you can do it online.

You will find a way forward hun! Just might be a slightly different wiggly path to what you imagined when you were 14.

[Pokermon in reply to madonbrew]

Thanks for your reply and hearing from someone similar in age is really nice.

[ninelives in reply to madonbrew]

Good advice

[Dubba61]

Hi, I am sorry to here that you have been so Ill. Must be tough at your your age. Volunteering is a great idea though! During my "not so well" periods. I have Volunteered at a Banardo,s charity shop, also, at a School for disabled Children and more recently as a Museum Tour guide. I,ve met many friends and it's made me feel like a useful, person with a purpose. Its great for Confidence building too. I don't know what your interests are but, there's always someone that can benefit from any help you can give. And sometimes it can lead to paid work. I eventually trained as a TA and did paid work at the School for 16 years. Do choose something that interests you and I'm sure you will benefit immensely. Good Luck.

[stargazer8]

Hi, I left school with few grades after a bad accident meant I couldn't train as a vet. I started volunteering which led to me becoming a psychologist. I now have Copd but I won't let that define all of me. I think people find it easier to start with what they really don't want to do. Volunteering allows you to see if something is worth investing in. Best of luck.

[Ergendl]

I volunteered to be a secretary for a mental health organisation when my own mental health was not so strong as a young adult. That helped me gain experience as an administrator which I enjoyed, and references. I found paid work in offices and improved my admin skills so much that by the age of 34, I was working at director level in financial institutions in the City of London.

So yes, try volunteering. It can be a great way in to a career.

[wheezyof]

Hi,

Trying out jobs by volunteering sounds good.

Also check with the college, you may still be able to get funding to take another course. College is open to adults of all ages. Some courses are free to all, but they are mostly very basic maths/English. No offence but if you missed a lot of school they may be helpful to you.

Other course funding often depends on any qualifications you have/don't have and your income, so are means tested. PIP is not counted as part of your income for means testing but must be declared.

You should be able to get advice from the college or the job centre.

Good luck xx

[MoyB]

As has already been said, the door to education is still open!

I wasn't seriously ill but had a lot of problems with time off due to severe bouts of tonsillitis when I was at the High School. Consequently, by the time I got to GCE level I had missed a lot of 'connecting blocks' so was rubbish at anything that needed prior learning. We didn't have 'course work' in those days. I left with 'O' levels in English Language, English Literature and Art. The grades were passes but low ones. Fortunately, in those days, the county council was accepting applicants for the Nursery Nursing course and you didn't need 'O' levels, so I was able to train and subsequently get work.

Much later on, after having two children of my own, looking after umpteen foster children , working as a cleaner in a school and finally getting a job as a TA in a special school, I decided I wanted more. I enrolled for Maths and Sociology GCSE courses and did them at night school. I passed and the boost to my confidence was immense. Encouraged by my boss, I went on to study for a degree with the Open University and never looked back!

The OU might suit you as you can fit your study around your other commitments. It's a long time since I studied with them but in those days they were very helpful with bursaries etc. It might be something to look into - if not right now, then keep it in mind for the future.

In the meantime, volunteering sounds like a great idea. I believe there are volunteer agencies now that can link you up to organisations so perhaps you could find one via Google. Otherwise, think about what you really enjoy and see if you can match that to some local organisation that may need volunteers. Don't be put off if someone says, 'Oh, we don't need any volunteers at the moment.' The person you are speaking to or emailing may not be in possession of all the facts and you could suddenly find they are recruiting after all.

I really do wish you the very best of luck with whatever you choose to do. xx Moy

[Pokermon in reply to MoyB]

Thanks that sounds very positive. X

[Alberta56]

Best wishes and good luck for the future. I'm sure people you have to deal with will see a keen and committed young lady who has been held back by illness and is now well worth giving an opportunity to . That's how I would see it anyway.

[Karenanne61]

Volunteering sounds an excellent idea. As already mentioned, if you want to further your education you can try the Open University. Its amazing for people with disabilities! My daughter is partially sighted, she spent one year at a conventional university but it didn't suit her so she applied for the OU. They were really helpful. For example, when she went for her exams her Dad took her and someone was waiting to guide her straight to her seat. I wish you luck in whatever you decide to do.

[Karenanne61]

Sorry, just to add, the OU have funds to help students financially and can provide all sorts of specialist equipment to help with studies.

[ninelives]

Great advice from the other posts.

Can't add anything else except best of luck in whatever you decide to do.

[Patk1]

Voluntary works sounds gd place to start & see how u go.perhaps prepare a ch4.while u may not have work experience YET,u have such a lot of life experience 😘

[Patk1 in reply to Patk1]

Not ch4..predictive txt!!!

Should be CV