Finally finishing me job!

[Mowgli2121]

So after months of struggling I have come to the sad decision to stop working as an HLTeaching Assistant my body just can't do the job I have loved for so long. Absolutely devastated 😢 I have applied for pip's but not holding my breath!. I am now on two walking stick at the age of 52 and unable to drive because of meds so I was catching 3 buses to get to work and 3 home. So if all else fails I need to find a sitting down job close to home any suggestions 🤔 well now that I have had myself pity party ,I must be honest and say I am looking forward to not leaving home at 6.30 in the morning and getting home at 6.00 at night. X

[moo196]

Definitely take advice before you quit your job as it may well affect your ability to claim any benefits.Speak to Remploy or an employment solicitor or CAB.

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Morning, it must be very sad to give up a job you have enjoyed for many years , getting up early with 3 buses as well, but i am thinking you gave it your best until you have got to the point you have pushed your body long enough. I hope you find something working from home and only consultation is that you will not have to venture out early with these cold frosty mornings about to embark on us very soon. Take care and give us an update if you find something suitable xx

[dippystuff]

Don't just resign from your job. You will not be entitled to claim any benefits if you resigned voluntarily, regardless of whether or not it was due to your poor health.

I don't know how old you are, but if you have a work pension, you may be able to access it early if you took ill health early retirement too.

I'd discuss it with your boss and explain that your health is deteriorating, and that you are no longer coping, but you may be left with no choice but to go off sick, with repeated doctors lines, until your employer officially terminates your contract due to ill health.

You may even find that being off sick for 2-3 months actually helps you, and you may feel able to return again, who knows ? But you need to give yourself at least a chance of improving first, and then if you're still unable to return, then your work need to terminate your employment so that you can apply for benefits immediately.

[Estoril1 in reply to dippystuff]

Mowgli2121 I completely agree with dippystuff, don’t burn all your bridges at once Pet, very best of luck xx

[Kittygal]

Yes definitely seek advice....apparently re-employ are very supportive and can help you if they can. It's worth getting advice and getting support....CAB cover a lot of issues and can help & support you...

Wishing u luck ..x

[Hidden]

Hi, sad news but you sound like you’re finding the positives xx Just a thought with your HLTA background, what about tutoring? Lots of parents seeking people to help their children “catch up” after remote learning? Good luck and keep well x

[Walkingwound]

Access to work could help you. I have had the inion involved on my behalf. Not got a resolution yet but I think it's moving towards reasonable adjustments.

[Juliet1962]

Hi I’m wondering if you have applied for access to work. You can get taxis to and from work from the government. I m still in my job because of this scheme as getting 2 buses and walking I was absolutely shattered and being a cleaner wasn’t ideal. Still struggle but definitely a great help

[Maud-ie]

This was my job too. I had to quit in 2014 after really struggling and being 'carried along' by younger, healthier TA's. I was 54. I missed the work, companionship and routine immensely and it took over a year to adapt but there was no way I could have continued. Now never clock watching, not having my day dictated by bells and negotiating obstructive teachers my life is so much easier. I, too, have applied for PIP and still awaiting verdict. I am broke, a littleonely but on balance, far calmer and happier. I wish you peace and luck.

[Roo1972]

I would suggest speaking to your HT first, referral to occupational health (to explore reasonable adjustments) and as advised by Moo some employment advice centre such as CAB, Acas or your union (if you are part of one). It's not to say that you don't need to do something else but that if you follow the process what happens next should be less stressful. It sounds at the very least that you may need to take some time off sick (though I don't know what the implications paywise would be and appreciate this may not be an option for you).

[Midori]

DON'T Just Quit or you will be barred from JSA (or equivalent) for making yourself intentionally jobless!

Have you talked it over with HR? Been seen by Occupational Health? Are You in a Union?

There are steps your employer has to take before you can be considered for Medical Retirement and you need to keep your job until they decide you can no longer work.

Remploy, ACAS, both can help.

Cheers, Midori

[Blue1927]

Hi, I am so sorry you have had to give up your job. I totally understand I made the same devastating decision (at the time) a year last March. I was gutted as not only left a job I loved, but left colleagues I cared so much for 😢. Then lockdown hit!!!! I voluntarily gave up my job and applied for PIP and New Style ESA about a month later and luckily successful in both. They pay ESA for a 12 month and then decide whether you can go into a support group which luckily I have been.

Take advice filling in the forms. I am only 50 and thought my life was basically over. Now I understand that finishing work was the best thing I could have done, i’m still in pain etc etc etc, but now I can rest when I need to and not worry about work schedules etc.

I hope this help, I haven’t been on this for a long time. Wishing you well xxx

[carol789]

Wow how have you managed such long days and so much travelling. Perhaps try a careers adviser role or telephone enquiry support as sometimes you can do these working from home. I've been allowed to work from home due to covid would never have happened otherwise, it's a god send . Dont miss so much time off work so win situation for all. Dont get me wrong, still occasionally have bad flares and have missed a week or two but overall absence had improved -so far fingers and toes crossed. Hope you find something suitable.

[tottyanne]

I too had to give up being a nursery nurse and it was upsetting,thinking of all the hours I put in at college to get to level 3,I loved my job,one friend it must be great to be at home all the time but honestly I'd give anything to be well and to be what I loved so much,I'm a bit older than you but it happened at a similar time,I walk with sticks and sometimes due to heart failure I end up in a chair ,it's took me a while to get used to being home,I've taken up diamond painting and I make old traditional bears when my hands will let me,good luck with your future xx