I am nervous, job-wise

[Flumptious]

I received my TBI in July 2005 (falling off my bicycle - if I hadn't had that helmet on, I assume I would have died!). I was in hospital for 8 months (not all of it full-time - they were wonderful, and eased me out, slowly). I went back to work after 18 months (I was really lucky that they made that possible, after all that time off sick!). I was a university lecturer. The lecturing was fine, but the 'new' me didn't get back into research - I am now officially 'blind' - my visual field is damaged. In practice, I can see fine for most things, but I have to really pay attention, and I certainly can't drive any more.

Anyway, the university decided to close my department, and I took 'Voluntary Severance', and left a couple of months ago, as I couldn't face staying until the very end. They have to let the students who are just starting, finish their 3 years, but all the staff who can are getting jobs elsewhere and sodding off. I effectively got redundancy money, so I don't need to worry about money for a bit, but I do want to find another job. I finished at the end of June. I joined a local gym, then it was the school holidays, we went to Greece (to sail with my brother-in-law and his lovely Greek wife, in their yacht. ), and my girls have been off school. They will go back, this week. What will I do then? Eek!

I have applied for loads of university-based admin jobs. I am very nervous about this job-hunt. I am looking for jobs that, in many ways, I am massively over-qualified for, but also really lack experience (like, my touch-typing is grotty...).

But I don't have any experience, in 'admin'. I am tailoring my applications to explain what is wrong with me, why I am leaving lecturing (um, well, because no-one else will give me a job, because I don't do any research, any more), and how much 'admin'-related stuff I did as part of my old job.

What are the chances of me not getting a job, at all? I might look OK on paper, but my voice is a bit odd. I mean, it is far better than it used to be, but it is still a bit grotty, a bit blurry. My hand-writing is a right mess. It used to be so neat - when I was doing my A levels, (flippin'eck, 30 years ago!) I was going to go to art college, and be an artist. Then I got distracted by the science of rocks... I used to be a brilliant artist, and I had beautiful handwriting. But since my TBI, my handwriting is barely legible.

I have applied for lots of jobs. I am lucky, we live in Surrey, half an hour from Waterloo, so there are thankfully loads of jobs I can apply for. I have had one interview, and they said we had to wait for 2-3 weeks, but that has gone, now, so I assume I didn't get it. I have applied for lots more, but I haven't heard back from any. (It seems normal, now, to say "Sorry, but we won't bother telling you 'No!', but if you don't hear from us...").

I am very nervous. I want a job! I am quite enjoying not having to go to work, mind, but I do need something proper to do. I am far too highly qualified to sit on my backside all day. But, how much will my BI be affecting my chances of getting a job? I know it stuffed up my chances of staying in university lecturing. Will i ever get a decent job? I mean, not just on a supermarket check-out. In fact, they probably wouldn't even give me that, when I am 'blind'...

[moo196]

Morning,

I'm wondering if you have contacted remploy.....they were really helpful discussing the pros and cons of work options after b I. They understood all of the frustrations and implications of various kinds and put forward many things I hadn't thought of.

In any event I'm sure that many charities would welcome an educated and enthusiastic person in their organisation. I know I felt better helping others in the interim. In particular for yourself perhaps a sight impaired charity or guide dogs association?

I've gotten on to work part time and temporary....to fit around my travelling.

Hopefully remploy can come out to see you soon (they came to me within 48 hours of my call).

Good luck

K

[BaronC]

Go for it! Let the nerves drive you on. You've got this far and if you want a job then you deserve one! Don't be held back, just fire away. Good luck and very best wishes, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you. Let me/us know how you get on....

Andy

[sospan]

One of the crazy barriers that the government has put into place is that it is difficult to get support from the likes of the Job centre, Remploy, Shaw Trust etc. unless you are claiming Job seekers allowance or in the lower groups of ESA. You can't claim either of these if you have savings /redundancy over £6,000.

I have been assessed several times over the last 5 years and have always been put in the "support" group which means exactly the opposite - you get no help as they have no expectation of you ever getting a job. When I was trying to work out what I can do for the future I was told I would have to write to say I was fit for work to be transferred to the group to be eligible for work. Then if I didn't actively look for work for 5 days I week, my benefits would be canceled !!

However, in your case the University / trade Union should be providing redundancy support as part of the settlement process. I would have a word with HR or your trades union rep

[Hidden]

If you don't already know <Jobs.ac.uk> a very useful site

Good luck.

[gabbycat]

The good thing about your situation is that career changes are common now so taking yourself in a whole new direction would not be considered too strange. Maybe, as moo196 suggests it is a good time to re-think your expectations of what your working life should look like. Yes you will get a decent job because you clearly have a positive attitude, intelligence and drive. It does depend on what you want to do but I get the impression you having teaching skills, in-depth knowledge in your subject area, a love of art and confidence. My suggestion would be to take your time to find the right role. Your lecturing skills are valuable and you could tutor private students maybe. Your in-depth subject knowledge suggests consultancy work of some type perhaps? Both are self employed roles over which you could exercise some control. Have you considered writing subject material? I am a firm believer in keep doing what you love and the right job will present itself. In the meantime maybe volunteer locally so you can get experience and alternative references? Good Luck.