I am going to lose my job (again)

[Flumptious]

Hello folks.

The title says it all. My history: TBI in 2005, which I needed 18 months off work for, but I *did* go back to my job as a university lecturer, for 10 years. So I can't be *that* useless! But the department was shut down, and I moved into working as an administrator. I had a job for a couple of years, but it was a pain to actually get there each day, and I moved into a new job doing admin in a university in London. I thought I did OK, but they said no, and didn't let me past my probation, so I was only there for 8-9 months. I then got this job, at another university. Again, I thought I was doing OK, but again they say no, you make too many mistakes. I have a hearing at the end of my probation, a week on Monday, and they have made it clear that they are planning to kick me out.

I got some help from Access To Work, who help disabled people. However, it was supposed to be 20 sessions, spaced over 20 weeks, but in fact they have been squashed into 10 weeks, which has given me very little time to actually implement the things we have covered.

So, I am about to lose my job, and I feel absolutely *****y useless.

(I am ill today, so I am off work sick, and that is why I am able to type this during working hours - I promise that I am not skiving off work!)

[cat3]

Hi Flumpy. I wonder if you've ever considered a complete change of direction. When brain injury denies us access to roles in which we once excelled it's soul destroying, and the future can look hopeless.

But most of us have other talents, albeit unused or unrealised, which we can turn to and which can provide a sense of purpose, pride and quality of life. You're a bright and determined lady but, like many of us, your determination might be eclipsing other needs, and maybe other skills.

I hope you find a happy compromise m'dear ; I'm always saddened to hear of your struggles going unrewarded. All best wishes, Cat x

[sealiphone]

A good piece of advice I was given, don't try and change profession, as your knowledge and skills are normally retained and adapting to do the previous role is much easier than learning 'new tricks'.

Admin and being a lecturer are obviously different and you followed your particular skills for 10 years, as you continued in that role.

The idea that I could have done admin work is laughable, as a fundamental element is being structured and with mundane tasks I can't remain focused, so I know if I had tried it would have been a disaster.

[Flumptious in reply to sealiphone]

Thanks Sealiphone. However, to be a university lecturer, you need recent experience (which I don't have), unless you are just starting out your career. No university will look at someone who did no research for years, and who can no longer do any of the research she used to do. I am a geologist, and geologists normally do fieldwork (for both research and teaching). I have poor balance, and I am 'blind', so even though my old university let me carry on working, I was not allowed to do any fieldwork. Fair enough: I can't do the actual fieldwork very easily, I can't drive to get there, and I would be unsafe in charge of a large group of students. Plus my research specialism was something called 'laser Raman spectrometry', and unsurprisingly, they stoped me going into the laser lab, so I stopped doing any research. 🙁So, it would be a nice idea to try lecturing again, but I am afraid I would have no hope, at all.

[RogerCMerriman in reply to Flumptious]

Still I suspect you know stuff, how well do you learn new things? Could you do research remotely? Is it still a area that you like?

I think proper careers advice I think Queen Mary’s Roehampton does a vocational for getting folks back into work? Maybe similar close to you? Plus general careers advice.

I’m lucky in that the job they could adjust to what I am, though I work part time now etc.

[Leaf100]

Hi Flumptious,Just wondering if your skills would transfer to an educational institution not requiring research? I live in Canada and we have higher ed not university. Could you consult in a museum?

Maybe you could talk to a career counselor who knows what is out there. Oh, I see Roger suggested that.

Be a tutor?

It is hard to think outside the box, but othrs will be able to.

Plus talk to Headway, maybe they have some work prep resources. Also, some disabilities get helpers, like deaf people get signers. Would you not be able to get help for parts of some work? For example, you may be able to analyze research and suggest further tests without actually doing it - some sort of consulting?

It is hard to take not being able to work. Please don't give up. I sure hope you can find your way.

Leaf

[moo196]

Morning,Not read all the replies so far but just wanted to ask if you have had recent advice from repmploy /access to work? Go armed with the latest information.

In terms of future employment might you consider temporary work?

Post BI I have only worked this way and absolutely love the variety and lack of stress due to responsibility. I'm not sure if this would be work for you, but just a suggestion. I'm hardly ever out of work for more than a week or so.

Good luck

K

[Pairofboots]

Hi. It's good that you have engaged with Access to Work. Are you a member of a union? Was your employer aware of your disability? Probably a stupid question? But they are duty bound to make reasonable adjustments to support your employment. This may lead you to be able to claim unfair dismissal if they have been rigid.

You have a wealth of experience, and many years as a tutor, you say that universities required research and fieldwork. Could you use the skills gained in a different setting, a college, or a school? It may mean having to attain some different qualifications, but these will be within an area you are well versed in.

Best wishes 🍀