I havent posted in a long while, and havent been on to much. I've been doing good, trying to get back to "normal" living I suppose.
I am curious about something though. Has anyone on this community work for sometime and quit because of their anxiety? I ask this because I find myself working for 5 years at a job and then quitting. Then 3 to 4 years pass of me just doing house work, cooking and cleaning laundry etc.. also helping my parents when need be.
It's been almost 4 years since I've worked. I'm feeling well enough mentally and physically to start working again. I'm just scared to apply anywhere because of the continuous gaps of being out of work on my resume.
Any thoughts or comments please...
Thank you, take care everyone
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Worrier35
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Hi, I've been off work for a few months with ocd/anxiety etc. I'm hoping to feel well enough to return at some point! If you're feeling well enough and you want to work again I wouldn't let the gaps put you off. Are there any organisations where you live that help people getting back to work? My partner hadn't worked for years partly due to mental health issues and he went to a local organisation who helped him to get onto a job scheme. They offered him a permanent job which he didn't take but the experience helped him to get a different job which suits him better.
Perhaps you could do some voluntary work to get your foot in the door which could lead to being taken on. Good luck with everything and it's lovely to hear you're feeling well.
Hi Topix thanks for reading and replying! Sorry you arent feeling well, but I believe you will get to feeling better too. I find that we are hard on ourselves when recovery doesn't come quick enough.
I am feeling well, alot better then I was 2 years ago. Recovery for me means going back to things I use to love doing and not letting OCD rule my every thought. It's been hard but making progress.
Well here's the thing, I have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development and education, which I've never made use of, sad I know. But during my college years I had severe anxiety and somehow made it through. After I graduated I let the fear that OCD causes prevent me from actually making use of my degree. I started working retail, and did that for about 11 years off and on. I'm thinking about subbing a couple days a week just to get my foot in the door. I have to say that I am embarrassed about starting teaching so late. I'm in my late 30s.
I suppose I could volunteer at any school where needed. Glad your partner is working and feels comfortable where they are at. I would like to do the same. As far as organizations that could help, there are few that I could reach out to.
Just read this and want to say don't worry about starting to teach in your 30s. A friend of mine decided in her forties to go to university, get a degree, then do her PGCE and teach! It could be an advantage to have other experience under your belt. Don't let that put you off.
I know it sounds like taking a job beneath what you're qualified for, but perhaps you could apply to be a teaching assistant. That could give you a bit of experience and bring in some income before you go for a proper teaching job.
Thank you so much for this and your encouragement!! I think that's what's bothering me the most is starting a career at an older age. Feeling like I have failed because I didnt start as soon as I graduated with my degree. But that's all the negative talk in my head lol. Teaching Assistant sounds like a great idea!! I appreciate your responses and ideas!!!
It's a big problem, isn't it? Disabled people are too frequently not even considered for a job, and their applications get filed in the waste paper basket. It gets worse if the disability is mental health related.
However, there are sympathetic employers out there who are prepared to give us a go. But identifying them is another matter! Is there an excuse you can use, such as having taken a few years out to care for family?
I found casual work some years ago as a life model at a local art school. I had modelled before, and they took me on without demanding a CV or anything. I had to square it with my benefits and make sure it was allowed, my earnings being low and intermittent.
I did investigate programmes designed for getting people back into work, but they were basically what I call 'basket weaving for basket cases' and didn't really help.
I agree that volunteering is valuable, and could give you something to put on your CV. No need to say that it's unpaid, just put down 'Charity Worker'.
It's brilliant that you're feeling well enough to go back to work. So congratulations! Take care of yourself, don't demand too much of yourself to begin with at least, and keep going!
Hi Sallyskins. Hope you are doing well. You are right about not being considered for work when it comes to having a disability. I feel like companies consider us a risk of some sort. As far as having understanding employeers, I have had a few, which was wonderful and I am grateful for them.
I've worked retail most of 20s and a little in my 30s. I enjoy it very much, but I'm ready to make use of my degree though. I'm feeling strong enough to pursue what I have a passion for, and that is teaching. Just stuck on how to go about it after I've been out of college for so long and havent taught. I only did my 1 year internship which was amazing. The experience and exposure I recieved was great! However, after that year my OCD kicked in bad again and I was to scared to actually teach full time and get into any school system. OCD makes us believe things that arent true doesnt it!!
My husband is so supportive, and has been all of these years. He works really hard and brings home the income. I'm so grateful for him and everything he does for us!! I just would like to help out in others ways besides house duties. Working and bringing home some money is my goal!!
That's brilliant! I'm sure any school or college would be glad to have you! Enthusiastic teachers are always wanted.
I should think that the education system would be relatively sympathetic when it comes to employing someone with OCD. Is there the possibility that you could ease yourself in and perhaps teach part time? Many of the art teachers I've worked with are part time teachers and I should think there are opportunities for you to do this.
I remember a programme on some while back where they got employers to try out employees, without knowing whether or not they had mental health problems. Most of the employers said they wouldn't employ someone with something like OCD. The OCD employees in the experiment turned out to be great assets and the employers were pleasantly surprised.
I think having OCD, however vile it is to experience, can make us good employees. It can make us caring, conscientious, and pay attention to detail.
I know just how it feels not to earn your keep. It's demoralizing. But it's great that you have a supportive husband. That must be a huge plus in your life.
Thank you for sharing this, but I suffer from OCD more so then depression. I do have slight depression because of the anxiety. I'm doing alot better then I was a year ago.
Take care
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