Applying to work while ill

[Hannah221b]

Hi everyone, would really love some advice since the last posts I put up ended up with some fantastic pointers about the difficult situation I was in.

Long story short, I'm about to graduate from university in just over a month, and am keeping an eye on job applications, but I've been incredibly ill since April (although the sickness has gone, the physical pain and probable cause still exists). I don't know whether it's even worth doing anything in terms of looking for jobs, when I feel like I'll be turned down not only for the fact that my illness means I'm graduating later than the usual student, but because I'm still in the process of having scans and working out what's wrong with me.

I'm currently at home to finish off a few university assessments, and only just found out on Monday that the scan I had last week suggests that I've got problems with my kidneys and that it might be the cause of the constant pain in my back and side. (Getting another scan in about a month to find out more and determine whether I need surgery or not.)

My dad has recently started asking when I'm going to get a job - and believe me, I would if I could - but I'm really worried that if I do start a job right now that it'll only aggravate my pain and stress (not to mention the fact that I still have assessments to finish).

What would be the best course of action? I don't know what else to do and I'm just sitting at home and heading to doctors and hospitals and writing essays, and while I want to get a start on my career and make some income, I physically don't think I'm capable of it right now. Everything's just so up in the air.

Are there any options to help bridge the situation? Because I don't want to end up getting into further debt, and I don't want to be a burden to my parents. I legit know barely anything about benefits or anything that can be done to make the situation less terrifying.

I just want to get better and not end up completely stressed out by family pressures and money worries.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[Bevvy]

Depends what type of job you will apply for. We can't suggest anything with such a broad basis. Most jobs are going to want (amongst other things) health clearance and am doubtful you will get that from what you have indicated.

Having said that it sounds like for now you need to concentrate on completing your course work!

Hope things work out for you.

[Hidden]

Hi if you don't think you are fit to work then you can claim ESA which is sickness benefit. Have a look at the Govt.UK site. Just google this and lots of info will come up.

[Bananas5]

Lovely to hear from you againHannah221b .

I understand your yearning to get out there and start using all you have learns. No financial stress just too get on with your life.

Advice would be concentrate on finishing your college projects. That will take all your time! However if you do have the chance for a part time job..not easy these days - that may ease finances.

When recruiting someone for a job these days = employers have the right to ask how much sick leave you have had in the last 2 years. This is law and if asked you must answer. That obviously can affect chances of a job with them. If you haven't actually worked then you can answer honestly none.

Yes you can apply for JSA but there are hell of a lot of hoops to jump through to get your pittance. These include searching for work. Sanctions if you miss appointments no matter what the reason and a thoroughly unpleasant experience.

Benefits and Work are excellent group for help and advice. Costs a few pennies to join but worth it for help they can offer.

Hope some of this helps

x

[johnsmith]

You are going to have to network with the appropriate departments in your university. Speak to to your tutor about what is available. You need to gather information concerning your situation.

Burn out and minor breakdowns will destroy your ability to work. Once a breakdown occurs the ability to handle stress will be much diminished and may never recover. The university will have a chapancy. Speak to someone there.

If you are at home and cannot easily attend the university speak to some of the local churches. They are a mine of information. They should ne able to point you in the right direction. You may need to speak to several churches before you get all the information you need.

Hope this helps.

[greens42]

Find out from the CAB which benefits you can claim by visiting your local office. Could you do a small amount of volunteer work connected to your degree. Nothing physical. Loads of volunteering opportunities . This would be good for you and your CV when you are ready for a job and might get your parents on board. Good luck