I just want to work.

[TheSystemsKillingMe]

The title sums up this really.

I couldn't hold down a job if I tried, I suffer with mental health which in basic terms means I cannot get out of bed, motivate myself or even give due regard to self care; this can be just one day in a few or can go on for days/weeks.

I have been to the doctors/priory... been going for years.

I'm well qualified in the engineering industry and have in the past had my own company (sole trader & LTD) both closed a good while ago (Ltd compulsory wind up)

There are times when I can work, indeed I want to work, the type of work I might get is unlikely to be cash in hand. I dont have the energy or mental capacity for all the rigmarole of government rules to be self employed or run a Ltd company.

Currently I get by on Credit cards and work very occasionally.

What is the consensus of the forum?

Why must the system make work so hard?

Not expecting miracles folk.

Thanks

 

[Newchodge]

Have you tried signing on with an agency?

 

[Mr D]

The system doesn't make work so hard - the issue is you have problems handling the system.
Far from the only one.

 

[Pish_Pash]

I just want to lie in bed - funny how the grass is always greener...

 

[arnydnxluk]

It sounds to me as though you would be best self-employed doing ad-hoc work. Running a full-fledged business is going to be much more stressful than most jobs.

There really isn't much rigmarole to operate as a sole trader, especially if you're below the VAT threshold. It's just a matter of recording income and expenditure, then running a few calculations and filing a self assessment each year. The last part can be dealt with by an accountant for a few hundred quid per year, if that.

Is there any service you can provide on an ad-hoc basis to others from home? e.g. web design, language translation, audio transcription, etc.

I don't think the system does make work hard. Being self employed is really straight forward after you've learned one or two things. UKBF can certainly help.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

I just want to lie in bed - funny how the grass is always greener...

No I cant be bothered to do much either
Are there really people that want to do some work ! ?

 

[GraemeL]

I couldn't hold down a job if I tried,

I dont have the energy or mental capacity for all the rigmarole of government rules to be self employed or run a Ltd company.

And you expect a serious answer?

 

[deanpunchard]

And you expect a serious answer?

@GraemeL you've clearly never suffered from mental illness, so I suggest you butt out. It's folk like you which make people feel ashamed and hide away, which doesn't do anyone any good.

@TheSystemsKillingMe sadly there is no quick fix, but it's good to hear you want to talk about this rather than hide away.
Maybe you could explain your situation. What kind of work you enjoy. What support network you have? Are there any specific reason why you haven't held down a job?

I'm no expert in mental illness, but know it's not as easy as just "getting on with it". Here to help anyway.

Dean

 

[Chris Ashdown]

I would suggest getting back in a simple way, like selling something on ebay which may allow you to grow the work load without any real stress at your own control, just buy at boot sales or local auction

Many people have overcome mental problems via help from specialist organisations, I wish you well for the future

 

[Deleted member 59730]

Can you get involved in some kind of physical work in the open air? There are a few small schemes around the country which are designed to help people with mental health problems.

A major problem in our modern age is that there is no longer a need for simple work.

 

[deanpunchard]

Can you get involved in some kind of physical work in the open air? There are a few small schemes around the country which are designed to help people with mental health problems.

A major problem in our modern age is that there is no longer a need for simple work.

The building trade is often a good place to look. Labouring can be flexible, but also very rewarding. It's also very physical so not for everyone.

Also farming often hire casual staff depending on the time of year, which may be less physical.

Exercise has been proven to help with mental health, so getting active is never a bad thing.

 

[Mr D]

Can you get involved in some kind of physical work in the open air? There are a few small schemes around the country which are designed to help people with mental health problems.

A major problem in our modern age is that there is no longer a need for simple work.

Simple paid work maybe.

Or volunteer work. Used to know a guy who had trouble holding down a job due to depression who worked for years as a tea provider within a charity. Not a job he could ever be paid for but darn useful to others as he saw it.

 

[deniser]

What about some very short term seasonal work to start off with eg. Royal Mail which will allow you to boost your confidence again and get into the swing of a routine?

 

[STDFR33]

What do you enjoy doing?

If you can think of a way to make money from something you enjoy, getting out of bed in a morning may not seem as daunting?

You could put your engineering skills to use, perhaps? Metal sculptures that you could build and sell at your own pace?

Just remember that you are not alone and there's always someone to talk to, whether that be family and friends, or local groups.

 

[GraemeL]

@GraemeL you've clearly never suffered from mental illness, so I suggest you butt out. It's folk like you which make people feel ashamed and hide away, which doesn't do anyone any good.

You know nothing about me at all. I will contribute as I see fit.

 

[GoingOnline]

I would go and talk with the folks at Mind (https://www.mind.org.uk/) and see what advice they can give you. If you are suffering (as it looks like but I am not a qualified person to diagnose) from a severe depression they may be able to advice you on benefits, access to work programs, etc...

Also may be worth considering antidepressants or therapy.

Don't throw yourself into working at anything you find without fixing the underlying issues because it will most likely not help.

Best of luck!

 

[Mitch3473]

The title sums up this really.

I couldn't hold down a job if I tried, I suffer with mental health which in basic terms means I cannot get out of bed, motivate myself or even give due regard to self care; this can be just one day in a few or can go on for days/weeks.

I have been to the doctors/priory... been going for years.

I'm well qualified in the engineering industry and have in the past had my own company (sole trader & LTD) both closed a good while ago (Ltd compulsory wind up)

There are times when I can work, indeed I want to work, the type of work I might get is unlikely to be cash in hand. I dont have the energy or mental capacity for all the rigmarole of government rules to be self employed or run a Ltd company.

Currently I get by on Credit cards and work very occasionally.

What is the consensus of the forum?

Why must the system make work so hard?

Not expecting miracles folk.

Thanks

If the system didn't make work so hard, everyone would be doing it. This is a business forum.

 

[tony84]

Didnt someone once say if you find a job you enjoy you will never work again?

 

[Aileen B]

I had to leave my last job in software development due to mental health issues so I know where you are coming from.

My solution is selling on eBay as a sole trader. Yes it's hard to drag my butt to the post office most days but it gives me a reason to get out and talk to people, even if it's just to the post office staff.

If things go pear shaped and I end up in hospital again, it is easy to "pull the plug" and cancel my shop listings versus pulling down a website (and even then I managed that in the past when I had to).

My advice is to start small and build things up to a manageable level.

 

[Mr D]

I found having a dog helps. Days I do not want to get up the dog still needs walking. What I can do to myself I cannot do to a dog.
Doesn't suit everyone. And would not suggest someone incapable of looking after a pet try to do so, unfair on both of them.