Haven't had a job in 4 years ...and I don't want to go back to work,why?

[telebabey]

It's been 4 years since I had a job
I have been claiming sickness benefits and receiving around £1200 a month which has been okay for me.
I have had battles with mental health and I had a breakdown.
I have been feeling better so applied and got a job.

I start Monday but I'm having doubts
I'm starting to think I would be better off not working but I don't know when or who long I will be allowed to claim.
If I got kicked off I would be living off around £700 a month (and have to pay rent from that )

I know I'm just having a wobble but am I doing the right thing here ?
Il be okay wont I ?
The fear of another breakdown is giving me anxiety

*how long

Well that is good news, I think having a job will be excellent for your self esteem , it must be very depressing to be living off benefits when you clearly don’t want to be. Well done for working hard on your MH ,I am sure the work situation will be fine, take it easy, and be proud of yourself for coming so far, it can’t have been easy and you have achieved a huge milestone in getting back into work. The organisation who offered you the job have faith in you, so you need to have belief in yourself too.

Starting anything new is always hard.

It's doubly hard if you have MH difficulties and anxiety.

Add I or that your breakdown and a few years out of the workplace no one can blame you for this feeling massive.

Maybe try and write some lists for what you need to do.

Use whatever techniques you've been given and remind yourself you can do this.

You've come a long way. You just need to believe you can go further.

Hopefully once you're in the routine of working it'll become easier.

If it doesn't then deal with that when it comes.

It always takes 4-6 months to settle into a new job

Oh op...it's scary when you've been unwell..just baby steps, you'll be ok... You're doing so well! If it didn't work out there would be support available, so just try your best, see how it goes, if you start to spiral reach out for help and support asap x

I'm hoping even after the first week il feel better
I have a habit of avoiding things when it gets tough
I really want to do well at this job and not quit after a day

HI

I was not working for mental health reasons for 10 years. I was diagnoised with biolar, general anxiety disorder, OCD, major depression.

I was getting to the point, where being at home all the time was actually harming my mental health, so I got a job, that was about 2 years ago, I still have massive wobbles and anxiety, but in those 2 years I have had a payrise, got a promotion, moved jobs, have another payrise (I am on about 10k more than I was when I first started)

My job, can be stressful, fast paced and was in an industry I knew nothing about. I think I was physically sick twice on my first day.

But I really enjoy it, it has given me a lot of confidence and self belief. I do still come home physically and mentally exhausted from dealing with people. But its getting less and less.

and I am now completely off benefits, I dont have a massive anxiety when I see a brown envelope coming through the door, that my benefits is being cut, that I am going to have to go through yet another assessment.

I was very glad for the safety net that is the benefit system, but it did affect my mental health as well.

You have got this and it is normal to be terrified/anxious/scared.

But if it will make you feel better, you have a cheerleader in me and I wave pom poms amazingly

@sobeyondthehills oh Thankyou
Congratulations to you for how far you have come
This was me,waiting daily incase today was a re Assesment envelope and worrying how I would pay the bills

Which benefits are you in receipt of? PIP will usually have a review date set, unless your health changes that date will hold, you can work in receipt of PIP.

UC, you will have a work allowance if you have the LCWRA element, so you will still have income to pay bills.

You'll be fine. Just remind yourself new jobs are very stressful and most people feel exhausted and emotional for the first week or two. Accept that this is normal and will pass.

It's great news that you have a job now. You don't want to spend an entire life living on benefits. There's no job satisfaction, no career opportunities there. By taking this job you will grow more confident of your ability to be independent and take care of yourself.

And @telebabey please come back to the thread on Monday evening and let us know how you got on. Think of it as your own little cheerleading squad encouraging you all the way!

Go telebabey! go telebabey!

@Thejackrussellsrule it's UC with LCWRA
I think once I start this job that will stop tho

@viques Thankyou I will do
Hopefully I will survive my first day ha ha

@Meadowwild I'm hoping I make some new friends too,that would be nice
Sounds silly but I've missed the work friends /work Christmas parties

The social aspect of work can be very good for MH illnesses. I had PND with my second baby, going back to work was great. If it is the right job, it might do you the world of good.

No, it won't stop until you are reassessed again.

Im pretty sure that
1- as it’s UC, if the OP earns over the threshold, she won’t be getting UC, LCWRA or not.
2- in some instances, you CN keep the claim going. Conditions are working less than 18 hours a week and earning less than MW per hour. If you start working more than 18 hours, my understanding is that DWP consider you are working and therefore well enough now to do so. (Which tbh is quite logical).

Im also not sure of there are any reviews for UC w LCWRA. I know that you don’t as such with ESA.

Good will and not wanting to live off benefits doesn't pay your bills.
I've worked all my life from I got my National insurance card. I would never not work unless I wasn't physically able to.
I took some time off last year after a MMC and couldn't wait to get back to work.

However, our benefit system doesn't allow people to go back to work when you're better off on benefits than working!

Tho I heard a saying once
I don't work for money, I work for self respect.

I'm not sure if it's offensive but it struck a chord with me.

I think you will love working, you will meet new people, fill your time better, enjoy getting home.

Tho if you're making less money & worrying about paying bills, where is the sense?

@Thejackrussellsrule oh thanks for that
I have just checked and apparently I have a work allowance and they deduct after that 65p for every £1 I earn
I had no idea
That's a nice surprise

That’s good— think of the things you’ve missed about work.
It’s 100% normal to feel nervous starting a new job, I’d say everyone does. Take it slowly, one day at a time and at the end of the day add up all the things that went well. And promise yourself a treat from your first wage cheque.

Work is what helps my mental health. It gives me something else to focus on.

Iv been where you are and completely understand how you must be feeling right now. I'm currently working and it's honestly the best thing I could of done for my health. Good luck keep us updated on how you get on

Funnily enough, I meant to say that when I posted but forgot - the social side can be good fun.

It's only 55p not 65p, so even better. Congratulations on the job OP, I'm sure you'll do brilliantly.

@telebabey

Hope you enjoyed your first day.