What kind of work could I do

[KSera]

Hi,

I have depression, OCD and very bad problems with concentration (might be adhd).

I had to drop out of school because of the above. I then trained as an admin assistant on a specialised course for people with disabilities.
I couldn’t get a job after it though . No one would hire me.

Eventually I went on disability payments.
After about ten years, I decided to try to look for work again.
The employment officer didn’t think I was ready for working so I ended up doing the same course again. Towards the end I had a baby and relapsed.

It is now several years on and I am thinking about trying to get part time work, but I have no clue what I can realistically do.
I am reasonably smart but I obviously didn’t have a conventional education and I’ve never actually had a job before.
I have a primary age dc I’m currently sahm to, so would have to arrange childcare but I want to put that aside and just focus on suggestions of what type of work would suit me.

Here is some relevant info:
As above, crap concentration and I find it very hard to be organised
Generally low mood. Somewhat under control with medication but stress makes it worse. I’ve had all sorts of treatment for years and this seems to be as good as it gets for me
Low confidence
I quite like being around kids but I would be worried working with them would be too hard physically. I’ve got problems with my joints.
I am early forties and very much perimenopausal
I have very low energy levels
I am not great with people. I get on with people ok and am personable but I get totally worn out by too much interaction.

Has anyone got any suggestions as to what kind of work would suit me?
Or opinions on whether anyone would actually even hire me? Maybe I’m just not being realistic.

Sorry to hear that and thank you x

I am going to make an appointment with an employment support worker. They should be able to tell me what supports are available.

What about doing admin on a voluntary basis to get your confidence up, before looking for a paid role? You certainly write well anyway, which is more than many people can do.

Maybe you could apply for one of the invigilator jobs they advertise at secondary schools. You wouldn't have to interact too much and you could get used to being in work.

As you post more your skills and experience are far greater than you first said!
as a starter, with your dh or a friend make a list of all the things you HAVE achieved. Be as specific as possible. That’s a good starting point with an employment advisor.
volunteering is a great way to build confidence and skills and a route into paid work.
specifically look at local organisations ie local hospice as they will have all sorts of opportunities that could lead into paid work. Good luck

It looks like your on the way to finding a job you can do :) Have a look at support worker roles. There are usually plenty of jobs available in that area. Not all involve strenuous caring duties.

Thanks 😅
Yes, I think that’s a good idea. Anything that helps boost my confidence would be good.

That’s really helpful. Thanks so much.

I have done some volunteer work and work experience placements over the years.

When I was a teenager, I sold newspapers and I volunteered in a special school for children with intellectual disabilities.
I did work experience with an electricity supplier for a few weeks, inputting data mostly and preparing modums for remote meter readings.
Then there was the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Service. Again, only a few weeks but I got to try out a lot of different things.
I did some work experience in my own college as well. Just filing and cleaning mainly.
I volunteered in a charity shop, steaming and ironing.
I didn’t mention earlier but I got the highest marks in every module in college and I was quite unwell at the time. I was actually doing very well academically in school too despite everything. I left to be admitted to hospital with only a few months to go.

Thanks so much. Will do 🙂

Another idea to maybe look into is social prescriber. I don't think any formal educational qualifications are required and employers focus on interpersonal skills, empathy and life experience. Based on what you've shared here I think you have these. The role involves connecting individuals with non-medical community services, groups, and activities to address social, emotional and practical needs affecting their well-being.

I looked into this and it said “candidates are expected to have a degree in Social, Community, Health, or a related field. At a minimum, they should hold a third-level qualification in a Social, Community, Health, or a related field.“

So, unfortunately I wouldn’t qualify.
I will look into training courses etc. in this kind of area because it does seem like something I might be good at.

what about a job with a care agency where you do housework or shopping type jobs for elderly or disabled clients

I don’t drive and apparently this is usually required. Plus they prefer people with a qualification or experience.
It is very hard work, physically and very emotionally demanding and it pays very little unless you do a lot of hours. I wouldn’t be able to because I have a small kid at home and do stuff for my own parents and PILs.

I think something in the caring sector might suit. It's rewarding and you'll feel good about yourself, that will really help with confidence in general. A part time role in childcare might suit, some roles have very little admin especially at a junior level. Sometimes people are needed to just hang out with the kids and engage with them, no responsibilities or involvement with parents. You will laugh a lot I can guarantee that.

It looks like you need qualifications and/ or experience for these kinds of roles though. There’s a community employment scheme in my are for these types of roles but you have to be a benefits recipient.

I’ve been looking at what is required for a care assistant job and seriously fair play to anyone who does it. It sounds like incredibly difficult work. There’s no way I could do it.

I’ve decided to do a Social Care Assistant course for a year. I think combined with the Admin certificate I already have, it will give me a better chance getting employment.
There are modules on Care for the Elderly, supporting people experiencing mh problems, homelessness, addiction, Manual Handling and Work Experience so it should give me some different options and it’s not very expensive so if it’s not for me, at least it’s not a massive commitment.
I just want to say thanks to everybody who posted for the encouragement and information and for helping me make a decision on what direction to go in.
This thread has been really, really helpful. It helped me to think about what I’m actually good at and what matters to me and what I feel comfortable with.
Thanks again to everyone. I really appreciate it ☺️

What about childcare that has limited hours, I’m thinking afterschool club…does your school have one? That kind of thing. You’d need qualifications but I think it would be nice work, our lovely ladies and one gent seem to do fun things with the club mt daughter goes to, baking, nail painting, they stick a film on, organise an obstacle course in the gym hall, get the scooters out for a playground ride etc. v cheerful place and it’s only 3.30-6pm.

Thanks for the suggestion. They actually require you to have qualifications or experience for that type of work. Having looked into it over the last few days, almost all caring roles do these days even if it doesn’t seem like they require much skill.
I’ve decided try to go back and study full time for a year. I think that is the best way to give myself more options.