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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be scared of getting a job in case I'm worse off?

601 replies

BenefitScrounger · 21/09/2012 11:50

NC and prepared for a flaming.

I've been claiming JSA for over two years now and am on the Work Programme. I have no qualifications and all I could get (I think) is a minimum wage job. I have been lying about my attempts to get work because I think I am better off out of work.

At the moment I get full housing benefit plus council tax, free dental care/prescriptions (if I need them) and £71 a week to live on. My bills aren't covered obviously, but they're not huge, and I have lots of free time to indulge hobbies etc.. I don't feel the need to buy stuff very often as I'm not into fashion/beauty and I eat cheaply. I can afford to eat out once a week with a TasteCard. The only thing I miss is holidays abroad but I'm not sure I would be able to afford them if I got a job anyway.

If I got a full time minimum wage job, would I be worse off? Just thinking of travel expenses, student loan repayment and time lost - not sure if I would still get any council tax benefit?

Has anyone had experience of this? By the way, I'm childless and live alone.

OP posts:
torcat · 21/09/2012 22:19

So exactly what kind of flat do you live in? Just curious because as of this year a person under 35 can only get benefit for a room in a shared property or a bed-sit? @ £900 pounds a month that must be some bed-sit! Clearly you are full of s¥*t

amillionyears · 21/09/2012 22:19

Were your parents rich or poor?

Toombs · 21/09/2012 22:20

I don't understand why the free market gets to curb most people's freedom

It doesn't, you choose your lifestyle. You are free to do something about it, you choose not to.

Original poster
BenefitScrounger · 21/09/2012 22:20

I've TRIED getting MH support. I couldn't turn up to the sodding appointment! And now GP won't refer me.

But fair enough, I was probably exhibiting some bravado/denial in my OP. Just scared that any change will be for the worse, but also know that I can't do what I'm doing indefinitely.

OP posts:
Original poster
BenefitScrounger · 21/09/2012 22:21

I'm over 35 torcat. A beautiful flat which I love very much.

OP posts:
Original poster
BenefitScrounger · 21/09/2012 22:24

amillion: my parents are somewhere in the middle I should think. Prob veering towards the richer end, although now they are struggling a bit.

OP posts:
SirGOLDBoobs · 21/09/2012 22:24

Then why not say that in the first place, because everything else you've said just makes you sound like a prize prick.

You need another GP, and a mental health team that will discuss things with you over the phone if you're not well enough on the day to make the appointment.

Mind are very good at supporting people trying to get back into work.

DialMforMummy · 21/09/2012 22:26

YABU
Get a minimal wage job and if you show willing and goodwill you climb up the ladder. Plenty before you did.
Sitting at home finding excuses won't get you anywhere.
(haven't read whole thread)

Toombs · 21/09/2012 22:27

Personally I think Dignitas would provide the sort of counselling the OP is after.

Original poster
BenefitScrounger · 21/09/2012 22:27

I have already mentioned it GoldBoobs. Quite early on. I haven't had any good results from the many MH paths I've gone down since aged 13.

Goldship: I'm not allowed an opinion?

OP posts:
amillionyears · 21/09/2012 22:28

After doing what SirGOLD said,you need to stop listening to the rubbish you have been trying to convince yourself with as regards not working,and the sense of entitlement if you have one.

Original poster
BenefitScrounger · 21/09/2012 22:28

Thanks Toombs, that's just what I need to hear. I'm glad you're such a good person.

OP posts:
torcat · 21/09/2012 22:31

For some reason I thought you were much younger, it seems that way from your attitude (sorry don't mean to offend any younger people on here)! My god woman, you are old enough to know better, get some sense of pride and responsibility, you still have time to achieve something, you don't have to be a parasite all your life!

GetOrfAKAMrsUsainBolt · 21/09/2012 22:33

I think everyone should have a pet called Pickle (one of my cats is named Pickle, it's a great name)

SuperB0F · 21/09/2012 22:35

It was suggested to me by a mumsnetter, GetOrf Smile.

Yes, I am that sad that I had a baby names thread for her

NellyJob · 21/09/2012 22:36

personally toombs I think you're a nasty cunt

Original poster
BenefitScrounger · 21/09/2012 22:37

Achieve what though torcat? I think the achievement ship has sailed. I do have a sense of pride in my unpaid work, but I don't have a sense of responsibility other than in my friendships and for women.

OP posts:
GetOrfAKAMrsUsainBolt · 21/09/2012 22:38

I think baby names threads are perfect for dogs and cats. Should be mandatory.

I think the best cats names I ever heard were two mangy ginger toms called Kev and Dave.

LadyBeagleEyes · 21/09/2012 22:39

Fuck, Getorf, that made me cry.
I've seen Pickle before.
--Does that squeaky thing when I see cute animals>.
BTW GetOrf I've put that footage on my facebook.

SuperB0F · 21/09/2012 22:41

This is her much rougher predecessor, Pepper. She didn't like beagles, on account of their free fags.

GetOrfAKAMrsUsainBolt · 21/09/2012 22:41

I know - those little dogs taking 5 minutes to walk on the grass and just looking. It cracked me up when I watched it. Dear little animals.

GetOrfAKAMrsUsainBolt · 21/09/2012 22:42

It's a good job that loads of MNers told me that beagles were GITS otherwise I would have got one by now.

GetOrfAKAMrsUsainBolt · 21/09/2012 22:43

I love pepper. Is he a border terrier?

Original poster
BenefitScrounger · 21/09/2012 22:43

This thread has been enlightening at least. Perhaps this is the sort of thing my friends say when I'm not in earshot. :(

OP posts: