Honest opinions needed please

[HCantThinkOfAUsername]

Need some advice.. bit of a strange one. I suffer with my physical and mental health.
Work is something I have to do, albeit only 16 hours. If I didn’t have work I wouldn’t get out of bed, I know it probably seems I’m not that bad because I manage to do that.
In work I’m a different person I’m not me it’s like a different identity, I’m confident H not poorly H and I’m bloody good at it.

So I’ve been shortlisted for an interview for my dream job (assistant social worker and on the job training whilst doing degree to become a social worker) working with disabled adults, what I do now, but I’m worried I’ll be judged because of my past (I have been sectioned and awaiting a liver transplant). I’ve got a life limiting condition too. Got a few options..

1. Do I just be upfront and honest in interview and know they won’t hire me

2. just don’t go to the interview and stick with my job so I don’t suffer rejection

3. go to interview and not mention anything yet

I don’t think I’ll get the job, it’s too good to be true tbh, I’m just excited to even be shortlisted.

Also ... should I dye my hair a normal colour? Worried I’ll be judged because I’m fat with pink hair 😞

I would say go for option 3 and see if you get offered the job. Then you can consider whether to give them any more information, although most employers want you to sign a health and safety questionnaire.

Leave the hair pink. It's memorable and shows you've got a bit of individuality.

How are you an assistant SW? Is it a support role?

Defo number 3. You have no obligation to tell them at interview stage. Im not even sure youre kegally obliged to tell them after that?! Id wait and tell them once contract signed

Go for 3 and good luck!

Don't change to suit others & Be honest op!
If I was ever to need a social worker, then I'd much prefer a more relatable person with real life knowledge & experience over someone who has only ever read case studies from books!
Good luck

I ask because do you want to do the studying and the job, full time?

When we were governed by the GSCC, you would need to gibe them access to your medical history, when you were accepted onto a BA (that was my route).

They also wanted a complete work history and explanation of any breaks, since leaving school.

I'd say that attending the interview and being accepted would be good for your confidence.

However how will you feel if you can't go ahead with training? Will it bring you down?

You normally have a time limit to complete your training. How long do you need to recover etc from a liver transplant?

How many hours you do for training isn't flexible.

How long ago were you sectioned?

"I'd much prefer a more relatable person with real life knowledge & experience over someone who has only ever read case studies from books!"

No-one who becomes a SW has just learned from a book.

Mumtoboy123 SW's are a profession that's regulated by a Governing body. They have to have access to the ins and outs of your life.

birdsgottafly the job role title is literally ‘assistant social worker’ and reports to ‘qualified social worker’.

Regarding training/studying, I enjoy that type of thing and anything that keeps my brain ticking, I love to learn.

Health wise - was sectioned 6 nearly 7 years ago, had post parting psychosis, was a short stay as was caught and treated early on. Liver transplant I’m not too of the list, it’s not in the urgent category so could be years before I get one, if I did soon though it’s keyhole surgery now so not long recovery time.

Thank you all I’ll go with 3 and keep my hair pink! I would regret it deep down if I didn’t go and rejection I would get over :)

Go for 3.

If you're offered the job you will likely fill in a health questionnaire for occupational health. After you fill it on they will probably want to see you to assess your fitness to work.

You being sectioned that long ago, won't be looked at, at all.

It sounds as though the Liver transplant won't either.

Go for the interview, definitely.

Go for the interview.
Your health issues are separate and post partum psychosis is not now relevant.Your need for a liver transplant is not now and between now and you needing one any of us could become ill.
So go for it the best that can happen is that you get it,the worst they you are no worse off can get feedback to improve your chances next time.
Leave the hair,that's you.If they offer you the job and mention your hair then consider it.
Apply and good luck.

Thank you, you’ve all reassured me.

Anyone any tips?

Be positive and quietly enthusiastic! Not all excitable and flittery.

Ask questions about the role, and come prepared with examples of how you've coped with role-appropriate issues in the past. That should be pretty easy - you don't need to rehearse anecdotes like a script, just be mentally ready to assemble and tell a short story.

Don't ramble on - say your things and stop, or follow with a question.

Don't speak too fast. If you find yourself accelerating, chill down.

Research the office, if you can find anything specific about them bring it into the interview with an "And it's lovely that you (xxx)" or whatever.

Remember you're interviewing them while they're interviewing you. Ask them questions about the role, the environment, the scheduling, work-life balance, support for mental health issues (decompressing after a hard client), where has the best coffee...

Also (3) and keep the pink hair.