to think I will struggle to find work for the foreseeable future?

[mypurplecup]

I am 44 and have been out of work for over 10 years. Prior to that time I was always in work. I got my undergrad and an MA then worked in the media in London for about 10 years before taking what I thought would be a short break to look after my Mother when she was very ill.

This period of care ending up being a bit longer than expected and by the time my Mother passed away I was experiancing issues with my own physical health. I had an awful few years looking for work, on the work programme, getting and losing jobs in the same week due to my health issue before i was finally advised to apply for ESA. I did and went straight into the support group and remained there for several years.

During this time I met and we married 2 years ago and I moved in with him where on my benefits stopped and he supported me except for that my national insurance contributions are paid by the state.

In the past year my health has improved due to a new treatment and at the start of this year I started thinking of returning to work, probably not what I used to do as I have been out of it so long and lost my contacts but to some kind of paid work. Then the pandemic hit and and lockdown.

During this time my husband wasn't keen for me to be out working anyway due to my previous poor health and we think any plans are probably on hold for the rest of this year. However with the rise of the unemployment figures, the end of furlough and more job losses on the horizon I just feel like any hopes I had of returning to work are vanishing. Realistically what employer is going to want a 44 year old woman, out of work for 10 years largely due to sickness in the middle of or aftermath of a pandemic that puts people like me at risk? Its awful for the young people but at least they will be attractive to employers after this is over and the recovery begins. I could be pushing 50 by then and out of work for well over a decade.

I did start volunteering late last year but after a risk assesment by the charity was told not to come back due to my health issues and I am hearing the same all over.

I just feel like I had some hope of a more normal life, new friends and evena bit of my own money but it all feels so far out of reach now.

I should point out that we are ok andmy husband is very kind and would never see me go without so I'll be ok but I'm very just sad about it all.

I'm sorry you're in this situation. Its awful. But are the reasons why you failed the risk assessment for the voluntary position still effecting you now and so will cause you to fail paid positions? If so, then regardless of the pandemic you might struggle finding a job you are able to do

It depends on the work you want to do, to be honest. There will always be some jobs available.

That was just one volunteering place, I'd be surprised if you couldn't volunteer somewhere. It might just be doing something different. Also it's a bit disappointing with the charity that they didn't try to find something for you. Good volunteers are hard to come by!

I would look into training for a position. That way you can use this time by studying remotely and hopefully come out with a certification or degree that leads to a job that is compatible with your health. Coding is the career that often gets suggested, but there are lots of options. If career counseling is available in your area, they likely have recommendations for retraining programs For older adults. It’s an especially common issue with people who have physical jobs they can’t keep doing as they age. They can help guide you on skill demands in your local area.