I hope this is okay to post. I've been a Mumsnet lurker for weeks and only just made an account to follow a couple of threads.
I'm 35, childless and physically disabled since birth.
I graduated university with a law degree.
I have never had a job. Until 4 years ago I had various regular volunteer jobs both for charity and in industry. Then, I became very unwell and unable to continue anything.
Fast forward 4 years. I have recovered and adjusted to a new normal.
DH I have looked at our finances and figured out that we can finally afford for me to look for paid work. So if I lose my ESA because I earn to much and then lose my job, he can fully support our lifestyle.
At 19, government decided I was too sick to work and I got zero support finding employment.
On Monday I had an appointment with a government careers advisor and it was a shambles. DH and I both got the impression that she didn't know how to help.
Am I being unreasonable to want a job? It's all I've ever wanted. I don't even know where to start or how to pitch myself. I was told I'd struggle because of the cv gap and my age.
I don't want much. Just something part time and WFH. I don't care if it's minimum wage. But after Monday, being told I get no more support I'm feeling rather dejected.
DH wants nothing more than to help, but he's at a loss. He walked into the first job after uni and they bent over backwards to meet his disability needs.
I know I should be grateful I have benefits and I am.
But I want to work.
Thank you for letting me vent.