Hi, I had a thread on here a couple of months ago, because my job was destroying my mental health and I had to quit.
Link: https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/work/4954895-too-unwell-to-attend-capability-hearing-job-changes-forced-me-out-total-nightmare?page=1
I had felt quite a lot better but I'm struggling now because my options seem so limited and tough, and the last job destroyed my confidence.
I'm looking for something part time - around 25 hours would be great but more would be okay in the right job maybe. This is for mental health reasons/ I have autism. (For the record, this was late diagnosed as an adult 6 years ago, I am fine with body language etc, but mainly in manifests in getting worn out faster hence working part time. I'm not a maths or computer genuis or any of the stereotypes.)
I would prefer to have colleagues around me, unless WFH but not too much of that (unless something fabulous with totally flexible hours!). I need to be engaging my brain to some degree (even if that's just interacting with people) or I start to lose my mind rapidly and literally get bored to tears. (This has been a big problem in the past.)
I've got a degree (Open Uni) - BSc hons in Psychology, upper 2nd. Graduated 2021. Psychology grads are ten a penny so perhaps not terribly useful. I'm starting to study counselling at college (evening class).
Unfortunately due to my mental health and the importance of actually being able to see friends (I'm single and regrettably childless) I really can't work weekends, too many evenings, or unpredictable hours any more. This broke me in my last job. This rules out a lot of social/health care jobs which otherwise I'd have a decent chance at getting.
My work history is appalling. Due to poor mental health/trauma/undiagnosed autism I could never hold down a job for more than a few months, totally broke and didn't work for over a decade (did do degree in this time, and was able to start getting better once diagnosed!). I know it's not immediately relevant but I didn't sit on my arse, I learnt new skills like woodwork and DIY and gardening (living in a shitty flat that is now beautiful!) I really had to fight through a LOT to get better.
Got job as PA to disabled lady, this lasted two years and gradually got worse as detailed in last thread. Left on good terms so can get reference but did have a load of sick leave. No other work references as these were all random service jobs years ago. I really, really, want and need to do something that isn't a service job.
Struggling to know what I could do. Unless I've seen a job in action (doctor, shop assistant, waiter...) I can't really imagine what jobs are out there! Lots of things with people looking at computer screens, but what are they actually doing?! Something in the Civil Service looks appealing, maybe.
I've looked for schemes that help people find work but unfortunately anything autism related seems to cut off at 30 at the oldest. Got excited to find out the Civil Service has a scheme but then found out I don't fit into any of the specific categories of people it helps. Other things seem to be very basic "work preparation" type stuff. The blue tick scheme may be helpful if it's actually used in places.
I don't have a CV because there's barely anything to go on it, but I know I need to get one together and could do with guidance on that.
In short, I've got MH considerations, a very poor work history, no qualifications particularly relevant... I'm struggling and trying not to despair, but I want a job I can do reasonably and just get on with it! And I need a job ASAP to pay the bills!
Any advice appreciated, thank you.