Career path to fit disability
Discussion
Hi guys,
Not sure if this should go in here or the health subforum, so mods if it would fit better over there feel free to move.
Im really struggling at the moment to find a job/career that I will be able to stick with. I have marfans syndrome, which means my fingers/limbs can (and do) dislocate quite easily, sometimes without much provocation. To give you an idea, even getting dressed sometimes causes problems.
Work history is mainly hands on stuff, mechanic, warehouse, retail work. My normal year schedule is something along the lines of - get job, work 2 months, employer gets fed up of injuries, find new job, repeat. I have applied to go back to college in september to study counselling, but that will be another 3-4 years until I can actually do the job at which point I am dangerously close to 30 without any sort of career to speak of. I used to be quite ambitious and believe I could work my way up - now I would settle for any stable job.
I have tried and tried to find a job where the risks are minimised but due to me not being qualified in anything that I am actually able to do (had always relied on the mechanic path) I'm left with normal 'manual labour' jobs which I cant do. Its not because I'm work shy, far from it - I hate not working, but it is incredibly frustrating applying for jobs knowing that in 2 months time or less I will be unemployed again. Its also killing my confidence, as well as no stable job = no regular income.
I'm not expecting a magic answer to fix everything, but does anyone have any ideas on what job I may be able to do? Money doesnt matter - Minimum wage is better than benefits.
Not sure if this should go in here or the health subforum, so mods if it would fit better over there feel free to move.
Im really struggling at the moment to find a job/career that I will be able to stick with. I have marfans syndrome, which means my fingers/limbs can (and do) dislocate quite easily, sometimes without much provocation. To give you an idea, even getting dressed sometimes causes problems.
Work history is mainly hands on stuff, mechanic, warehouse, retail work. My normal year schedule is something along the lines of - get job, work 2 months, employer gets fed up of injuries, find new job, repeat. I have applied to go back to college in september to study counselling, but that will be another 3-4 years until I can actually do the job at which point I am dangerously close to 30 without any sort of career to speak of. I used to be quite ambitious and believe I could work my way up - now I would settle for any stable job.
I have tried and tried to find a job where the risks are minimised but due to me not being qualified in anything that I am actually able to do (had always relied on the mechanic path) I'm left with normal 'manual labour' jobs which I cant do. Its not because I'm work shy, far from it - I hate not working, but it is incredibly frustrating applying for jobs knowing that in 2 months time or less I will be unemployed again. Its also killing my confidence, as well as no stable job = no regular income.
I'm not expecting a magic answer to fix everything, but does anyone have any ideas on what job I may be able to do? Money doesnt matter - Minimum wage is better than benefits.
Thanks for the ideas so far. I am able to type, but its one of the things that make my fingers pop out more often. Once they are dislocated I can put them back myself 99% of the time, it just takes 10 mins.
I hadnt considered office stuff as I have no knowledge about it at all. I dont even have a GCSE in IT, as 16 year old me decided I would rather be out working than doing exams. I will have a look around, seems to be a fair few that have 'experience vital' but hopefully there are a few that dont need any.
I really like the idea of still sticking with what I know (cars) but changing roles, I will look into that too. Thanks again, I think after you look at so many job listings, it all blends into one big 'cant do' pile.
I hadnt considered office stuff as I have no knowledge about it at all. I dont even have a GCSE in IT, as 16 year old me decided I would rather be out working than doing exams. I will have a look around, seems to be a fair few that have 'experience vital' but hopefully there are a few that dont need any.
I really like the idea of still sticking with what I know (cars) but changing roles, I will look into that too. Thanks again, I think after you look at so many job listings, it all blends into one big 'cant do' pile.
Edited by Dgr90 on Thursday 18th June 12:21
227BHP, near Reading.
I have booked a careers advice appointment to try and find out some more options, and will have a look around regarding Uni's. I will also check how volunteering affects things, as I hadnt considered that. Thanks again guys, really helpful. I just wish I could stick it long enough to show employers that despite the added complications, I am worth sticking with, I make sure my work rate compensates any negative impact that this might have.
I have booked a careers advice appointment to try and find out some more options, and will have a look around regarding Uni's. I will also check how volunteering affects things, as I hadnt considered that. Thanks again guys, really helpful. I just wish I could stick it long enough to show employers that despite the added complications, I am worth sticking with, I make sure my work rate compensates any negative impact that this might have.
I have been called many things, but never eloquent!
I have previously looked into recruitment as a lot of the job sites are full of adverts for open positions. A friend of a friend warned me off, saying he knew 'a few' people that had done it and hated it (though I think thats because he couldnt be bothered to put the time in and learn). Im going to try and re-write my CV, as its geared toward stuff I can no longer do, start applying and see where it goes. Off to google I go, CV's are not my strong point!
I have previously looked into recruitment as a lot of the job sites are full of adverts for open positions. A friend of a friend warned me off, saying he knew 'a few' people that had done it and hated it (though I think thats because he couldnt be bothered to put the time in and learn). Im going to try and re-write my CV, as its geared toward stuff I can no longer do, start applying and see where it goes. Off to google I go, CV's are not my strong point!
Thanks again for all replies, its all been very helpful. I have been applying for jobs today, there is 1 that I REALLY want as it is pretty much a perfect fit for me (trainee service advisor at a bike dealer) but I think all in all I have applied for around 15. Im still not particularly confident about hearing back but its a start, I just needed to step back, get some perspective and advice and move forwards.
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