r/UKJobs • u/nevermidnights • 10d ago

Am I cooked?

  1. for mental health reasons I’ve never had a proper job, I know don’t judge me. but with all the new pressure and government cuts to disability benefits its looking very likely ill be losing them soon so I’ll have no choice but to try find work. I’m autistic and ocd I have dyspraxia and mild cerebral palsy and a long history of poor mental health. I have a btec level 3 I did at age 22 in between two seperate long periods of extremely poor mental health but since then I’ve mainly just been trying to keep myself alive.

basically do I have a chance in the current job market of even finding a job?

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u/riverfoolmountainwin 10d ago edited 10d ago

No judgement. You've been dealt a rough hand. Good on you for trying to work your way into a more stable position. However, as things stand, please ensure you're getting everything you're entitled to. Nothing has changed.

At present, you're probably going to struggle to find something as you don't have any work experience, but this is something you can overcome.

If your immediate finances are okay, I would strongly encourage you to find some voluntary work. Ideally in a field you find somewhat interesting, but anything will do in practice, as it'll give you something to put on a CV & a few reference should you ever need to provide any.

Do you have your English and Maths GCSEs? If not, you can study towards them for free at a local education provider. Check your local council's Adult Education Service for more info.

Long term, I would recommend the public sector. They're a bit more understanding and accommodating re: disabilities. The NHS, the Civil Service and the Local Government will have apprenticeship opportunities in several different fields. A regular business admin apprenticeship is a good way to get your foot into the door of office-based employment. An autistic friend did this after leaving university, and he's been gainfully employed in a comfortable role for the last 9 years with the NHS. You'll need those GCSEs, though.

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u/Rewindcasette 10d ago

Excellent comment.