Career Chat // Friday 29 Jan // Why work?

[Terry]

@Mazarita hear hear!  I think what you are saying is the realistic picture instead of the support worker cheer squad saying 'you can do it' when no-one has noticed that stigma, discrimination, etc are prohibitively oppressive at this point in history.

ps. i just had an idea to do some freelance writing for a little dosh and maybe teach some writing, or teach english.  i already get paid articles published from time to time.  anyway - those are just my ideas and they contrast a bit with what i have already said so i shall desist, and go eat lunch.  have to go out soon anyway.  i hope my post is of use to someone.  i can't wait to start my new volunteer job.  thank you all for your company x

[Mazarita]

@Terry,

I realise I'm 'overposting' but, like you, this issue runs very deep and this seems to be the appropriate discussion thread to get some thoughts out on it. I didn't intend to be the voice of 'why not to work' in this thread but there are valid reasons why some of us with disabilities come to the point where we give up on it.

Having said that, like you, the positive is that I too am very much looking forward to starting the volunteer job at a level of structure I think I will be able to handle. It's for a very worthwhile cause and will also finally give me something socially acceptable I can say when I am asked 'what do you do?' I do appreciate the 'cheer squad' at the forums and have been encouraged by many people here in so many ways. My recent steps towards some degree of 'recovery' are profoundly tied to the help I have received here. I also appreciate the way in which this site allows deep and serious discussion of issues like this. Other sites may have moderated or refused to publish posts such as you and I and others post here. So, from my point of view, it's thanks to SANE all the way.

If you are able to pick up some paid work to supplement your pension I think that's great too. You and I certainly seem to be shaping up to be part of each other's cheer squad when it comes to the structured work we really may be able to do and sustain. Hope you enjoy lunch and whatever else you get up to today. 

[Debstar]

Agree that there are some great perks to working, whether that is paid work or volunteer work.  And as we all know, based on our circumstances, there are many times that working is just not possible.  It is up to you if you work or  go from volunteer to paid work (and no judgement either way), but it is something a lot of the clients who come to Ostara Australia do over time, as they build  up their confidence and work skills. Everyone has to  find the best solutions for them.   It is important to find a balance that is right for you (and your family and kids).

For me, starting to work (which came after nearly two years of hardly leaving the house) helped me live by the week rather than by day, and gave me a new community that I became a part of, and contributing to something bigger than me felt good too. 

It is useful to address the uncomfortable question of “what do you do?”.  It is a really important one for us to talk about, and find our own way of responding and dealing with how we feel when people ask  this question.  

I know when I went through my timeout,  it was reassuring to know there were others out there in the same or similar situation.  One of the many reasons a forum like this is so useful.

Thanks for mentioning the posts prior to this forum launching. As we know there are still issues with stigma, but I like to believe that by talking about it, and sharing information, we are making people aware and gradually reduce the stigma.  As we all know, this is certainly not something that will disappear overnight but my wish and desire is that it continues to reduce.

Hopefully over time there will be a lot more recognition of the social contributions made by people with disabilities.  I totally agree, the more of this, the better.

Always happy to address and talk about the real issues, and the things that are coming up for everyone.  Yeah this is one of the things I really like about the SANE forums too. It is important for people to be able to share how they feel.  So thanks so much to everyone for your contributions today.  

Next weeks topic is “How to survive the first few weeks in a new job”.  Have a lovely weekend, and look forward to chatting next week.

Bye for now,

Debstar 🙂