Posted by Alara on November 6, 2002, at 1:15:03
In reply to Re: Getting Back into the Workforce..pls READ! » Alara, posted by jay on November 5, 2002, at 21:44:11
> "Alara....you are far from being alone in your situation. It is so common, it is just damn sad employers and the government don't do anything about it. I started up an internet newsletter devoted to mental health and work..but my depression and apathy let it slide. (Geezz..what a coincidence, eh?..heh.)"
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Thank you so much, Jay, for taking the trouble to write down all these ideas. Just reading your post (and Geek's and Iso's posts) has already made me feel so much less deficient and alone. :-)
I'm sorry that your depression got bad enough to let your newsletter slide. Think of it as a temporary barrier: You obviously have the passion, the knowledge and determination to ensure that it will eventually succeed. :-)>"I've ploughed through tons of research and books on the subject, and the scariest co-relation was between lack of work, poverty, and mental illness."
Yeah, once we get locked into that cycle it can be very hard to get out of it.
"But....there is hope. It appears you may have to work at first on both reducing your symptoms (through which ever way...medication, therapy, etc..), because looking for, AND working, are very, very stressful. Try to keep up the daily task of looking for work (even if it is just mailing out *one* cover letter and resume a day)..and you may already be off to a good start."
Well, I've been working on reducing my symptoms the natural way for a couple of months ago and I am making some sure but steady progress. My approach to job hunting is a little more haphazard: I'll go for weeks without making any applications and then all of a sudden I'll apply for 10 jobs a day. lol.
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> "The *other* main problem, though, as you have experienced, is finding quality employment. There are, however, a few things you may likely have to do also to get it. I draw this not only from my own research, but from my own experience."
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Yes, this is what frightens me about using government programs which aim to get people back into the workforce. I suspect that a lot of the
placements organised by these government agencies are very low paying. (The participating employers, looking for government subsidies, look for people on the cheap and figure that anyone who is trying to re-enter the workforce would be grateful for ANY job, regardless of whether it pays enough to cover the bills.)>" 1) To get your foot back in the door, you may have to take a low-paying, meaningless job to start. The economy *sucks* so bad, because of the greedy corporations and stupid politicians, it's unfortunately what we have to do. BUT...keep in mind it is temporary (See next step.)
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> 2)Do some MAJOR career research. This likely means going to a local 'unemployment center' or some kind of government funded career workshop and getting your resume in tip-top shape...and it will assist you with the next step. A good 'job coach' has specific knowledge of many things many of us would likely overlook.
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> 3) Find an area that you are quite sure you would like and would do well in, and that pay's a fairly decent salary. This will likely require some kind of college or training upgrade, and thus can help keep you motivated to keep your 'temp' job (above). I would highly suggest a college program that has some kind of experiential or co-op option, and research the graduation success rates and starting salaries."
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(Sigh.) I completed a university degree in Psychology and English Lit 12 years ago, but it doesn't seem to count. My predicament is that I am a serious part-time music student; music is my therapy! If I am working full-time and getting another education, I am going to have to give up my music. This is selfish, I know, but music means so much to me!> "Well...that's about the best I have to offer. I am not only in the process of doing the above right now, I've been on the other end of the table as both a career counsellor and social worker. I don't mean to come across as if I have all the answers, but just want to share some general strategies that will likely make you most successful. (Both inside and out..)"
Of course you don't come across in that way. Thanks, Jay. You have given me some good, much needed advice. :-)
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> "Good luck..and keep coming back for support, questions, frustrations..etc. I know this again doesn't make it easier...but you are not alone. Far from it.
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> Jay
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> p.s. if you want to email me for support...just let me know..and I will post my email addy."THANK YOU!
poster:Alara
thread:31967
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20021022/msgs/32004.html