Do you work?

Hi Jess,

I'm unemployed although have worked in the past (many many years ago). The DWP are keen to get me working again, but the prospect absolutely terrifies me, and I have no idea what I would like to do, or what kind of job I would be best suited to. Also, I have health issues that can cause me to lack energy and feel fatigued. I have become so accustomed to spending time in my home that I feel anxious when I'm away from it for too long.

When I have the energy, I enjoy diamond painting and pottering about in my garden. Occasionally, I also like to dabble in DIY.

Hello, it's nice to meet you :) 

You know what's best for you and what's best for your help. What the dwp want isn't important, what is important is that you do what you want to do and what will be best for you. I can understand it being terrifying for you, and there is no rush so if you want to think about it all then that's fine. Plenty of time to think about it and what you might want to do, if you choose to work. It's up to you what you do. Just make sure you don't let anyone else push you into something you don't want to do.

Being tired all the time must be very hard. I hope you're ok. I get tired a lot but it's just anxiety for me.

Your diamond painting sounds amazing! And doing things in the garden must be nice too. My dad used to love doing DIY as well.

I consider myself fortunate as I have an understanding DWP work coach. For the moment, the only requirement is that I maintain contact with her. She knows I am far from being 'work ready' and that there are other aspects of my life that I need to focus on first.

The fatigue and lethargy comes and goes. I might have a run of days when I have the energy to deal with housework, and then days when I just need to take it easy and rest. I never really know how I will feel from one day to the next, so have had to learn to go with the flow and take each day as it comes.

I have always had an interest in crafts and I suppose it could be considered my 'special interest'. I used to do a lot of knitting and cross-stitch and went through a phase of making hand-embroidered greeting cards. As much as I enjoyed it, I was forced to stop due to repetitive strain injury. The diamond painting is a good alternative and I find it therapeutic. 

I consider myself fortunate as I have an understanding DWP work coach. For the moment, the only requirement is that I maintain contact with her. She knows I am far from being 'work ready' and that there are other aspects of my life that I need to focus on first.

The fatigue and lethargy comes and goes. I might have a run of days when I have the energy to deal with housework, and then days when I just need to take it easy and rest. I never really know how I will feel from one day to the next, so have had to learn to go with the flow and take each day as it comes.

I have always had an interest in crafts and I suppose it could be considered my 'special interest'. I used to do a lot of knitting and cross-stitch and went through a phase of making hand-embroidered greeting cards. As much as I enjoyed it, I was forced to stop due to repetitive strain injury. The diamond painting is a good alternative and I find it therapeutic. 

I'm glad the woman you're in contact with the dwp is understanding and supportive with you. That's fab, so happy to hear that :) Means less pressure for you. Sounds like she's really on your side with this. 

I think that's a good idea taking each day as it comes. I try to do the same, keeps me well mentally I think. It sounds exhausting for you having to deal with that every day. Make sure you get plenty of rest and care for yourself.

Your special interest sounds exciting. I've never done that but I'd love to, sounds great and fun. Maybe you'll be able to do it again in time? Your diamond painting sounds fabulous! I had never heard of it before :)