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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/28/2012 Posts: 665 Location: Newton Abbot
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Hi all - feeling a bit stressed today and just need to share a bit. I've been feeling so much better these past few months that I've been getting restless and want to get a new job. I stopped working nearly 3 years ago - at the time I thought I was just over-doing it with a 4 children at 4 different schools in 4 different towns and a husband who works away from home 3 or 4 nights per week, plus a job as a maths assistant - the pay was pretty low, so I decided to leave and just economise a bit more! I didn't realise that it was RA that was making me so tired and making my knees & feet hurt so much. Anyway, it's taken a long while, but here I am feeling like I've got my life back, and what with the recession biting harder, I want (and need) to get a job again. But there is the problem - I'm 54, been out-of-work for 3 years, so who wants to employ me!! I've had 2 interviews so far and still got 2 applications in the pipeline, but it's disheartening to keep facing rejection. I know that I need to keep strong and keep applying, and of course I will. It helps to write this all down, cos my thoughts are in such turmoil. And of course I'm very worried that I might trigger a flare if I over-do it again, and I have lots of doubts about whether I'll cope with the time pressures and what if my new employment makes it difficult for me to get hospital appointments or have my bloods done; so many thoughts are troubling me. I hope I'm being sensible about this - I won't really know until I try working but before I can do that I've got to get a job, and that's easier said than done! Thanks for listening - Sylvia xx Be kinder than is necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/2/2012 Posts: 670 Location: where the sun always shines :o
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 Hello Sylvia. Does the local job centre do free courses to get people into work? For example clerical/admin ? Just a thought. I have been in my job for many years.....before ra came into my life. Have you wrote/typed a list of what type of jobs you would be interested in? If it were clerical for example, have you looked at local hospitals/doctors? Just an idea. What about local charities (for paid work)? Your chatty posts ooze happiness and positivity.....ra or age shouldn't be an issue. Have you had success in the local job centre to get you free courses to help you brush up your experiences? Sorry I'm not helpful. Jane Xxx
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/28/2012 Posts: 665 Location: Newton Abbot
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Hi Jane - thanks for the really helpful ideas. It's nice to know I'm not alone. I hadn't thought of the job centre doing courses - I'll look into that. My last job was in a school, so I'm looking at the various colleges around here - plus we've got Exeter University which isn't too far away - they seem to be always advertising admin jobs. I got an interview with them a couple of weeks ago, which would've been ideal - part time with flexible hours, but somebody else had more relevant experience so I didn't get it. I just have to keep trying - I know that eventually something will come up that's right for me, if I persevere. My friend works part time at the doc's surgery and she said that it's a really tough job - relentless with grumpy patients always wanting urgent appointments (sound familier?  hee hee - I wonder who she could be talking about  ) . She advised not to go there, but I do keep looking but so far there's been nothing. It's starting to stress me out and I can feel myself getting fatigued which is worrying - must stay positive!!! . Add to that my hubby has just got shingles!!!! You can imagine how he's taken that news!! Sorry blokes, but I'm sure that women have more tolerance to pain than men - he's a pretty sad bunny atm, feeling very sorry for himself so needs lots and LOTS of tlc!!! Ho hum - gotta go. Much love - Sylvia xx Be kinder than is necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/3/2011 Posts: 717 Location: Torbay
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Hi Sylvia. I'm just wondering if you are immune to the chicken pox/shingles virus. Have you been tested? If you are not sure then maybe it would be best to have a word with the nurse/GP. As you are on Mtx, you would find it hard to fight chicken pox if you were to catch it.
On the job front. Have you thought of applying to the NHS relief bank for admin work. The good thing is you would just pick and choose as many shifts as you want in the locations that you want. Just a thought. Good luck with the job hunt. My advice would be to not take on too much at first while you test the water. When I'm on annual leave I find my RA so much easier to manage as I'm not trying to spin too many plates and can fit in naps as and when needed.
Best wishes from Naomi, X
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 838 Location: Nottinghamshire
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Hello Sylvia
Just want to wish you good luck in finding employment, fingers crossed that you find something soon.
Wondered if you have thought of doing some sort of voluntary work while you are looking? Always think that it looks good on a CV, plus they might give you a reference.. Another bonus will be that you are showing that you can work with RA.
Good Luck
Paula x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 714
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Sylvia
Good for you thinking about going back to work. Have you thought about registering with some temping agencies? It is a brilliant way to get back into the swing of work and a lot of employers now take on temporary staff and then move them over to permanent staff after a trial period of 12 weeks. This way they get them free rather than having to pay a 10% take on fee.
It will give you chance to try a few different things and also, and I think the most important thing is, employers can see what you are capable of and you get to see if you like them. I have taken on many staff over the years who have originally temped. Looking at someone's CV is not always a clear indicator of how good they can be. I speak to temping agencies each week and there are lots of jobs available but they are not advertisied outside of agencies as the companies want the agencies to do the filtering for them so they are not inundated with hundreds of applications.
Twenty one years ago I moved to Shropshire after marrying my Husband. I temped for a bit and found a small company who were offering a temp to permanent position. I took it until something better came along and I am still with them. I did not realise at the initial interview how much I would like the job and the people I would be working with. The company has since been taken over and I am now working for a large international organisation who have been absolutely fantastic in helping and supporting me since my diagnosis.
Sometimes the jobs we think we are going to like are not as good as the jobs we might normally steer clear of.
Good luck in your search for employment.
Jackie
xx
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/28/2012 Posts: 665 Location: Newton Abbot
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Hi All - I've got a job!!!!!! I'm over the moon!! Thank you so much for all your replies, they really helped me. I'm now feeling delighted but also full of trepidation - what if I overdo things and end up getting a flare.....what if I get too tired and can't cope.....what if the travelling gets to me......what if my new boss doesn't like me........ aaargh! I mustn't think like this - I won't know until I try and I keep reminding myself that I need the money and have already bought 2 new work outfits, so I really need to make this a success!!! Anyway, I've accepted this offer for part-time, maternity cover at Exeter University, doing admin work. It'll be sat at a desk most of the time, but hopefully I'll be able to move around to keep joints mobile. I've recently taken on a cleaner to help at home and when I have the extra income I'll be able to increase her hours to keep on top of the housework. It'll be so good to keep the old brain cells stimulated - there's nothing like a deadline to get the adrenaline flowing and the juices buzzin - best wishes - Sylvia xx Be kinder than is necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 83
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Congratulations Sylvia and well done! Do let us know how it is going and maybe you might like to write something for the Magazine next year about your 'journey' of getting back to work and how you have found it?
I hope it all goes well.
Tracey and the team
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 242
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That's fantastic news Sylvia, well done on your new job.
How many hours will you be working a week? I can understand all your worries about how you will cope, but take it gently, I'm sure you will be fine.
keep posting to let everyone know how you are getting on. It is really is fantastic news, I'm sure it will help alot of people reading your post.
Best of luck
Rebecca
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Good news Sylvia. I am sure all will be fine and go well.
Congrats.
Rose
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 838 Location: Nottinghamshire
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Oh Sylvia......I am sitting here with a big GRIN across my face..............Well done, I am so pleased for you.
Don't worry about...... will my new boss like me. Your posts on here are so lovely, you come across such a caring person with a big heart, how can anyone not like you! Just be yourself.
Good Luck
Paula x
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/2/2012 Posts: 670 Location: where the sun always shines :o
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  YES!! Ooohh Sylvia, so pleased for you! Good luck....a job, a cleaner, go girl!  When do you start? Really pleased for you! Jane Xxx
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/9/2010
Posts: 77
Location: Hampshire
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,110 Location: London
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/28/2012 Posts: 665 Location: Newton Abbot
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Thanks so much - I survived my first day!! It was as busy as I expected, but there were no nasty surprises. I'm travelling to and fro by train to avoid the stress of driving, but I hadn't quite sorted out my return journey and it took me an hour and half to do a 20min trip!!! Oops! Never mind, it's just part of the learning curve and it'll get quicker and easier once I find my way around. I'm feeling very weary today, so I'm very glad that I don't have to go into work until tomorrow. I'm taking it easy this morning then I'll go to my slimming world group later on and enjoy a couple of hours chatting in group - nothing strenuous. Best wishes to all - Sylvia xx Be kinder than is necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 838 Location: Nottinghamshire
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Pleased it went well for you. I'm sure you'll get the travelling bit sorted soon.
Enjoy today off and recharge your batteries for tomorrow.
I use to go to Slimming World, their head office is not far away from where I live, infact I have been told that Slimming World started in my home town under the name of J & M Slimming, the M being Margaret whats her name that owns it now. The lady that took my class works for Slimming World, she'd been there for years, knew the diet (Sorry Healthy Eating Plan) inside out.
Paula
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,110 Location: London
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Glad you got through the first day ok!!! Always a bit daunting, so glad there were no problems The travelling will be easier as you get used to it, there is going to be a quicker route for you. Enjoy your new job  BARBARA
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/25/2010 Posts: 1,289 Location: Buckinghamshire
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hi Sylvia,
glad you survived your first day, and hope the travelling get's easier for you.
enjoy your evening .. i lost a whole lot of weight 4 years ago and now maintain well.
Suzanne x
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