Do I Or Dont I?

elainebadknee
elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
edited 16. Aug 2010, 07:01 in Living with Arthritis archive
Good Aft All

I have a touch of a decision to make. If people reading this post know me, you will know have not worked since stopped temp job in February.
I am in a quandry as this temp job is coming up again, its only for 4 months. It is with a company that understands me very well, know full well my conditions in and out and when I left in Feb, was told my work had been outstanding and they would welcome me back if I wished to apply again. Now they are good, they let me move from my desk whenever I want to, have parking space outside front door and am allowed to use lift all times. Am also allowed mints and drinks at my desk more than others get as need to from time to time due to AIDiease. I think i could do this job for 4 months again but I know that as im going to tribunal with ESA also, not sure what to do....I mean I want to input into the household too and not be a burden...Some days i think i can do it, others say im not up to it....I know would look bad at tribunal but i feel if its an employer who is accomodating me then its a good thing...I havent applied for any other jobs as its a scary world out there when you have limits/restricitions....
What do you folks think? Ta

Elainex

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh ebk, that is a tricky one, with the tribunal and your forthcoming appointment but I would say go for it. They know you and like you, they liked the quality of your work, they are willing to help you regarding the difficulty you have - that would be music to many people's ears around here. It would get you out of the house and seeing people again, it would give a shape and purpose to your days, it will give you a sense of achievement, so far so positive! ESA is a very grey area nowadays, there is no guarantee that you will be awarded it despite appealing - and who knows, this 'temporary' thing could lead to something more permanent, if not with this firm then another. I think you should go for it, and I wish you the very best of luck with it. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi There

    Well yes i feel its a case of better the devil they know with the employer and despite the advertiising on job adverts of equalities for disabled people with two ticks, i wonder how hard it is for one to get work now?
    I know of course nothing is a foregone conclusion - of course despite appealing i may get zilch, even if I apply for job its not guaranteed I will get it, just as my appointment next month may come out with same result as before, my hopes are not high in any respect, just realistic...I also know that it is 4 months work, I worked for them last year and they wanted call centre operatives and i didnt apply cos you get charts as to how many calls you answer, how much sales you generate and cannot just leave your seat of you need to....Its not my thing really, data input is...
    The thing is im honest, i know there are worse people than me in many respects i guess i want to contribute financially and to see how i manage working again....

    Elainex
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I think you will manage fine. You've worked there before, so it will be like meeting friends again. You know the work you will be doing, so no unpleasant surprises there! It is initially for four months, which is a decent stretch of time and will get you back into a work routine. It is easier to find a job from a job too - this could open all sorts of doors for you, but even if it doesn't at least you will be regaining some standing in life, ie, feeling useful again, making some contribution not only in the office but at home.

    I agreee it is a big decision, and one that only you can make: my opinion is that if you don't take the opportunity you will regret it. If you do take the opportunity and it works, terrific! If you take it and it doesn't work out, well, at least you tried. It's only effort that gets one anywhere in this world. Go on girl, put your brave hat on! DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • robertls
    robertls Member Posts: 2,304
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Short and sweet (bit like me)..........

    Go for it........

    Sounds like you want to...........and they want you...

    The best all of us can do.....Is our best..

    Sure you will enjoy it......

    Rob x c055.gif
    Roba045.gif
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elaine
    What an hard decision for you, not sure what it would look like at the tribunal, but I know one thing, you will regret it if you don't go for it.
    (you always regret the things you didn't do ) they are bending over backwards to accommodate you, very rare has you may know.
    Good luck with whatever you decide.
    Love
    Barbara xx
    Love
    Barbara
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    Yes it is true that i know the nature of the job and the manager I had was always fine with me even when i had numerous days off due to facial swellings.....She knew i was geniune and not swinging the lead.....
    Its still a decision i got to weigh up, will they ask what ive been doing all this time and the old cv will look a bit odd mind.....Like you say need to be brave.

    Elainex
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Rob

    Hey like the quote, get you!! And also the cowboy, lol!!!

    Youre right all we can do is our best and if they decide to take me on a second year would be good and getting my fingers tapping again....

    Just need to apply now...

    Elainex
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I know they are a good employer and even if its just 4 months would give my life a bit of meanig (if you get what im saying)...Hi Barbara

    It is a hard decision but you know when I read annebr's thread last week when she went to tribunal n lost...Can see mine going that way too....My CLA Solicitor has not exactly been on the case for me and no consultant to date seems to see me as needy or old enough for TKR...........
    Elainex
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elaine,

    Give it a go..... that's what I would do. Its good to have to do stuff and helps you to keep feeling valued as well. Let us know what you decide and also how you get on. Good luck if you go for it and hopefully you will be fine. Cris x
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Cris

    Well yes would seem as though could be a good thing eh? Now then how do I word on CV been off ill for 7 months in a positive manner...

    Hmmm

    Elainex
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I know they are a good employer and even if its just 4 months would give my life a bit of meanig (if you get what im saying)...Hi Barbara

    It is a hard decision but you know when I read annebr's thread last week when she went to tribunal n lost...Can see mine going that way too....My CLA Solicitor has not exactly been on the case for me and no consultant to date seems to see me as needy or old enough for TKR...........
    Elainex
    Well Elaine what ever you decide, us lot will be behind you.
    Good Luck and keep us posted
    Love
    Barbara xx
    Love
    Barbara
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elaine,

    I am self employed and have no idea now about cv's...... what would I put on mine..... You will find the right way to word it and just out of interest have you been to Eden yet? Cris x
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Cris

    Yeah a tricky one eh.......Its all in the wording...
    Havent been to Eden, its been called off, was going with OH but that ended in end of June

    Elainex
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elaine,

    Sorry it all changed for you but maybe some other time you will get there?

    I think you should just do your cv as if it were someone else's? I find if I can make my self a third tense I can do things better somehow..... confidence is all you need flower. Cris x
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    List your work history, but in the letter say that you are ready to return to work, your health issues are not fully resolved but things are improving (slight fib) , you need the challenge, you are ready to return and you are looking forward to working with them all again. Don't be negative, sound positive. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Cris

    Well yes everything happens for a reason eh? I will get there sometime in my lifetime!!
    Hmm...Better go look at CV and take a spoonful of confidence....

    Elainex
  • tkachev
    tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I would go for it too. Dont let the ESA peeps hold you back. If it doesnt work out then at least you tried,

    Elizabeth
    Never be bullied into silence.
    Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
    Accept no ones definition of your life

    Define yourself........

    Harvey Fierstein
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Yeah thats true but im nothing else but honest, sometimes to my own detriment......
    Wonder if job centre would be helpful? Again no hopes up for that one, knowing them

    :-)
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Yes i wonder if they would commend me for trying to get into work if ony for a short period? Knowing DWP they would berate me anyway.....
    Can but try.....

    Elainex
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    HI Elaine, sounds from your post you enjoy the job and your employers value your work and ARE ACCOMODATING!!! It is 4 months .. go for it. ESA tribunals are a law unto themselves any way ... I wouldn't let the thought of that affect your choices or judgment. Here is a gentle nudge ... go for it, you know you want to!!

    Speedy
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • carola
    carola Member Posts: 786
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello

    Sounds like you have made your decision? Whatever you decide I send you good luck thoughts.

    You ask about putting a positive spin about 7mths off on your CV? Say something like you took the positive decision to set time aside to tackle your illness in structured and progressive steps to benefit your career and family in the long term ...... something like that. You want to emphasise that YOU took control and NOT your symptoms.

    Good luck.
    Carol :lol:
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elaine

    Lots of great advice and support here to help you with your decision. :wink:

    ESA and tribunals are a 'smoke screen' with no guaranteed outcome. Try to focus on what you want to do and not what may or may not happen with dwp.

    The tribunal will go ahead won't it whether you are at work or not? as it's based on your previous claim..... so if you are 'successful' at tribunal (whatever that means in the context of having a debilitating condition :roll: ) you will have seen it through and may receive a back payment that might help. It will also be on your file that you were entitled to ESA at that time.
    If you do go back to work on a short term contract then at the end of that..if there are no other jobs available..then you re-apply for ESA. You are not losing anything and in fact might regain your sense of fulfilment in a job you did well and where you were valued for who you are, not what disability you have.

    Go with your gut instinct :!: and don't let getting/ not getting ESA be your deciding factor.

    Iris x
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Carol

    Well yes I mean the company havent yet put add in local paper yet but they have advertised for the other temp job last week so it should be upcoming....

    I suppose I could put on CV that I needed to work on some extra physio or something, always find it hard to get the right words to hand!

    Elainex
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Iris

    Yes lots of good advice from folks as usual...Suppose sometimes its good to get other points of view cos you (well me) dont always see what others can see from a different viewpoint.
    I know the ESA thing is a lottery and dont feel I would win, but i want to follow it through and be strong cos if they make me give up then they have won havent they? My condition is worse since last year so I know Im worse but since getting diagnosis of AIDisease I have been quite steady in that area of my health.
    One thing that does bother me, I read that if you have an ESA claim then you cant have another one within 6 months, or is that since original date of claim/filling out form? Maybe someone can clarify that? My family want me to apply for DLA but i know i wont qualify....My dad who had his TKr last June gets Attendance Allowance and its up for renewal and since my sis who is a Nursing Liason Officer for Highlands fillied it in (as she does these with her job) and the only reason he got it im sure is cos she filled it in and knew precisely how to words things.......

    Thanks
    Elainex