Work suggestions

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Vesuvias
Vesuvias Member Posts: 2
edited 28. Nov 2023, 14:09 in Living with arthritis

Hi

with the current economic situation I need to get a job. I gave up work around 5 years ago after a cancer diagnosis. I looked after my husband as he had a degenerative illness but 3 years ago I had to put him in a nursing home. I visit him daily and was able to visit throughout the covid pandemic. I am not able to claim any benefits and have been living off savings. Savings have dwindled and with inflation rising I must return to work. I have had osteoarthritis around 4 years now, mainly in my hands.

my problem is I don’t know what jobs to apply for. I worked at a call centre for 20 years. There’s no way I would be able to return to that type of job because of typing. Since my radiotherapy I am not as strong as I used to be. Otherwise I am fit and healthy. I take tamoxifen and suffer terrible hot flashes, constant day and night. I can look after myself fine. Somethings take a little longer. I have the common problems of not always being able to open things, grasp things, hold a pen for a significant time.

im at a loss at what jobs to apply for and welcome any suggestions

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  • Tom
    Tom Member Posts: 522
    edited 11. Aug 2022, 11:14
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    Greetings, @Vesuvias and welcome to the forum.

    I understand that you are looking for employment to supplement your income which at the moment is wholly dependent on savings, you have a husband in care and have had osteoarthritis, mainly in your hands, for the past four years, You gave up work some five years ago following a cancer diagnosis.

    Here is a link to information on available government support:

    https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work


    and to our website with suggestions as how to manage daily life with arthritis:


    https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/april/everyday-tips-for-living-with-arthritis/


    This is a link to discussions on the forum that details members experiences:


    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussions/tagged/work


    I also suggest that you call our Helpline, 0800 5200 520 for more help.

    We wish you luck, please do let us know how you get on.

    Tom, Moderator.

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,417
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    Gosh you've had a tough time of it @Vesuvias

    The time has come for you to add to your income I can see that. You must think of your own future.

    It's a tough one isnt it? I dont k ow if call centres have access to the sort of software like speech to text that would help. Some people manage ok doing retail work (I know a lady with bad RA works the till at our local co-op) it needs to be not too physical I can see that.

    I'd have a look at the Gov site Tom gave you there might be some tips there.

    Reception work might do. Dare I say it at the Drs even! You could be a nice receptionist 😊 you'd understand.

    I'd love to know how you get on so please do post an update.

    Take care

    Toni xx

  • Hbutterfly
    Hbutterfly Member Posts: 9
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    Hi @Vesuvias

    This is a really worrying time for lots of us with the cost of living crisis, here's hoping that things will get easier for us all. 🍀

    Maybe contact your local job centre, as if you have a health condition or disability and need extra support to find a job, a specialist disability employment adviser (DEA) could help you. They can carry out an assessment to discuss your job goals and any concerns you have about your capacity for work.

    Also have you double checked your benefit entitlement? it may be that because your circumstances have changed then you may be entitled to financial support eg. universal credit, please contact your citizens advice or a useful website is Fighting UK Poverty - Turn2us where they have a benefit calculator.

    Sending lots of positivity to you 🙂

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