Career Chat // How to survive a new job // Friday, 23 Sep. 12pm AEST

Firstly congratulations on your new job @Kurra!

12 hours is a very long shift I'm going to try to brainstorm and think of some good tips for you ...

1. Ensure regular breaks are a part of the deal (if you need them) and your medication are falling in line with when your shift begin and end

2. If you need isolation/social interaction... whichever you need ... Make sure it's part of the agreement you have as this will be conducive to your mental health

3. Are you disclosing? If so have a MH plan, HR can be of great help. If not, they need to get onto that by law.

4. Listen to your favourite relaxation CD, make sure you take regular lunch breaks, is there a park? Use it (exercise produces endorphins)

5. Can you find a mentor or someone who has been there and done that, can be your greatest asset when starting a new job.

..... That's a start 🙂

At the moment @Renstar I have exemption from Centrelink for looking for work until Feb which means I have no access to any help from the job networks. I am guessing it will take every bit of that for me to be remotely in a place to take on that level. I will check in from time to time as I have questions. Thanks for the support with this.

Hi @Kurra I'm hearing your frustration!!!! .... The stigma around bipolar is very prevalent

I know you don't have a problem disclosing however if you were that close to being regarded as not having bipolar is there really a need ? Taking into account the possible repercussions even though they are illegal ... The equal opportunity act means you cannot discriminate based on mental illness or any other disability.

And employers know that.

We have come to the end of today's forum and it's been really interesting thank you to @Former-Member And @Kurra for contributing.

Overall when starting a new job you need to take into account your own needs, the workplaces needs and keep in mind how ready you are for this new job.

More than likely if you're keen to start and if you're comfortable interacting in the wider world you probably are ready you just need to get your workplace situation right , your tool kit and some supports however if you don't feel comfortable interacting with others maybe it's time to wait ...

In terms of disclosing your mental illness you are under no obligation to do so discuss with tell him you trust what your options are and make choices based on medium to long term needs .

I wish you a great weekend and I'll be back next week ! 😊

It's a pleasure @Former-Member

Check in with organisations that will let you do their programs I think MIND has a good program, also the Salvation Army at the brotherhood of St Lawrence they have programs that you can join in with and I believe you don't have to be officially ready for work I may be wrong but it's worth checking ...

Wish you all the best look forward to chatting maybe on another forum sometime in the future .... As far as I'm concerned this forum can be part of your journey towards eventually getting back into work, hopefully we can be a support and a source of information ...

Also feel free to let us know if you want to discuss a particular topic we're always looking for topics of interest for our contributors ...

Take care 😊

Hi @Kurra ... You really are amazing I can't believe you are passed retirement in age and taking on this big workload however you sound like the sort of person who likes a challenge and enjoys work .

Really ... There is no way to get into it quick smart as you say, you're going to have to give yourself the time to adjust, make sure you're taking extra good care of your mental health and keep talking with a support person just so you're checking in with yourself making sure you're doing the right thing for YOU.

Yes you are right. Getting around the law is all part of it isn't it for some organisations ... My approach is that if they don't want me because of my mental illness then I don't want them ... sour grapes mentality😉

but in all seriousness... We as a society have a lot to answer for regarding our treatment of people with MI in the workforce but at the same time many employees with mental health issues are simply not doing the right thing for themselves (not talking correct measures to maintain good mental health etc) so that the stigma is reinforced and used against future prospective employees ...

It's a complicated issue ...