Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

47,612Members
1,358,869Posts
1,400,000Visitors

Considering part time work again

GalaxyOwlSenior Contributor03 Nov 2025, 9:54 am AEDT

Considering part time work again

Hi everyone,

I have worked on and off my whole working life, the longest I've ever held a job was 2 and a half years (supermarket checkout). Because of the combination of my neurodivergence (autistic and ADHD), my mental health concerns (especially bipolar), and my long-term chronic pain (I've had multiple disc prolapses and have spinal differences, as well as potential EDS and autoimmune issues which are currently being explored by my doctors), I am unable to work full time, and I struggle to keep even a part time job.

Centrelink has deemed me 'able to work' because of course they can, for a small amount of hours per week, and once mutual obligations come back in January, I will be forced to job seek again. My most recent job was full time, working from home in an admin role, I burnt out in 8 months. That's the common story with me working. I don't really get good references.

I just got NDIS, and I am going to be working on getting DSP as soon as I have a regular GP who can assist me with that (had to fire my last GP for telling me Im not disabled enough for the DSP, and I just need inclusive employment, despite every other person under the sun being confused as to why I wasn't on it, including other medical professionals), so getting ahead of people suggesting DSP here in that, I know, it's a thing, I'm working on it.

But right now, my partner is subsidising my groceries. I can only survive so long in debt. I need a little bit extra per week to get through so I'm seriously considering getting part time work.

I'm really anxious about it thought because, of all the above stated issues. If I go retail it will f**k my back. If I go admin it will f**k my brain. What do I do?

Does anyone have any suggestions?

PS. I forgot to mention I'm also studying online, so I can't work more than one or two days a week

3 replies

1 - 3 of 3

In response to: Considering part time work again

rav3nSenior Contributor03 Nov 2025, 2:30 pm AEDT

Re: Considering part time work again

hey there @GalaxyOwl,

i can hear how overwhelming this would be. there were certain roles that just burnt me out so quickly, and it took me some time to find a balance that worked for me. i hope we can help you find a balance that works for you too 💙

i was going to suggest looking into wise employment if you meet their eligibility criteria, they can help support you in finding the perfect workplace/role: Disability Employment Services (DES) - WISE Employment

roles like receptionists at small clinics, sometimes offer casual/part-time roles. i know that some receptionist jobs can be fast-paced, but i've also had a few friends tell me that their shifts were 'chill' as there weren't a lot of clients during their working hours.
there's also roles where you get paid to share your opinion or be a participant in a research project - from what i've heard, the pay is usually not that great when you compare it to the time you spend completing surveys, etc. the benefit is that there's flexibility around when you do it, and it's usually remote.
curious to know what you're studying, and if a role in that field will be possible? are there any other areas/industries you're interested in? (i.e. if you love pets, maybe a pet sitter type of role? if you like maths, maybe a tutoring role? etc)

In response to: Considering part time work again

SleeplessRavenSenior Contributor03 Nov 2025, 5:02 pm AEDT

Re: Considering part time work again

@GalaxyOwl

If you have a passion for something and need work with flexibility, have you considered doing NEIS (New enterprise incentive scheme) and starting up a business? The payment is equal to Jobseeker and you can continue to be on the DSP while in the program. It’s not for everyone sure, but if you’re can’t work traditional jobs or hours it can be a really good way to explore working for yourself

link is below if I’m allowed to post this (not sure if posting URLs is allowed?)

https://www.dewr.gov.au/new-business-assistance-neis/neis-training-support-and-payments

In response to: Considering part time work again

Ruby26Senior Contributor04 Nov 2025, 9:30 pm AEDT

Re: Considering part time work again

@GalaxyOwl I have very similar challenges with finding work that you do. I think it's amazing you've been able to work as much as you have. Do you have specialist doctors to help you out with getting the DSP? It can strengthen your case a lot to have specialists to back up your GP's paperwork.

1 - 3 of 3