To work or not to work: or what is "work" anyway?

Hi @Appleblossom,

Great idea to start a thread that involves the question, 'what is work anyway?'

Wow, that's quite a resourceful bag of strategies to use when dealing with the question from other people, 'what do you do?'

I want to re-read this post and respond more after that. For now I'm going to join the Friday Feast and get back to you. ox

Hi again @Appleblossom,

Thanks for sharing some of your strategies when not working in structured employment to the difficult question from people we meet: 'What do you do?' These are the suggestions I can relate to the most:

• focus on what I do do
• talk about volunteer work if applicable
• remember past experiences of work as ways of conversing on this subject
• keep dialogue short and reciprocal
• keep it light, not too self-effacing or challenging
• don't take things too personally
• don't be too 'confessional'
• realise that I am disabled and that I am not working for valid reasons

I had a giggle at your 'claiming grumpy old woman' status.

I have really despaired over this question at every time in my life when I have been too ill to work. I have tried various strategies but somehow there so often seems to be this painful awkwardness when the question arises. Sometimes my depression has got the better of me and I've simply said (in challenging tones), 'nothing' (when really I have always been engaged in the arts at one level or another even when too ill for anything else).

Anyway, it's good to hear your approach. I wonder if anyone else has ways they deal with the 'what do you do' question when not in the regular workforce.

hi @Mazarita, @Appleblossom, this is an interesting topic , I like you suggestions, have to keep them handy

My husband has had lots of jobs in his life, now we are self employed , i can see that it is hard for my husband , sometimes i think it would be better for him and less stressful if he quits, which he wants to from time to time .

Hi @Shaz51,

Would your husband be possibly eligible for a disability pension based on his current and past mental illness (and any physical illnesses he has)? The pension is a life saver for me. Wishing you the best.

The term.....Patonise me at your peril.

I just threw that at my husband and he says...I dont patronise you.

Well i really want to work. I've worked before i've had a few jobs. Some sort of a I guess you could call it a career. I'm not working at the moment. I'm looking hard tho, searching high and low for any opportunity that might be suitable. I missed the introduction of this topic eep! but will be around for when its continuity restarts up with next weeks subject.

Thanks so much!

Hi @AmiRemixed, @Appleblossom, @PeppiPatty, @Mazarita

@Mazarita,thankyou for your comment but they are cracking down on people going on the disability pension , that is why my husband and I are cutting back on work to reduce stress and for my husband`s health

Hi @Shaz51,

I too have heard that it is harder now to be approved for a disability pension. But if there is a valid claim there it might still be worth thinking about. It involves speaking first to GP and then being referred to a psychiatrist for an assessment and report. If there are comorbid physical conditions, specialist reports about that will also be part of the process. It did take me eighteen months to move from sickness allowance to disability pension (I was turned down the first time), but eventually it was apparent that I had a valid claim. That was about 7 years ago. I understand though if you feel it is not worth the trouble and red tape of going through that process. Cutting back on work sounds like a good move for your husband's health (and maybe for yours too, since you have the kidney disease). Best to you both.

Hi @Mazarita, @Appleblossom,

yes, we will keep putting our medical updates in and our updated claims in , I think we are getting closer but i think it will take time .

I was told last time when i put mine in , i missed out by two points ,

Dear @AmiRemixed

Is there a job that you feel that you would like to do?

@Shaz51 Can you get letters from Gps and or a Psychiatrist?

also, dont underestimate to power of your local Community Centre and State/local Mp.

Arafmi,

Im trying to remember all the places I tried. Theres also.... near my home a Dsability prnsion support place. Ille find out the name and pass it on. They assisted me with calling Centrelink and re talking about my disability. My Disability Pension was an open and shut case though.

My husband says....go to the Doctor and fill it out again thinking that your in the most worst position when facing the Gp. and he fills out the form.

Hope your having a good day, xx