Look out for these icons which will direct
you to info targeted
It may be that you know exactly what career path you want to follow, or like many other young people you may have no idea where to start even thinking about it. There are many places you can get advice about what you could do once you have finished the school year in which you turn 16. You might like to:
Of course if you have M.E. you may be wondering what all this has got to do with you. You may be struggling to get downstairs in the morning let alone worrying about techniques for an interview. You need to discuss these next moves carefully with a careers adviser/ personal adviser, teachers, parents and maybe other people who have M.E.
It's important to think about things that you are interested in or are good at, don't just consider those jobs that are labelled as 'suitable for people with disabilities' or those that don't challenge you. With some imaginative thinking and by talking with those people around you, all sorts of perceived barriers can be overcome.
You may feel really isolated at this time because this is when all your friends start to make decisions about what they are going to do and you might be feeling left behind. Believe it or not, it's a difficult time for your friends too, because lots of things are changing, so you're not alone. Talk to them about how they are feeling about starting a new course or a new job and they will be just as anxious about all these changes.
You will be able to do all these things in time, just at a slower pace. You are coping with a chronic illness, and recovering from that is your most important task.
You can discuss your options of what to do when you reach 16 with different people, both in your area and nationally. Make use of these experts, they may be able to help you in all sorts of different ways. We know it can be daunting and a little bit scary, but you never know until you ask.
Just make sure you are in control of your symptoms because it may be that your careers/ personal adviser has no experience of working with a young person who has M.E. You or a relative/ friend will have to explain how your illness affects you. It will help everyone if you can put this in writing. This is important so your individual symptoms are understood and so you don't take on more than your illness will allow.
Remember careers guidance is available free to anyone under 25 who has an illness such as M.E., whether or not you are at school. It's also free for those people who are unemployed and anyone in full time education. So make sure you take full advantage of this service.
More importantly remember…
It might help you to know that one dictionary definition of 'career' is quite simply 'pathway through life' so don't get too stressed about coming up with one ideal job title. There are probably several jobs that would suit you over your working life.
At the early stages of making career decisions, or reconsidering your career plans in the light of illness, you need to assess what skills and interests you have and see about developing them further. At the same time, follow up any career ideas you have - perhaps using one of the websites with job information or contacting colleges for information. This way you can make informed decisions, at your own pace.
Careers information & advice
We have listed a number of websites and phone numbers that we have found useful.
Read how other young people with M.E. coped with starting work in Reality Bytes.
Information produced February 2004
