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As your M.E. improves you may start to think about getting a job. This can feel like a daunting task. You may still be managing your health closely and worry that taking on a job will only aggravate your symptoms. It may be that you feel your confidence is low or you have missed opportunities.
Don't worry, there are loads of people out there willing to give you all the support and advice that you'll need. This page has lots of ideas and suggestions for you to think about, together with a range of links to key websites. It will be a challenge, but one that with the right advice and preparation can be an exciting, rewarding and confidence boosting achievement.
Think carefully - Is your body up to employment/ the workplace?
It's important to make sure that you are physically ready to take on any work. Discuss the idea with friends and family, sometimes they can offer you a different view on your M.E. which might mean you decide to wait a little longer. You need to be really honest with yourself about what you think you can manage.
What sort of work?
Before you start to think about what sort of job, it might be useful to write down all the different aspects involved in coping with work. Ask yourself loads of questions such as: How am I going to get to work? How many hours can I manage? What sort of workplace could I cope with? Do I want to work inside or outside? How much responsibility do I want? Do I want to work from home?
By answering such questions you'll start to build up a picture of the sort of context you think you will be able to work in. This will help you when discussing possible job ideas with a careers adviser or planning your applications and job interviews.
There are different routes you can take to get into a job. It's a good idea to research which would be the most appropriate for you. You might like to consider:
Volunteer work/ work experience
By doing some work experience, you will not only be demonstrating that you can put the theory you learnt at school into practice, but that you are a keen, highly motivated student who is serious about their chosen field of work. It can also help you build up gradually into paid work. Voluntary work allows you to test out whether you can cope with work or the work environment, without taking on a huge commitment or signing an employment contract. You can do work experience during term or during your holidays or think about taking a gap year. Check out useful links for top tips.
Modern apprenticeships (MA)
This gives you the option of doing work-based training, getting some useful national vocational qualifications (NVQ) and earning a wage at the same time. To be able to apply for an MA you need to be living in England, aged 16-24 and not be in full-time education. To find out more about modern apprenticeships and the differences between foundation/ advanced options, check out our useful links.
New Deal
Aimed at young people aged 18-24 to help you get off benefits and into work by providing you with the skills that employers are looking for. The options include working in the voluntary sector (eg. charities), working as part of the environmental task force or taking full or part time education and training.
If you have been claiming job seekers allowance for more than six months, check out the opportunities.
Starting your own business
Do you have that great idea to start your own business? Think carefully and take a lot of advice. Starting a business is an exciting venture; make sure you are certain that your health can stand the stress. Organisations such as Young Enterprise and the Princes Trust have loads of information and advice for you. Take a look in useful links.
Finding a part time job
Even if you are studying, having a part time job can help supplement your income and help get some valuable skills. Find adverts in the windows of shops or restaurants, check the papers, and ask friends and family. You have to make sure though that you are pacing your time and health appropriately in order to prevent a relapse.
Are you going to tell your new employer about your M.E?
Whether to tell your employer about your M.E?
Deciding whether or not to tell your future employer, line manager or human resources personnel at your work about your M.E. is your decision. They may need to know what impact a health problem is having and what changes may need to be made in working hours or conditions.
Larger organisations will have an occupational health department or a contract with a doctor. You can work in confidence with them and others looking after you to offer your manager a plan about what changes may need to be made. If your work does not have such an arrangement, or you are not comfortable with this, discuss with your GP or specialist what and how to tell your work.
By telling your employer you will be covered by the Disability Discrimination Act 1996. This means that if you feel you have been discriminated against in the future, overlooked for promotion or wrongly dismissed because of your M.E. you may have a case against your employer. If you choose not to tell them, you will not be covered and you may have to explain your M.E. if necessary at a later date.
How to find a job?
Most employers advertise for vacancies through the media or job centre plus. Make sure you check these regularly for vacancies, as they vary from week to week. Read the advert carefully and make your application as the employer has requested - this may be asking for an application form, sending a CV or a covering/ application letter.
Writing a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A C.V. summarises your previous education/ employment achievements and experience, as well as giving the employer an idea about your interests and abilities. It's important that you take advice from careers advisers, connexions advisers, family or friends, when you first start to write your C.V. as it can be difficult to know what to include and what to leave out. Remember it's about selling yourself to the employer; it's your first impression so make sure it won't let you down.
Good luck whatever you decide to try!
Information produced May 2004
