Thanks for your good wishes, everyone! I really appreciate them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sundae
The irony being, getting through this is not supposed to be a chore.
The real work isn't supposed to start until you're employed.
Although I expect - if you're like me - the relief once you are working again will make all of this worthwhile.
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Dealing with the state and federal bureaucracies has been the most difficult work I have ever attempted. I'd rather work at the Bates Motel, anytime.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sundae
I accept that for anyone, looking for a job is a job.
If you don't already have one, then you make it your job.
But trying to get some sort of assistance, needing specialist help, meeting criteria for benefits, proving you're looking when you have genuine hurdles - that's like normal looking for a job, but with mittens and a blindfold on.
In the end nothing the Job Centre did helped me.
I got my job through volunteering, pure and simple. Oh and being awesome of course.
But I don't blame the staff at the Job Centre, there was (and is) honestly a dearth of jobs.
I bought them some chocs as a thank-you, because they understood and unofficially accepted my position when I had a job but had to sign on til my CRB cleared.
Some people are lazy shits. It's true.
Many are trying their best. I count myself lucky every day. I can't wait to get back to school.
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Exactly! I couldn't have said it better myself. I can't wait to start my classes. I know they will require a lot of effort, but it will be so worthwhile if I can get that credential to put on my resume. I am going after a certificate in environmental writing which would open up a bunch of jobs with either the Forest Service or the National Park system, writing anything from environmental impact statements to guides to the great out of doors.
And I have more good news. The Queen of the Western Feds just called and when I explained to her what I want to do, told me that she would most likely approve it as soon as I get the paperwork in to her (paperwork - BARF!). And I am allowed to combine Federal assistance with State voc-rehab assistance. Yay!
She told me that they can work some sort of magic with my social security/disability benefits where-by I can get an extra $700/month to be used on officially approved job related expenditures. She said that she would approve me using that money to buy a camper trailer, because that would allow me to live at my proposed job site - the National Parks! Wow!
It's funny how right after I posted here about how impossible this whole process has been, everything started to come through all at once and right away. The Cellar must have some powerful mojo!