PTSD and The Job Search - Page 2

batgirl · #11 03-11-2006, 02:00 AM

Wow that was so courageous of you, Nam! Did you hear back about the job at all? Even if you didn't, I really admire you for being so upfront. I'm stressing about the same things right now, as I'm looking for a part time job. Today I'm supposed to go down to the employment centre and register to see a counselor, and even that seems scary. I guess in a way I am "lucky" though in that I am already on disability as the result of my dad being in the military. So the employment agency knows that I might have to go into one of their sheltered workshops, where they help you find a job you can handle. Blah. That sounds so horrible. Actually I'm quite intelligent. But I guess I have to start somewhere.

Anyways good luck, I'm hoping your courage pays off!

Nam · #12 04-11-2006, 05:17 AM

So far, no calls, no offers. I am busy doing other stuff right now. I have two friends who want fine art pieces made for their homes and yes, I do get paid! (with a friend discount....) I went shopping yesterday to get some materials and I felt GREAT! Usually I feel horrible for spending money, but not yesterday. This weekend, I'm making my own stretchers/canvas, so I have tons to do to keep my mind off it. Like I said, if they don't want me, then I don't want to work where I'm not wanted....

veiled · #13 04-11-2006, 06:54 AM

Nam, with the jobs... Well still will be working on selling livestock from the home and shipping fertile eggs. Doesn't really cover feed for the animals. I was tinkering with the thought of work but I cant stand people and there is no way I could handle the stress of my old job.

I was skimming the ads and came across one I could do if I could get out of the house. Maybe in December when litle one starts daycare to give me time alone I may go looking for it again. But the ad simlply stated someone to clen kennels and have common sense. LOL, I can clean up crap and have a brain. And deal with animals and not people? Woohoo!

But it is a crap job in the literal sense but if I can get myself out of the home at least part time may do me some good. And that would be the whole point. But I am seeing it will be a while before I can probably deal with people coming to my home to buy animals.

Still doing baby steps.

Nam · #14 04-11-2006, 11:22 AM

s'ok veiled. Baby steps is better then no steps at all.

anthony · #15 04-11-2006, 08:09 PM

Nam, I think your artwork has a lot more worth than maybe you think! Maybe, just maybe, you might want to consider giving a few pieces a go at an online auction and even announcing it through a press release or the like to help get the auction going. When I finally get around to building the shop onto here, you will be more than welcomed to put any pieces in there for purchase from yourself.

batgirl · #16 05-11-2006, 08:52 AM

Nam, I agree with Anthony. I haven't seen your art, but I'm sure it's good if your friends want to commission you! You could have a career in art. I was taking illustration in university, before I dropped out, so I have been considering similar things. And with the internet, you can sell to people all over the world! That would be so cool. :)

Nam · #17 06-11-2006, 12:21 PM

Thank you for your awesome comments. I have the hardest time selling myself to others. I just don't think I'm worthy of getting paid. It's something I have to work on. Eighteen years of being told that art has no value in my life, to get a "real" job, etc. It'll take some serious soul searching to get up the nerve to open shop. Thank you for your support though. It brings tears to my eyes.

batgirl · #18 07-11-2006, 12:52 AM

Nam, after I said I hadn't seen your art, I happened to notice some of it on the site... it's awesome. The wall murals are fantastic... those are really becoming "in" again, at least where I live. Especially for children's rooms, doctor's offices, etc. And in my city there are many outdoor murals on buildings, park benches, school fences, etc, to deter vandalism. I think you could get some of that market... just have to figure out how to advertise yourself... which I don't know much about. But I do know that your work is really great, so you should definitely have confidence!

nov_silence · #19 08-11-2006, 09:46 PM

I am really happy with the job that I have. It's the first time in years. It's just that I am wiped out when I get home. I have to work myself up to taking the dogs out since my husband usu gets home after I do. His father is coming in tomorrow and I am anxious about cleaning up the house after a long day. I haven't been sleeping soundly at night. I will need to get sleeping pills as I don't want to take trazadone or seroquil again. I wake up chanting with some shaking and wonder how I will get through the day AND then function at home. Work has always been a hiding place for me. Coming home brings a greater level of reality to where I'm at personally and mentally. Alot to juggle. Thoughts of self harm but haven't. I am looking forward to payday though I feel a little overwhelmed by the bills that need to be paid. What do I pay first and how much so the lights stay on. Tired, tired and more triggered lately.

mac · #20 13-11-2006, 05:23 PM

Hey y'all,
This was a good tread topic in my opinion because it is one of a number of things that distresses me. I have a degree, certification and I'm licensed as a clinical laboratory tech. This was the only thing I was ever skilled at. Now, I'm unemployed due to my problems with PTSD and depression. My license is due to be renewed in January and the first question they ask is "Had or do you suffer from any illness in the past year that could reasonably affect your work?" HELL YEAH!! Besides not being able to concentrate and multitask as I used to, I don't work well with people either. It hurts that my wife slaves at Walmart to make 1/4 the salary I have the potential to make-if I was well. I pondered a lot over what type of employment I could be successful at, but when depression hits-I am almost catatonic on the couch or bed... so it wouldn't even matter if I owned my own business or worked from home.