(image: Time to Change Wales)
I am going through a particularly challenging, and at times, upsetting period in my life at the moment. This involves job applying and interviewing and facing job rejection. I was recently rejected for a job that I really wanted and knew I could do, having interviewed there and had a positive reaction. It is really hard when you try your best and put yourself out there to follow your dreams, to have it thrown back in your face. There is a blessing in every lesson – as India Arie would say.
For me, in the past, I have had times where I have had periods of sickness off work. These have been due to anxiety and panic attacks as I have written about before. However, I am working on this in therapy at the moment and feeling so much more positive and resilient about work and life in general. I love working, I am good at it and I am able to hold down work and hope I start in a job I love soon.
I have a goal and know I will get there. Its very difficult sometimes when you have time off because it doesn’t matter what its for, the workplace penalises against you for it via sickness records. You are seen as unreliable, incapable and not a good employee, there is job stigma- even if you woke up and had a panic attack and had to force yourself in, it has a knock on effect for the job search and life in general. There is still a stigma as to how you are seen.
So- I have been seeking support to help me in the past month and I feel I know what I am, where I am going and what I want to be. I will keep being resilient in the face of setback and I will achieve my dreams of being a teacher, with the support of loved ones.
It is really tough, it makes me feel low and down on myself- but I will emerge stronger. I hope that one day the workplace changes to see employees with mental health issues as an asset and not a burden. I am also really thankful for my new therapist at the moment- everything will be alright in the end.
beurownlight.com 
I plan on writing an article about this very subject. it’s horrible the stigma. i wish I had told my boss I had bipolar disorder.
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Hi Casey. I look forward to reading your article. I often tell people once I am in the job. In this case, the issue happened before I began the role and I wasn’t able to explain re my sickness record. Its so hard and I am 100 percent behind you.
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It is hard because either way, if you tell them in an interview why or don’t, its like a kick in the arse.
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It really is. Let me know when your article is up xx
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I’m thinking of using it as a pitch for an article outside of my blog but either way I will let you know! 🙂
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Sounds good
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Good on you for continuing to push forward. Stigma seems so rampant among employers, and it can feel so disempowering. It’s hard not to get bitter, which is where I’m kind of wallowing currently, but it definitely helps to hear stories like yours 🙂
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Ive also been wallowing and feeling disempowered so i totally understand. Im pleased that my story has helped you x
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Eleanor, This simply amazing. How would you like me to post this? The title states “Part Two” is there a Part One?
Emily Green
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Thanks for sharing it
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I admire your strength and positivity, although this is a rough patch. However, by the sounds of this, you will emerge a stronger being. I am so glad we get to follow one another. 🙂
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Thank you so much Beckie 🙂 im pleased too! x
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