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End of the Road?

P

Phil61

Newbie
Messages
4
Location
Derbyshire
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I was made redundant nearly a year ago. I have lived off my redundancy payment but that is now running out. I have applied for hundreds of jobs but can't even get an interview never mind a job offer. I suspect that my age has something to do with this, being over 50. And all the time I am made to feel like some feckless scrounger by the government and the job centre.
So, as a type 2, I find myself facing what is predicted to be the harshest winter for some time, having to choose between keeping warm or eating, although my food budget is only £2 a day. As a diabetic, what do I do? I feel like just ending it all.
 
hi, welcome

things are never as bad as they seem, have you tried a different line of job as to what your used to doing or just what you know? have you thought about low paid work with the opportunity to progress? im trying to think of some positive advice because in your 50s this is not the end of the road, you just need a break, dont give up, the best thing that ever happened to you could be just around the corner
 
hi

I'm sorry you feel so bad.

No-one can predict what the weather is like more than a week in advance so don't worry about the weather yet.
DO you live alone or with family? Can anyone help you? If things are tough check out what food banks are near you.
If you feel really depressed you should see your Gp
Meanwhile keep looking for work and don't let job centre jobsworths get you down.

My friend does voluntary work at a giant charity shop where they handle and sort all the donations including furniture, they get a 2 course meal provided as a thank you.
If you could find something like this you would be out of the house (so not needing the heating on) and it would be useful on CV, making contacts etc

Keep in touch
Cara
 
Hi. I was redundant for a year a while back and know what it's like going to the Job Centre applying for jobs etc. I finally got a (good) job by accident thru networking. I'm now retired but do voluntary work for a charity (Mind). In this case I'm using my IT skills but charities can use a range of skills. I meet people, choose my own hours and a while back was offered a paid role. Try to find a way back into meeting people and a work opportunity becomes more likely. Charities are good because most of the people will be even worse off than you. What can I say about food on a very low budget? It's not easy. I used to tour the local supermarkets at the end of the day for 'yellow' label foods. It all depends on where you live of course. Take care.
 
Phil 61,

What sort of work have you done and what area do you live in?
Put a bit more information on here.....you never know who is reading.
Best of luck
Angie
 
Have a think about talking to your gp about how your feeling and what position you are in with money, gp,s are used to dealing with social problems which I am really sorry to hear about, they may be able to help with the diet side of things.....and refer you to someone who can help.....try it you might get a good out come....
All the best stay positive Kat x
 
Hello again. OK, some more information. I worked in the rail industry for over 30 years - in a variety of roles. I have applied for all sorts of jobs, some at salary levels of less than half of what I was most recently earning. I live alone (well, apart from my cat). I am already taking anti-depressants which I hoppe are working - I dread to think how things would be if they weren't (and have seen a GP recently - although she didn't seem to be remotely interested). I am in South Derbyshire.
I have looked for work further afield but my car has died and with just £71.70 JSA coming in I can't afford to fix it. Public transport around here is not good which further limits my options now when looking for work.
There is, apparently, a food bank in the area which gives food to last one or two days - with no return for 14 days. This is better than nothing but when my food budget is £2 a day it still leaves a gap - especially as I need to avoid rubbish food to manage my sugar levels.
It's just hopeless.
 
So today's projects for you are to make enquires with the food bank. Take what they offer, between everyone here we will come up with some diabetic friendly ideas.

Then maybe make an appointment go back and see a different doctor at the practice.

Go to the library or citizens advice bureau to enquire about volunteering. Citizens advice would also be a good place to go over your financial situation as there may be benefits and grant you can claim that you do not know about

Come on Phil, one step at a time

Keep posting

cara
 
Phil do you have a Salvation Army centre nearby? If so you could maybe have a hot meal there every day or be given a food parcel.
Don't limit yourself to applying to jobs that are similar to what you have done before. Widen your horizon you have transferable skills.
Look into doing voluntary work, eg in the residential care sector , volunteers get meals for free.
There may be a charity out there looking for a driver, this way you would have access to a car.
Make sure you claim all the benefits that you are eligible for.
Voluntary work often leads to employment. Don't know which area you live but charities do give out really decent winter clothing and bedding.
Hoe things get better for you soon x
 
Hi Phil,

Take advantage of the food banks, like you say it's better than nothing and even if it only saves you 2 days shopping that's £4 to share out on other days. Veg is cheap and good for you, soups, curries, tinned chick peas etc make great burgers with spices etc. Google feed yourself for £10 a week, there will be some ideas.

Look out for deals in the shops and money off coupons, buying reduced products and cooking in bulk can save you money too.

I saw in a magazine today a blog called " a girlcalledjac.com" and thought of you - she feeds her and har son for£10 a week google it, I haven't looked at it so not sure if the recipes are suitable for you but it may give you some ideas.

Try to keep your chin up and as my mum says it's always darkest before the dawn ((hugs))
 
Phil,
Does anyone nearby need any odd jobs doing? I don't know how handy you are but bits in gardens (I know it's winter but fences may need fixing after wind etc) jobs around folks homes. Many people especially the elderly can't get tradesmen to do odd jobs like mending taps, changing fused light bulbs, moving furniture around. All little bits that don't make money for them but could earn the odd five or ten pounds for you.
If you are worried about the JSA terms, could you do bits of jobs for someone that grows vegetables in their garden or on the allotment and ask to be paid in vegetables.
Just think outside the box.
Good luck
Angie
 
Sorry you are feeling so low yes not being able to get a job can be soul destroying
My son is a type 1 diabetic and was a self employed IT project manager, five years ago his contract with the firm he was working for at the time came to an end and he has never been able to get any more work in that field since, mostly he feels is due to his age.. now 53.. they were all taking on much younger people
Since then he has applied for hundreds of job prepared to take anything he could get but with no replies to applications did think he would never work again. But now finally he has got a job, it's totally different to his IT work it's night shifts in a warehouse but it's a job when he thought he would never get another one so he was over the moon
So all I can say is never give up there is a job out there somewhere with your name on it, it might take a while to find it but it will happen I know. You have been given some good advice on here try to take some of it on board and life will not seem so bad
Good luck
 
Thank you for all of your comments, suggestions and good wishes.
I have been signed off by my GP for two months with depression. I feel so tired and lethargic. I am stuck here inside these four walls 24/7 with no one to talk to. Even for someone just to make me a cup of tea would be such a lovely change but I have no friends or family. I feel like going to sleep and never waking up. I guess that would at least make Messrs Cameron, Osborne and Duncan Smith happy as it would be one scrounger less...
 
Phil61 said:
Thank you for all of your comments, suggestions and good wishes.
I have been signed off by my GP for two months with depression. I feel so tired and lethargic. I am stuck here inside these four walls 24/7 with no one to talk to. Even for someone just to make me a cup of tea would be such a lovely change but I have no friends or family. I feel like going to sleep and never waking up. I guess that would at least make Messrs Cameron, Osborne and Duncan Smith happy as it would be one scrounger less...
Click to expand...

No Phil, giving up is not allowed, things look bleak at the moment, and this time of year many people fall into depression. Has your doctor prescribed medication? If so, it usually takes six weeks before you notice any effect. Dont sit there and suffer in silence, come and talk to us in this forum, we are here for you, call or email the Samaritans http://www.samaritans.org/
http://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help-you.

I have also sent you a PM, you will be able to read but you wont be able to reply until you have made five posts, but I have given you my email address anyway.
You are not alone Phil, we care about you.

Big comforting hug and an extra hug for your furry little friend x
 
Hi Phil, when you went back to your gp, was any discussion had about you being so lonely, being so alone does come under the mental health team and a gp could refer you to see someone to talk to and help you..
Hope you get some further help soon, stay positive....
Kat x
 
I live in a remote area so I know what you mean about transport. We have a local group for people with mental health problems, they meet once a week have a hot meal and more importantly offer companionship and practical advice. They pick up their members from home too.
It would be worth seeing if there is something similar in your area.
Keep in touch you are not alone. x

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
Hi Phil
I've been in a similar position after redundancy as a shift workers at a factory making plastic injection automotive mould products and made applying for jobs my job "working" 8 hrs day at the Job Centre job club where they provided me with advice, stamps, envelopes, helping with cv's etc.
One other avenue that hasn't been mentioned and was my way out and back into work was giving my CV to numerous job agencies. I was amazed at how many still offered jobs well after getting back into work.My first job through one agency was driving around the region replenishing soaps in commercial premises toilets, mats, etc . It was an income, kept me busy and met people.I then moved up to better and better jobs through various agencies one if which was for Nissan at Tyne Dock earning excellent money driving cars into car parks, off the mothership.Unfortunately my type 1 diabetes put paid to that job when I hypoed at work when adapting to a new shift pattern and I was gutted. Another job came through an agency which I stayed at for 6 yrs until my present job came along where I've been for over 10 yrs in a very busy car bodyshop.
I strongly recommend joining some job agencies and sending them your cv.They get paid by the employer to get you in the door so do their best to help you. ..both you and the agency benefit and many can become permanent.
Don't give up. If I was closer I'd pop round.
You'll likely have to do jobs you haven't done before.I started in sales, retrained in retail management, plastic injection moulding,cnc machining,and finally nvq level 3 in bodyshop parts control.
These days you can email your cv to agencies from the iob club.Spend time on your cv and help if needed from the job club to try to get your cv to stand out with what you can do for a potential employer and make your age work in your favour from experiences that you have gained and always put how quickly you can learn new skills, how good you can work individually or as part of a team and how you look forward to a challenge.
Always relate your cv covering letter to evidence of what you've done to relate to that job.
I really wish you the best of luck and kick all those youngsters with less experience to touch with your new found go!!
 
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