Employers look beyond exterior yr gem may await.

Im in the position where I am trying to find stable parttime-fulltime work.

Its not a position anyone would envy as I am going back to the workforce after a substantial time on the invalids benefit due in fact to mental health issues. 

I am terrified of this next step because I hv lost confidence in myself and also there are so many jobseekers out there looking for work.

I'm afraid of the questions that will come up about why I had to leave teaching when that was my chosen career path. Yes thats right the girl with bpd, and ptsd, and depression used to be an early childhood teacher, and she was a flaming good one, before all of these health issues made a mess of things.

I have tried to go back into teaching but apparently I will not be considered for 

a decent amount of time, have to show stability in health and that is something I cannot promise at this time, have been working on that stability, but I'm not well enough to be able to work with children. I also don't have the stamina that I used to have. I have to face facts in this respect. 

So instead of this as a career path I am trying to get back into the administration side, I have worked for a law office in the past, a insurance firm, and a chimney cleaning company. Problem is I do not have any recent references in these fields. I have been working for the chimney cleaning company but the owner is my father so it is rather difficult to use him for a reference.

So back to the drawing board, I have the skills I have the experience but not the references. 

I have worked in hospitality. Its okay. But long term its not what I want to do. I do not like the hours, and I don't see myself as waitress.

When you have to Leave your job for mental health reasons now there should be a textbook or instruction manual with how to cope and explain this to prospective employers. 

Im a bundle of nerves even looking in the job market. My mind is immediately thinking negative and I'm having  to change those patterns in my head.

It seems like a simple thing but it really is not, It takes a lot of guts to put yourself on the chopping block again. Trying to get work these days is like partaking in the lottery. Buying yourself a ticket for a raffle, or the lotto, only a small amount of winners! The rest end up with letters sent to them or no notice whatsoever to explain why they were unsuccessful.

The results of being told No, Your unsuccessful for this position, well thats like a stab to the heart!

The person feels defeated, and feels the rejection all over again. Whether you think it or not most do take it to heart, I'M NOT GOOD ENOUGH thats what rings over and over in their minds.

Its hard to keep seeing the silver lining in a bad situation when you are rejected for so many paid positions, you lose hope, you think well I'm never gonna be good enough you think your going to always be stuck. This results in stopping trying altogether, or sometimes suicide. As you feel that you mean nothing and really have no use to society. A very dangerous place to be for someone who has suffered with mental health issues.

Im trying to shed a light on this fact so employers can realise. 

When you have had mental illness you struggle to get employment it just seems theres still so much stigma associated.  There really shouldnt be though not with all the campaigns.  Regular individuals who dont look like they have got mental illnesses  have issues doesn't make them weak. Alot are fantastic employees if businesses actually give them a chance to prove that fact.

So why arent more businesses giving these ones a shot. All they need is a trial ?

Why so much stigma ?
Judgemental attitude?

I dont know. 

You cant change minds that are made up already. Seems like theres alot like that.

Looking at advantages for those who are in recovery from mental illness being employed. First of all  ones mentally its huge if they are working, this creates a stable environment where they can feel they are valued and contribute to society. 

With a job comes money, freedom, less reliant on winz and so called agency's.

So its a win win, especially if the situation works for both parties!

I wrote this article because I think its time maybe that employers consider people who have had mental illness (even invisible) these ones who need work, and maybe give them a chance to be successful! Someone can be everything you expect on paper, and not in person, or not perfect on paper but in person they are a gem. They have the skills, they have the willingness and are eager to get somewhere within the business, they have those customer service skills etc.  As well as the correct attitude to succeed.

Im not saying employ every person that comes along, but it would be great if employers could be perceptive and maybe see beneath the surface of a persons exterior!

If they do that they may just find a Gem