Getting a job
“I’m in a bad situation financially so I’m not looking for volunteering,” says Jason, “I haven’t worked much for the last few years, I miss it.”
“I’m applying for full time jobs. I want to keep within my industry because it’s what I’m skilled at and it’s what I want to do. I’m in my mid 40s and I’ve worked as an actor and a director.”
“I don’t really do proper acting anymore. I’m self-employed and perform one man shows in schools, where I’m in character as a teacher. I really do love it, but it’s not enough work. I’ve done it for quite a long time now and it’s quite a lonely job, mainly just by myself. I want a job with colleagues. I love teaching and directing so I’m happy to move away from the acting and performing side.”
“I was referred through a mental health project where I was doing a course and I’ve been supported to find work by Choice Support for a year or longer. It’s a long time and to be honest, I probably wouldn’t have done anything without Jean, my Supported Employment Specialist. I meet her every few weeks, and it gets me out of bed when I’m not feeling great.”
“Jean is awesome and says that if I’m in a bad way I can give her a call. Nowadays on application forms when they ask if I have a disability I’ll put yes, because both my epilepsy and my mental health affect the way I live and function. Jean certainly helps with that.”
“Jean is happy to do things with me one to one. I’m seeing her tomorrow to practice my interview technique. She gives me advice and has helped me completely redo my CV. We look together at job descriptions and I ask her whether it's worth me applying for a certain job and she’ll be honest. If need be, she’ll look at the application form before I send it. Yes, it’s been helpful, and she’s become someone I can confide in. So, when for example I went for an interview with a really dodgy company, the first person I called was Jean and she said you made the right choice, don’t go with them. I think she really does genuinely care.”
“I had an interview last week. I didn’t get it, but it was good because out of 100’s of people, I was one of only five people shortlisted. The job was for a well-known youth theatre, directing youth theatre shows and working in outreach projects. I had worked there years before as a freelance director. It would have been a dream job and solved a lot of my problems. I’m obviously disappointed, but the fact that they only saw five people was an honour.”
