I am so stressed out and riddled with job search anxiety when I go to the job centre...
...that I’m unable to recall what my work coach actually looks like!
This is despite seeing the same one since I reluctantly started to sign on.
My feeling about her is vivid though, and if it were accurate she’d look something like a cross between Miss Trunchbull and the Grand High Witch, with Ursula’s evil mouth.
I read a post on LinkedIn recently about the stigma of claiming benefits.
Universal Credit is there to support us when we are looking for work,
but it's a demoralising and stressful experience - a “support” system wrought with mental and financial danger.
After a short time, you are reprimanded for trying to find work within your field and will be threatened with sanctions if you dare question the draconian methods of the team to get you off their books and into unsuitable jobs of their choosing.
They will break you down until you start questioning your own identity...
...was I ever a confident professional, capable of walking down the street without having a panic attack at the sight of a job centre?
I am finally starting to get interviews and assessments for jobs I have applied for within my field, but the stress of the job centre is interfering with my performance.
It’s messed up.
But watch this space...
I may have a noose around my neck right now,
and boy is it feeling tight,
but as long as I’m still conscious I won't be bullied into anything less than I deserve.
If you're in a similar position, hang in there and keep your eyes on the prize.
Here's to a successful week!
(This was originally written and published as a LinkedIn post)
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