If you have read my first post then you will know that I have just moved back to my home town in Derbyshire and would have come to the conclusion that unless i was commuting 2 1/2 hours each way to Bristol, I would’ve left my job in Bristol working as a legal assistant. This would be the correct assumption.
Initially, when I made the decision to move home I looked for jobs as close to my current role as possible. As my last day got closer I began to feel more drained and in more pain (having a few episodes where I was worried I may have to go to hospital and had a few days sick here and there). Everything became more of a struggle. You will be pleased to know I did get an interview but after considering my symptoms and the deterioration in my ability to remain focussed and do my job properly I decided a part-time role would be better for me so I took myself out of the running for the job I had interviewed for. However, being in the throws of a global pandemic made job searching difficult already and trying to be picky was never going to work in my favour. Towards the end of my employment it got to the point where I had to ask if I could use my remaining holidays to take half days as I was finding it very difficult to make it through the day, my employer approved this and luckily all my colleagues were very understanding and supportive
Eventually, after speaking to both my partner and my parents I decided not to pursue getting a new job until I have had my laparoscopy and have a pain management plan in place. I have also decided to take the leap to change career, as I have never had this much time to focus on myself so I am hoping to train to become a teaching assistant which is something I have always wanted to do.
Obviously being currently unemployed has presented a lot of difficulties such as paying bills etc but it also impacts on things like social activities or even prescriptions. I am very grateful to my parents for supporting me throughout this period of my life and they have truly been stars!
As the difficulties of unemployment, chronic illness and re-training get thrown at me I will keep you updated!
Chronically Grace 