Employment is round the corner

Employment is closer than I think, and that in itself is terrifying! The uncertainties about employment are what make it seem daunting, when in actual fact I’m also excited for what the next chapter has in store. However, before I even starting thinking about a job, I still need to find a suitable work placement for the end of this academic year!

At the grand age of 19, I’ve never had a job. I’ve babysat for some friends and volunteered in a charity shop for a few months, but nothing more then that. This doesn’t mean I don’t want a job, or that I would be incapable of getting any kind of job- quite the opposite! People of my age tend to work in pubs, restaurants, retail or in cafes. There is nothing wrong with these jobs at all, but can you imagine me carrying multiple plates and drinks across a busy room with multiple obstacles?! I might try this for a laugh, but I’d be paying them for the broken items at the end of it!

As well as finding a job that is practically suitable, I honestly don’t think I have enough energy to have a job and complete a degree. Not to mention socialising. I don’t believe that there will be a problem with me working full time after I have finish university, just one step at a time please. However, that’s the part that terrifies me. I’d like to be optimistic and say I’ll have a degree, a bit of experience and good work ethic. Surely that’s what employers want? I understand that getting a job is not easy and there is a lot of competition, especially in certain fields.

With that aside, I have a disability.

I wouldn’t normally use this as an excuse, or let it stop me from achieving things. However, I do need to be realistic when thinking about what job I would be capable of doing- even if this is extremely hard and frustrating! Aside from finding a job that would suit my needs, I would need to find an employer who would be willing to accommodate aspects of the role and hire me in the first place. Although I am yet to experience this myself, based on the experience of others, this is also another hurdle to get over. I can fully understand the potential implications of hiring someone who has a disability, and the fact that some jobs just wouldn’t be accessible for us in the first place! However, with the right adaptions we are worthy employees who work just as hard and are just as able.

Some employers may be concerned about employing an individual who has a disability, purely on the basis that it is the unknown. They may not know anything about their condition or how accommodations can be made- but should this really stop them from having the conversation in the first place? I urge employers to be open to the fact that a disabled person can be an asset rather than a hinderance.

Scope launched a campaign called Work With Me. This is a campaign to change attitudes towards disabled employees in the workplace. The aim was to highlight that disabled people do want to work- they are often overlooked and as a result are less likely to be employed when compared to their able- bodied counterparts. Furthermore, the BBC Two show ‘Employable Me‘ is giving a very similar message. The purpose of the show was actually getting individuals with a disability into employment, showcasing their talent and capability. With more awareness pushed into the public’s viewpoint I hope it will lead to most positive outcomes in the future.

Currently my focus is finding a suitable work placement and facing reality is harder then I thought. Many of the placement opportunities offered by the university sound amazing, but not something I would be capable of doing. I love the idea of being able to support people so that they are able to achieve the goals that they have. Yet many positions in this sector at university involve physical support or helping people while they are out in the community- something I need help with myself!

However, I cannot help thinking about the future and what is in store after graduation. Since starting to write this blog 5 years ago, I have gone from wanting to be an Occupational Therapist, to a psychology teacher, to pastoral support within a school, to a career in journalism. The last two options are still a possibility, but it’s not like the first two have changed through choice. Over time I have realised what I am physically capable and not just mentally capable- with this still being an ongoing process. My mind is a lot more capable then my physical capabilities will ever be, and that is hard. You’re almost trapped in your own body. I just have to remember that this is my body, a body that is still very capable.

A career will happen, I guess you will just have to stick around to find out what that it!

~ Chloe x