Being on UC is more stressful for me than it has to be (mini rant)

MorgsSmiles24

Despite my health condition, I've decided that I still want to work and relayed this to my job coach. My job coach is on the no nonsense side, if that makes sense, and she isn't very open for understandings or "excuses". When I disclosed my health condition to her, she agreed to be more lenient when it comes to the amount of job search I do each week. I had an appointment with her today and no surprise she was lecturing me about a gap of a week when I didn't look for any jobs. I was confused, as I knew that wasn't the case. I disputed it, and she showed me her computer screen, I was so tired and couldn't think straight so I just accepted it as I could tell she wasn't pleased I was questioning her. Then I mentioned that I had a couple bad days with my cfs the past week, but she just ignored me and continued grilling me about my job search efforts. When the appointment finished I went outside and checked my UC journal on my phone where I log my jobs and realised that I had forgotten to log my job search that week and did it the following one but on the system it shows two dates, the date you made the log and when you actually applied for the job. At this point I felt defeated as I could have probably avoided a scolding from her, but then again she was reading the incorrect date, which wasn't my fault. I won't lie, I do find her intimidating and not someone I can actually confide in and dread my appointments with her out of fear of being scolded for little things. I understand I agreed to do x amount of job search when I applied to universal credit, and It's her job to make sure I stick to that so I can find a job. However, I don't feel like she's actually given me any decent support for finding a job, the biggest motivator for me finding a job asap is, so I don't have to deal with her any more. I had thoughts about withdrawing my UC claim, as I've felt way more stressed with her as my job coach than with any of my previous ones.

shannon_164

hey @MorgsSmiles24 🙂

i’m really sorry you’re going through this, it sounds so exhausting and honestly really unfair. it’s clear you’re doing your best, especially with everything you’re managing health wise, and it’s frustrating when someone who’s supposed to support you just adds more pressure and stress instead.

you are absolutely right, it’s not your fault that the system logged things in a confusing way, and even if it had been a simple mistake, a little understanding would have gone a long way, especially when you even explained about your cfs flare up. you shouldn’t have to dread appointments or feel intimidated just for trying to explain yourself. it’s meant to be support, not punishment.

i can understand why you’re thinking about withdrawing your uc claim, no one deserves to feel belittled or pressured like that. whatever you decide, please know you’re not failing or giving up, you’re just trying to protect your mental health, and that’s incredibly important too!

you are doing so much more than you’re giving yourself credit for, and i am really proud of how you’re handling all of this even when it feels impossible sometimes!

you’ve got this, i believe in you

Azziman

Hey @MorgsSmiles24, thank you for sharing this here. Echoing the above, I can hear how exhausting and frustrating the experience has been for you. It's entirely reasonable to expect to feel supported when looking for a job, but it sounds like this isn't what you're getting from this job coach, and I'm sorry to hear that. You deserve to be supported while going through this! You're doing your best, and like @shannon_164 says above, you're doing your best and we're proud of you for all that you're doing for yourself. We're here to support you, do let us know how you're getting on!

MorgsSmiles24

Thanks, @Azziman! I will update on how my job search is going. I've just enrolled on a course to help give me the skills and confidence i need with getting a job.

MorgsSmiles24

I appreciate the support @shannon_164. I'm going to stick it out a bit longer, hopefully it will pay off, and then I'll find a job. However, I do realise how important is it to put my mental health first, especially with my health in mind.