I’m disabled and have been on welfare for sometime.

21 Comments

1. Crystal HowellDecember 26,2023 at 1:42PM UTC

   Contact your local disability office for resources. Start a podcast or teaching videos,

   Contact SAG for resources.

   Don't give up!

2. AnonymousDecember 30,2023 at 12:47AM UTC

   If you live in California best of luck. Disability Offices in California receive more state funding if there unable place the disabled client . Where it tends to be the complete opposite in some cities such as Columbus, Ohio. You lose state money for not doing your job and/or client loses their welfare for not doing their part.

3. AnonymousDecember 26,2023 at 3:04PM UTC

   A screenwriter degree is fine but without screen credits or experience it won't help open doors. Anything in film or television requires a network and referrals. It's a very tight-knit industry that is highly referral based. Many teaching opportunities based on screenwriting are based on writing experience as much as technical skill.

   You could volunteer your services to up and coming directors or producers which might give you an opportunity to build that network and gain some real life experience.

4. N ToliberDecember 26,2023 at 3:07PM UTC

   Have you gone back to your university's career center and met with one of the experts?

   They usually help with tips and leads that prepare you for opportunities and potential interviews. Have you kept in touch with anyone from your cohort and asked them about any known opportunities? Also are you on LinkedIn or apart of any organization the supports those in that particular industry?

5. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachDecember 26,2023 at 5:02PM UTC

   Have you done any independent writing?
   As has been mentioned, this is a very niche, highly networked industry. Do you have any samples of your work to share with others? If you like writing, which I would imagine, this will also help you enjoy yourself while continuing your search.

   I do not claim to know your industry, but one idea is to write something and join a network. Locally, we have a "Women in Film and Video." Get out and network. Ask new connections to read your work for feedback/advice. If it's good, it may help.

   I agree teaching won't work without experience.

   Also "fun and exciting that can be done from anywhere" is a tall order and seems unrealistic- maybe temper your expectations? Is that ideal limiting what types of jobs you apply to? What is most important-- the "from anywhere" or fun or simply gaining experience? Prioritize.

6. ChrishoggDecember 27,2023 at 12:20AM UTC

   In his book, So Good They Can't Ignore You, Cal Newport shares the story (starting at p. 58) of a TV writer, and how he broke into the field.

   You might want to check it out (and you might be prepared for an, "Oh no, if I had known this...." moment or two).

7. Kimberly AnneDecember 27,2023 at 1:21PM UTC

   Sadly I believe it’s the field and your age. I would collect money to live in while you tried freelancing maybe.

8. AnonymousDecember 27,2023 at 1:28PM UTC

   Instead of going to career counselors to revamp your resume, do it yourself. Did you use your college's career center or alumni network? What type of job are you looking for? The gap is a problem, but the bigger problem is appearing unfocused; in the interviews, are you coming across as desperate, i.e. "I'll take any job" ; that is not showing flexibility it's showing you don't know what you want and/or don't want to take the time to find out what it is you want. Last but not least, there has to be some volunteer work that doesn't expect/require experience; if you've looked, look harder.

9. Angela MasonDecember 27,2023 at 3:31PM UTC

   Send your resume at angelalmason@gmail.com. I will review/revise it for FREE.

   Shucks, I can't... You posted anonymously.

10. Regina BrownDecember 27,2023 at 8:46PM UTC

    SAME HERE!!! I have multiple sclerosis AND a Masters Degree in Healthcare Administration. I graduated at 55 (during the height of a pandemic) and I keep getting rejected. Don't know if it is because of the age, disability, experience, color...I am floored!!!

11. AnonymousDecember 29,2023 at 3:58PM UTC

    It’s all three above trust me I interned at the White House and that is never good enough for disabled, minority, female over 30 I urge you to lobby your local member of Congress, Senator and Governor. Everylife Foundation and The Mighty online need you to share your story. Unless you went to Harvard are changes are slim. Besides prayer we must share our stories.

12. Regina BrownDecember 29,2023 at 8:40PM UTC

    I have advocated for the disabled for years but until someone becomes disabled or someone close to them becomes disabled...all White House administration (past and present) feign ignorance...look at our war vets for example.

13. AnonymousDecember 29,2023 at 2:08PM UTC

    As a fellow writer, I would suggest putting your writing skills to use in any way you can. Breaking into the TV/film industry is no easy feat, so perhaps you should shift your focus into the types of writing that are in high demand, such as content writing, copywriting, or scriptwriting for social media. Check out Upwork - there are tons of freelance writing jobs on there that will allow you to work from home, from anywhere.

14. AnonymousDecember 29,2023 at 3:28PM UTC

    All sounds all to familiar.

    Currently work as a paralegal and dislike my job would love to work as a patient legislative advocate, legislative assistant, and/or government affairs lobbyist.
    I am 42 years old and this what happens to disabled people in any industry. Have been disabled since adolescence. Even colleges made it difficult for me to attend. Please do not give up. Majority of are on welfare and do not work not because we do not want to it’s because companies or in my case the politicians do not hire disabled people on both sides of the aisle especially Republicans.
    Because You are over 50 you may want to check out employment resources from AARP . After reading these suggestions given these are excellent suggestions and I would follow through. Would like to see you post an update on your journey on FairyGodBoss. Meanwhile you may want to check out the Mighty it’s a rare disease community online forum for moral support and Everylife Foundation.

15. AnonymousDecember 30,2023 at 6:14PM UTC

    Start here : https://www.volunteermatch.org/ for volunteering opportunities and note that with the upcoming presidential campaigns they always need help at the polls and also many election sites too.

16. Liz MilneDecember 31,2023 at 5:31AM UTC

    Reach out to your tutors and classmates asking for some work shadowing/ student teaching (these might need to be voluntary) and then when you've got some experience ask them to keep your details on file. Also try local theatre groups; schools; even government departments - anyone who might need your expertise for their publicity, performances or even the school play. There are weird little opportunities everywhere and often getting a toe in the door is just a matter of being under the right eye at the right time - best way to help yourself is spread your name, skills and what you're looking for as far and wide as possible.

17. AnonymousDecember 31,2023 at 5:31PM UTC

    So sorry to hear you're having a tough time finding work. Since it sounds like your degrees are in writing, have you thought about setting up a consulting business helping high school seniors with their college application essays? You may also be able to find gig writing work on a freelancer platform like Fiverr. Or maybe use your skills to start a TikTok channel vlogging your experiences as a disabled person, or about things that business can do to be more inclusive to disabled persons.

18. Diane Frances Lesley-NeumanDecember 31,2023 at 6:10PM UTC

    Try going independent with AWAI. They have excellent training courses and contacts in the writing field.

19. AnonymousDecember 31,2023 at 9:28PM UTC

    I work in the television industry, and I can tell you firsthand that this is a cutthroat and competitive business, no matter what part of the industry you’re interested in. Making it as a screenwriter is like winning the lottery. Getting jobs is oftentimes based on networking and who you know. Your resume alone is not going to get you very far. You’re not going to wake up one day and have someone offer you your dream job off of your resume. My advice is be proactive. There are a lot of things you can be doing to put yourself in a better position to get a job.

    Write. Write. Write. Start a blog, post on social media, write a script. There are so many ways to practice/refine your craft while keeping your portfolio up-to-date (which is way more pertinent to getting a job than your resume itself). Most writing jobs will want you to provide writing samples. Even if you’re not getting paid to produce these, it’s important to show your passion for writing and showcase recent examples of your work as you look for a job.

    Network. Network. Network. Connect with college professors and classmates. Maybe they have leads to potential opportunities (or can keep you in mind if they hear of something). Attend networking events, volunteer/intern. You never know who you will meet. The more you put yourself out there, the more likely you will meet someone to help you “get your foot in the door”.

    Writing is writing. Although screenwriting is a very niche and ultra-competitive industry, there are so many other avenues that you can utilize your skills that are much easier to establish yourself in. Good writing is a very marketable skill that just about every business, no matter the industry, needs. Especially now with how much companies rely on social media to communicate their messages, good writing is in demand. Like others have suggested, social media, copywriting, technical writing, are just some of the jobs (and potentially career paths) that you can utilize your writing skills in. Sometimes these types of jobs are remote. Look at these opportunities to gain tangible experience, which can help you with your end goal of being a screenwriter, or can set you on a new path to use your skills.

    Good luck!

20. Molly McGuireJanuary 2,2024 at 3:17PM UTC

    I highly suggest that you apply with your state Vocational Rehabiliation Office for assistance with job search and placement as well as speak to them about a Work Based Learning Exeperience (WBLE) in order to get the necessary job expeirence that employers are requiring when it comes to hiring someone in your area of interrest.

21. John WilliamAugust 9,2025 at 8:06AM UTC
    Welfare means ensuring the well-being of people by meeting their needs through support, healthcare, education, and guidance provided by the government or organizations. Its purpose is to reduce poverty, promote justice, and give everyone an equal opportunity in life. It may be possible that by knowing your my str semakan status  you can understand which programs you might benefit from. There is a chance that assistance could be available for you.