I have been out of work since November 2020.

Talia

January 30,2023 at 9:28PM UTC

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I have been out of work since November 2020. I have been trying ever since I was let go at the start of the Coronvirus and have been unable to secure employment.

I have just come out of a severe depression during the past two years. To add, I have recently been diagnosed with epilepsy. I understand that this is a disability and many people live with it. I am still new to it but I know I am different now after my last 2 episodes. My speech has been affected (diffiulty saying words), I forget what I am saying mid-thought or explanation, and I get confused easily.

These traits aren't exactly screaming "Hire Me!" I have been able to get over the gap in experience but a sentence or two in the disability comes out for the gap and then I end up showing the person these mistakes. I am not sure what to do. I have applied for all types of jobs that doesn't require a degree and I can't help but feel like I am being passed up due to having multiple disabilities. Any advice?

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AnonymousJanuary 30,2023 at 9:47PM UTC
I would suggest targeting employers who are known to be supportive of those with disabilities. Here is a link to 10 such companies. https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/companies-with-initiatives-professionals-with-disabilities/
AnonymousJanuary 30,2023 at 9:50PM UTC
There are a tremendous number of online resources for people with disabilities who want to find work, many of them provided by the U.S. government. The federal government, in its own hiring, encourages the hiring of people with disabilities.
For starters, do an online search under: disabled worker jobs. You can add your location to get results closer to your home.
Also consider that your disability may make you eligible for DEI hiring initiatives.
Look at your disability as a feature, not a bug. You definitely deserve good things in your future.
AnonymousJanuary 30,2023 at 10:11PM UTC
From my vary limited knowledge, stress plays a MAJOR role in epilepsy episodes. I'm not a yogi (not all sure if that's a real word btw), but finding a way to relax and meditate during the stressful time of searching for a new position may be helpful to you FIRST, like yoga, or breathing exercises. When you do find a position this will allow you to be in practice to not stress of that initial training period and to be able to cope and thrive. NOW, the unmedical side of my 3 cents. If a perspective employer knows you have a plan in place, available instructions in case of an episode, willing to help train your leaders and team, this should NOT be an issue. Allow them that opportunity without feeling your disability speak for you. #1
Mary LetiziJanuary 30,2023 at 11:29PM UTC
I am sympathetic to your situation, I am also out of work and hope to be employed soon. Here's some good and helpful news for you. Each state has what's called a Vocational Rehabilitation Program. They will provide you training, help place you in a job, and even help send you to college. How old are you? Have you actually been diagnosed with epilepsy? You could be experiencing pseudo seizures which are caused from long term stress or trauma. I know quite a bit about this because I am currently helping my boyfriend who has pseudo seizures navigate this program. Pseudo seizures are harder to treat because of how they respond to medicine and different from person to person. I hope this helps and keep us updated.
AnonymousJanuary 31,2023 at 7:10PM UTC
I would suggest video taping a small intro to yourself for prospective employers. Stage it and provide details on your situation and let them know that while it may seem difficult to communicate with you sometimes that you have great references to your work. Provide examples and get endorsements in writing from folks who know the quality of your work. Often times putting it up front can help eliminate the stigma for those who may not know how to approach you regarding your differently abled situation. Good luck and the right employer is out there for you.
AnonymousFebruary 2,2023 at 3:15PM UTC
As someone who has dealt with epilepsy for most of my life let me deal with that first. Did you realize that there are doctors specializing in women and the issue? I didn't until I met mine, it was a life changer. I have not had a seizure since 2005.
When you feel healthy it is easier to work with any curve balls thrown at you. Good luck.
misskelleypFebruary 2,2023 at 6:23PM UTC
Have you considered doing temp work? That's a way for you to be put to work right away, and for prospective employers to get to know you, which could help you to get hired for a permanent position. Good luck!
AnonymousFebruary 10,2023 at 2:14PM UTC
There are resources for disabled folks to assist with job placement and accomodations. Definitely find an advocate for yourself. Best of luck.