For those that don't work

I never worked in a proper, paid, job. Did very little voluntary work. As part of my psych treatment,as an inpatient I worked in an industrial therapy unit. It was basic,low skill factory work. You got paid a maximum £4 a week if you were deemed to be doing very well. It was that low to fit in with how you much you could get before benefits were affected. The top ‘wages’ invariably went to the day patients.

http://www.wordsout.co.uk/kelly_industrial_therapy_unit.htm

I have often felt worthless for not working in a proper job. I don’t like 'what job do you do? type threads. I’ve tried adopting a less self blaming attitude, but it’s never been easy.

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I’m just aware that I live a very different life than most of my friends and family.

But I don’t feel inferior because I don’t work. I just have a different walk of life.

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Just left that service advisor interview.

7 am to 6 pm.

No thanks.

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I kinda do sometimes, because I can’t work full-time and I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to keep this up.

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I’ve felt that way sometimes, but I feel I’ve learned a little more and grown past those feelings a little more that they don’t bother me as much as they used to.

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Thanks for the topic. It’s good to know what people with sz feel. I wish I had a forum in the past, it’s hard thinking you’re the only one. I was better off when working but I had a relapse of symptoms when going off my meds and couldn’t return.

Today I got up late, late considering I’d gone to sleep early, 9:30. I have done nothing all day but feed myself and put two loads of clothes in the washer. I have things that need to get done and nobody to baby me. I just wait and wait, important medical things.

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I don’t feel worthless.

I feel very worthwhile and valuable for who I am not for how productive I am.

Other people may judge me as worthless for not working and they don’t want to be my friend because i don’t work.

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i have basicly not worked all my life. worked in my teens but was a bum them sometimes too. volunteered in my 30s with animals and worked a little. nothing in a long time though.

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Thank you all for the responses! Makes me feel less alone in my feelings. Different perspectives is a good thing :+1:

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It is not ok to feel like that, but after around 10 years of schooling throughput childhood to become a ‘productive’ cog (slave) in a capitalist economy it is inevitable the brainwashing has had an effect on most.

Question your programming and see what it reveals to yourself.

I go through waves. Sometimes I feel useless. Sometimes I’m happy I don’t work. I worked a lot of tough jobs before full blown sza. So I feel even though it was only 9 years. I put my time in. But I’m sad I can’t work. More just because time has a tendency to stay still when you are home all day

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No. I don’t feel worthless. I feel broke and worried about my future and if i will be homeless someday.

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I earned the work credits to be on a program to help people in need if they meet the criteria.

So no I don’t feel worthless.

Had a former friend and an uncle think I am some sort of an economic leech. Well, to hell with them. Try sza out for a while and they may see things differently.

I have good days and bad days and today is a bad day and I am grateful to receive the help I am eligible for.

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Don’t judge yourself based on your productivity level to society, especially compared to others. Do what you are able, and don’t do that which you cannot. It is better to be strong mentally so you can operate at your very best whatever that may be. You will certainly get no judgement from me on whether you work, and people who judge you are being unjust. Our worst enemy is ourselves. So, don’t let yourself feel worthless in comparison to others because that is destructive thinking. Do what you are able, and be proud of yourself for who you are.

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Ive had a lot of work experience before collecting benefits. Im grateful I live in a place there are supporting programs for folks with mental illness. I used to struggle with feelings of worthlessness. Not anymore. I have no shame about it. We’re all on our own unique journey whether you work or not. There are people who contribute economically and people who contribute by being sweet and kind humans. I like people who are kind better than someone who may work but are heartless. Just my 2 cents.

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I like what you said there. Makes total sense.

:metal:

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Currently I feel pretty useless

I recently got fired from my job because of my mental health and they refused to accommodate me. I feel like a complete loser.

I keep trying to get back on my feet but it feels like life just keeps pushing me back down again.

Idk what to do about it though

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No I don’t 15 characters

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Oh yes, very often I feel like a parasite to society. My solution is to volunteer in a combined shop, cafe and social club. Everything i sell goes to charity for young people with a MI. I would love to get back to a normal job and pay taxes.

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