Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
Hey all,
My name is Kelly and I am 27 years old. I was born with Cerebral Palsy and use an electric wheelchair as my main source of mobility, but I can walk with a cane as well. I have posted in this group before, but to be honest, it's been quite awhile. Essentially, I've just been feeling really down about myself and my disability lately. I always try to keep a positive attitude about things, but it's been hard as of late. In May of 2018, I graduated with my Masters in History from a respected university in IL. Since then, I have come back home to live with my parents and apply to jobs. Part of my frustrations stem from my unsuccessful job search. I've applied to so many over the past year and a half, I've lost count. I can't help but think my disability has something to do with me not getting these jobs (in some cases I know that to be true). Anyway, even though I'm continuously applying, I've found myself kind of resolving to the fact that I have nothing going on in my life lately. I am a social person. I have plenty of friends and a large family, but I essentially do nothing day in and day out. It has been impossible for me to stay positive when I'm surrounded by people who are doing things I want to be doing. Getting married, working, moving out, etc. I'm not sure how much longer I can stay comfortable with what is happening in my life.
It's not only the unsuccessful job search or my friends doing things that has me upset lately. I know this is ridiculous, but whenever I picture myself in my head, I'm never in a wheelchair. I never have a disability. The same was true for whenever I pictured my future as well. However, now that I'm actually "in" my future, I'm realizing how drastically different it is from the one I had pictured in my head. I'm sorry for being so negative. I guess I just wanted to express my feelings in an avenue to people who would understand. I'd love to hear similar stories from people who overcome similar feelings/situations as well please. Thank you for listening :)
I really don't know what to say except you are a VERY remarkable person. Your achievements far outweigh mine.
I am not familiar with the 'Disability Act' but I do believe you are SUPPOSED to be protected against job discrimination. That is little relief from when it happens though.
Advice? I have none. You are doing just fine without my advice. I do have a suggestion though. How about giving talks to the young people with CP? It could make you famous.
I wish I had more. I can certainly say that I admire you ... immensely.
1. First interview You know the company! You've researched what they do, new products or services, and their likely concerns. You're in the top 5% of applicants in terms of preparation.
2. Workhouse issues or concerns. Conventional wisdom suggests you ignore potential problems, but he works to address them straight on. Consider asking them, now I think you figured out I have CP, do you have any concerns. You might be wondering do lets take a couple of minutes to discuss why I'll be able to do the job here. (discrimination is unlawful so people may be a little reluctant but I think you want to make them comfortable, yes I can get here on time, and will probably be a few minutes early but I want this job more than your other applicants).
For intracompany jobs, he uses his network to contact the hiring person and again try to get information, am I doing well, are their concerns, what can I do better. Before an interview, he might get advice from 6-8 people about the way to present himself.
If you lost a job, it's not a bad idea to call the hiring person, and say anything you recommend, anything I could have done better. One friend got a good recommendation from someone that led to a job. What does my friend do better than anyone else, one thing is soliciting feedback, he's just not afraid of criticism.
3. Your plan Let's say you made it to the third interview, what to do. You bring a 30 and 90 day action plan, hire me and this is what I will do. In contrast, someone was asked about what she would do as director, and said I'd try to ask the board what they wanted- not sufficient. It's impressive if you can say I could come into this position on day one and help.
1. Selection Sending out hundreds of unsolicited resumes is not always the best course. Do you have a network. Can you call the university where you graduated, ask for some career advice and perhaps meet in person. Would they be able to mention a particular position, and make a call first. My successful family uses a network to get jobs.
2. Quality not Quantity Once you decide on a prospective position, I think you need to spend more time on the application for that position, contouring your resume and cover letter for the specific qualifications.
3. Job interview Consider bringing the CP out on the table at an interview. Technically discrimination is unlawful but practically, sure people consider a variety of things. Consider saying, I'm have CP as you probably figured out, but let me tell you why that's not going to limit my work or performance.
4. Success I did work with a friend with CP, and he recently came in second in a world championship, first, in the area with people with similar disabilities.
5. Online Have you thought of doing some online work perhaps with a company like upwork, perhaps as a start.