I'm scared

[recluse]

So yesterday i went to the job centre for the first time since i lost my job. This is my third time on benefits, the last time being 7 years ago so i had a bit of a shock at how much harsher they are now, for instance i had to take my bank statements and passport as proof whereas before i didn't have to. The way i describe how i feel now is degraded. The lady at the job centre was ok but she made it clear and firmly told me that unless i prove that i make atleast three steps to find work/training a week they will stop my benefits, and i know someone who has not worked since leaving school and gets away with it! I want to work because i have pride and i want to maintain that feeling of pride.

Anyway i'm terrifed right now, i have no friends, no job, no place of my own and i don't know what direction to take.

 

[NatRad]

simple, go out and get another job, cold canvas, go door to door handing out your resume, work hard, the people who stay on benfits for a long time dont do that because they dont want too.

 

[philly2bits]

Where I live it's so easy to get unemployment benefits. I don't have to go anywhere, I can do everything over the internet.

 

[Rodox]

Its becuse there are a lot of people unemployed,here its the same thing,last month they asked for proof that I called an employer/manager,I had to give them the guy's number and they called there to see if I really did,I am on my last month of insurance and its ****ing hard to find a job now,looks like I will have to return to my home country,just another headache...

 

[CeeJay1981]

What you need to do is set short term goals. Find a job that is slightly outside of your comfort zone in terms of social interaction. Maybe delivering catalogues or as a courier.

You ultimately need to address your underlying core beliefs about yourself and other people and reduce the emotional charge on social interaction. I recommend some kind of solution focused therapy like Human Givens to get your attention away from all the negatives in your life.

Good luck

 

[Hocuspocus]

So yesterday i went to the job centre for the first time since i lost my job. This is my third time on benefits, the last time being 7 years ago so i had a bit of a shock at how much harsher they are now, for instance i had to take my bank statements and passport as proof whereas before i didn't have to. The way i describe how i feel now is degraded. The lady at the job centre was ok but she made it clear and firmly told me that unless i prove that i make atleast three steps to find work/training a week they will stop my benefits, and i know someone who has not worked since leaving school and gets away with it! I want to work because i have pride and i want to maintain that feeling of pride.

Anyway i'm terrifed right now, i have no friends, no job, no place of my own and i don't know what direction to take.

I used to work at the job centre and that's what we had to tell all claimants because the powers that be were always breathing down our necks to ensure we got as many job entries as possible to meet targets.
They should have given you a little booklet to write down the jobs you have enquired about and the date you made the enquiry. Doesn't matter if this is by phone/email/letter/jobcentre job point just write them all down. When you sign on they should also do a quick job search with you on the system and any vacancies found that way will also count towards your 3pw.
I know it's scary and some advisors aren't very sympathetic but you might be lucky and get one who is. Also i can assure you it's extremely rare for a claim to be stopped because a claimant hasn't applied for enough vacancies.
If your anxiety is stopping you from applying for jobs get a doctors note so your advisor can take this into consideration.
Hope this has put your mind at rest a bit and good luck