Will anyone hire a Brain Tumour Survivor?

Author: unicorn83 | July 30th, 2011

Today I had a job trial, as a Barista. This was my 6th job interview I've had since needing to return to work. The first 5 didn't end that well after I had to explain what I have been doing for the last year. So far telling potential employees that 'I have had health issues but am fine now' doesn't seem to be the correct way to get paid employment.

6th interview I decided not to say anything and it worked, sort of. I used to be so quick with my thought processes. Things would be natural and I could have a million thoughts running through my mind working on the next thing. Now my mind seems so slow and the task of deciding which cup to put under the machine was a problem. Maybe being a Barista isn't the job for me. Not a super busy cafe anyway.

Sometimes I wish money didn't run out once it was earned. My husband and I had a nice nest egg and we were working hard to accumulate and save to buy our first piece of property. With me not working for the year and my hubby's job commission based that egg is nearly gone. I'm thinking of talking with centre link to see if they can help me find a job suitable where I don't need to lie about my current circumstances.

I will find work in the next fortnight. That is my goal and I need you all to hold me accountable to it.

Cheers Katie

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Comments

Re: Will anyone hire a Brain Tumour Survivor?

Posted by oldhippy - 5 Aug 2011 - 00:31

Hey Katie,
I have worked in places where I swear some of my co-workers were Brain Dead, and no one noticed. Just bullshit your way through, you will be fine.
Andrew the oldhippy.

Re: Will anyone hire a Brain Tumour Survivor?

Posted by SILLY - 4 Aug 2011 - 22:57

Congratulations from me too!

Re: Will anyone hire a Brain Tumour Survivor?

Posted by Allicat - 4 Aug 2011 - 22:34

Congratulations on finding a job!

That is great news. I hope it all goes well.

Re: Will anyone hire a Brain Tumour Survivor?

Posted by unicorn83 - 4 Aug 2011 - 19:46

Great News!!

I got a job! It's 15hrs a week so it is the perfect start for me.

Thank you so much to everyone for the helpful links and support. I'm so happy to be rejoining the real world.

Love to live

Katie

Re: Will anyone hire a Brain Tumour Survivor?

Posted by Richard1959 - 5 Aug 2011 - 09:41

Congrats Katie!

I hope the real world is kind to you.

All the best

Richard

Re: Will anyone hire a Brain Tumour Survivor?

Posted by SamR - 3 Aug 2011 - 21:33

Hi Katie,

Good luck with the job hunting, I hope you find something you like really soon.

It is the "pay break" on top of the treatment costs which really put a huge dent in any savings.

I think Richard's suggestion sounds like a good place to start.

Not sure where you are located but I believe Melbourne Citymission also help people to find appropriate work.

Try to stay positive.

Sam

Re: Will anyone hire a Brain Tumour Survivor?

Posted by Richard1959 - 3 Aug 2011 - 14:28

Hi Katie

Sounds like a complete bummer, although I believe that employers can't discriminate on the basis of a disability (which sounds like recovery from your tumour has left you with.)

When I was a case manager in a mental health service this mob helped my clients find work all the time: https://www.jobfutures.com.au/

They are really good at working one to one with people to match them to employment that suits where they are at, at the time.
Even if you aren't on a Centrelink payment, I'd contact them to see if they are in a position to help you.

All the best

Richard

Re: Will anyone hire a Brain Tumour Survivor?

Posted by unicorn83 - 31 Jul 2011 - 07:12

Thank you for your wishes BJS.

Silly, the trial went for 30mins, unpaid. I would be happy to work a whole shift unpaid to not only show my skills to future employers but to see if I can do the work and if I like the workplace.

Yesterday it was such a fast environment I knew after the 30mins it would not be the job for me. I still have a lot seizure activity when under stress.

I'm not sure if it's illegal to not pay for a job trial. I guess if it's the job you want it's a great way to get your foot in the door.

Cheers Katie

Re: Will anyone hire a Brain Tumour Survivor?

Posted by SILLY - 31 Jul 2011 - 00:39

I hope you find something suitable. May I ask ,did they pay you for the trial? My sister was job hunting recently and she had an offer to do a trial for half a day or a day but she decided not to as she reckons it's illegal not to be paid and it was to be unpaid. I don't know if she's correct but it sounds unfair and illegal to me. I imagine many would be willing if it means a job.