The Whole Entire Future
 

Yep. The future is stressing me out.
Basically, I'm 18, I dropped out of Year 12 twice, so now I've been out of work and school for 2 years on and off. I've never had a job, and all my applications have been turned down.
I live with my parents, they basically pay for me. I feel really bad about that, because I at least used to get child benefit to pay towards my keep. Now I'm a scrounger.
Anyway. I've been looking at jobs and stuff lately. And none of them are possible for me to do. Half the time just the idea makes me panic. I'm basically not competent to do anything, because of mental health problems, and lack of education and experience. Some days I can hardly even wake up without crying, let alone go to work.
Everyone says, wait until you feel better, and then decide what to do. But I'm sick of being skint and living at home. Especially with the added stress of the disagreements with my dad. And I'm sick of being skint, and sick of being useless. I feel like a blob, just existing, staying home all day. I'm sure this is making me worse, not better. What a rubbish bind. I'm too crazy to get a job, but being skint and relying on others is making me crazy too.
Sorry for the massive essay. I just want some outside opinions. x

how about an aprenticeship or work based training? that way you can work part time and get some qualifications too. it might be less stressful to have the week broken up into two halves like tht too. or you cold do A-levels by correspondence- one of those work at home courses. that way you'd be working towards a future but not have to do it when you felt crappy.
not too sure what else to suggest
take care
*hugs*

I can relate to you in some ways although our situations are slightly different. I haven't been able to finish my sixth form education either and haven't had a job due to mental health problems. I had to leave home at 16 though so now have a flat. It must be very hard for you living at home but it isn't your fault that you haven't been able to finish your education/getting a job. It's clear from your post that you really want to succeed in getting a job and you are doing everything you can but you are unwell and sometimes this gets in the way.
Have you ever spoken to an advisor at Connexions? You can check out their website at www.connexions-direct.com . I'm with a similar service in Wales and I think it's a great service because they can suggest all different ideas that suit your needs. I recently took part in a course with the Princes' Trust which was called Team Challenge. It was a 12 week course which helps you to learn new skills and something like that might be brilliant for you.
I'm also doing an open university course at the moment just so I can get some qualifications. As green.eyes suggested, how would you feel about doing some qualifications through home studying? For me it's really ideal because I'm too anxious to go out and study at school/college but want to be learning new things.
I've also found volunteering great. It's brilliant as it builds your confidence at work and places are very happy to have you volunteer regardless of qualifications and things. Also, I find because I'm not paid I don't feel like I'm letting them down so much if I absolutely have to call in sick because I'm really low on the day. It's also fab on your CV!

If you want to chat feel free to add me to MSN or PM me,

Lotti x

Have you thought about applying for income support and/or DLA if you're currently too ill to work at the moment?