I need a job!
Dear Judge Jay-Jay,
I’m a 29-year-old woman. I trained as a chef when I first left school, but due to an issue with chemicals, I ended up with severe contact dermatitis and on ACC. I managed to get back into work, but I wasn’t allowed to do anything that risked my skin condition. I’ve been under specialist care since I was 17 and also struggle with severe depression. I’ve spent the past 15 years doing customer-service jobs and I hate it. I’ve recently applied for more than 90 jobs without success. I have no children, so I’m literally available 24/7 and I need to work for my mental wellbeing, but I can’t seem to catch
a break. What can I do?
Unemployed, via email
Hi Unemployed,
I am so sorry to hear about your dermatitis. My mum suffers from this, so I know it’s so painful and a huge inconvenience. I imagine it must be tenfold for you. But what I feel from reading your letter is that you’re letting your skin define you and hold you back. Has the condition knocked your confidence?
There are so many jobs that don’t involve direct customer service and getting your hands dirty. But there are also other options if you get creative. Can you use your culinary knowledge to teach others? To write cookbooks? To run online tutorials? Can you work behind the scenes in the food industry, where you may be in charge of creating menus or doing the ordering?
You are obviously very talented and have some great skills, so write them all down and focus on the things you can do. Then write down all the things you would love to do and work from there. When you go for interviews, keep a positive mindset and focus on the great things you can offer. In the meantime, you may have to endure a job that isn’t your dream occupation just to keep you busy and make an income, but I’m sure you’ll find something that works for you if you adjust your outlook.
As for your depression, this is a beast so many of us have to live with and he is like the worst flatmate ever. Please continue with your therapy for this, and lean on your closest friends and family for support and adventures. When you’re doing things you love with people you love, you have no time to think about that horrible flatmate!
Good luck. I believe in you!
A problem shared is a problem halved! Share your sticky issues with Jay-Jay– email [email protected].
