Nikkt wrote:
I don't know of your particular situation, but this advice has been given to me by someone with a lot of experience on the matter - use it as an absolute (absolute!) last resort. Young people who jump on the disability band wagon end up staying there even if their situation improves. You can get used to it and end up using it as a crutch.
One of the major risk factors for depression, anxiety and other mental illness is being on the disability pension, whether it be for a neurological disability or a broken leg. Having a job you're good at is incredibly satisfying, promotes self-esteem, keeps your mind active and helps to develop new skills, which means you're growing your 'personal capital' - all very healthy. (And who says it has to be around people? I know a guy who makes a living off ebay.)
Of course, that's not to say there aren't truly legitimate reasons to be on disability, far from it. But if you can find ways around it, or ways to work it in with some kind of part time job, I highly suggest you try. Does it mean that you'll have to work a whole lot harder at it than the average Joe? Sure. But the rewards can extend far beyond the money you'll earn.
I admire your want to help with the bills, and I'm sure your parents appreciate it, but one day they may not be around, and as scary as that thought is, it's a little less scarier if you know what you're capable of in terms of supporting yourself.
This.
It's a last resort.
Too many people here use it as a crutch.
Then, they get stuck on the crutch, never working and wasting time and never moving forward in life. Jobs give you confidence, a set schedule, achievements, and self-pride. Taking disability as anything but a last resort (i.e., starving and homeless with zero hope for a job) would get you stuck in a cycle, ultimately giving up on your career and future.
There's tons of types of jobs out there. Find something that you CAN do, not one you can't. You could do something part-time.
It doesn't have to involve working with many people or customers. You could do something freelance, or clean houses (people aren't there when you do most of the time), do yard work, work in a quiet library... there are options.
27 Jul 2012, 3:30 pm
