Job-Hunting While Living with Anxiety
The challenges people with anxiety face when looking for work are many and varied.
Most people get anxious about job-hunting – particularly when it comes to the interview. It can be especially stressful if your circumstances mean that you really need a job, and even more so if others are depending on you.
Now, imagine feeling like that all the time – and then top it off with the stress of job-hunting.
People living with anxiety disorders constantly deal with intense feelings of worry that cannot be controlled. Their anxiety can interfere with their everyday lives.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety covers a group of mental health issues, including:
- generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
- obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- separation anxiety disorder (SAD)
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia.
Most people will experience moments of anxiety at certain times in their life. According to Beyond Blue, in any given year more than 2 million Australians are living with anxiety.
And many of those are managing their anxiety while navigating the job market.
If you are one of them, there are plenty of supports for you while you look for work.
What is the right job for me?
The first step is to consider what job might work for you so that you can manage your anxiety.
You might need a job that keeps you focused on the task at hand rather than other issues. You might consider jobs such as data entry, lab technicians, plumbing, and carpentry for example.
If the typical 9 to 5 day doesn’t work for you, you might want flexible conditions. You could get a job that lets you work from home or to your own schedule, such as freelance writing or editing, taxi or delivery driving, web development or graphic designing.
Working with children, animals or nature can also be calming for some people with anxiety. Consider jobs such as vet or vet nurse/assistant, landscaping, or childcare. There are also jobs that support others or have a higher purpose, such as aged care, nursing, or working for a charity or social cause.
What supports are there for finding – and keeping – a job?
Here at AimBig Employment, we believe that with the right supports, you can manage your anxiety and have a successful and fulfilling working life. We understand the challenges that people with mental health issues face in their everyday lives, particularly in seeking employment.
We also know that meaningful and sustainable employment can be a great benefit in managing a mental health condition. In fact, finding a job that is right for you can build your confidence to better manage your anxiety.
AimBig knows of many employers who are willing to employ people with known mental health conditions such as anxiety. We can support you through the application process and in negotiating working conditions that are right for you.
Our job coaches work with individuals to:
- Build confidence, resilience, and routine
- Develop better relationships
- Attend appointments, social functions, and community activities
- Better manage the tasks and activities of daily living
We are also strong advocates of breaking down the stigmas attached to disability. Which is why we not only support people living with anxiety find work, we also to raising awareness among their employers and colleagues.
