Brain Injury Recovery – Employment

After detouring a little last week, going from specific subjects and speaking more of my method of recovery using a process of Gradual Gains, we’re back on topic this week. Don’t worry, I haven’t lost the plot (or have I?).

This is one of the more difficult issues to address after you have suffered something like a brain injury. There are so many factors that have to be taken into consideration, all of those things that came up when I was talking about “Where am I now?”. A few weeks ago and the factors I listed when I asked myself “Where Do I want To Be?” All jobs require skills. Whether that is working behind the bar at a local pub and having the necessary people skills, specific technical knowledge to do a job in IT say, or whether it’s a trade job such as carpentry, all require skills and the ability to learn.

Where We Are At A Disadvantage

Now, here is the issue and it comes with the nature of brain injury and it cannot be helped. It tends to be that people who have suffered an ABI are affected in the way that they think, in their cognitive abilities, thus affecting our ability to learn new skills, commit things to memory and not to mention fight the terrible fatigue that comes with a brain injury. All of these factors direct consequences of our injuries put us at a disadvantage when it comes to applying for jobs, finding & keeping work.

In conjunction with the issues that we face every single day, we also have to face the fact that we are currently in a socio-economic situation where the job market is extremely competitive. This does mean that there are some employers who are not enthusiastic about the idea of hiring someone with the type of disability we have. What we suffer from is an invisible disability where, from the outside, apart from perhaps a few scars, we appear to be fine but people cannot possibly see or understand the problems we are forced to deal with each day, even at home let alone in the work place.

What To Consider When Thinking About Employment

There are many things that must be taken into account when it comes to jobs and the type of jobs you should apply for and whether that particular job is right for you.

1. Know your limits! Do not over exert yourself. Consider the type of routine you have at home, what tires you out? Do you get migraines or seizures, if so; is there anything that triggers them? What skills are not as badly affected by your injury? Consider your working hours in terms of shifts. Does the job you’re applying for suit your strengths as opposed to incorporating your weaknesses?
2. Consider whether money is essential in your current situation. Do you have rent and bills to pay? If NOT, if you are living at home and money is not as much of a problem (like me, I support myself mostly through the compensation I received after my injury) then perhaps voluntary work could be an option. Not only could you test your strength, test your limits in terms of what is manageable regarding hours and concerning the work environment, it can also be a huge confidence boost when you get out there and mix with different people; it gives you a purpose, after a brain injury I know that sometimes it can feel as though there is no purpose. If money is a necessity then there are benefits available from the state to help support employment or voluntary work if you are unable to work full-time and have no other source of income (however I would add, do not expect the government to do you any favours at this present moment in time in terms of financial support).
3. The type of work environment you will be in if you get the job. For example, prior to my ABI almost all of my employment history had been in the service industry, either as a waiter or behind a bar. When I was ready to return to work I went back to those types of jobs. Now it turns out that, according to my neurological consultant, this is the worst, most stressful environment someone with an ABI and epilepsy could possibly work in. So it is always worth talking to a consultant or doctor prior to applying for a job or accepting a job offer.
4. There are some larger companies that receive government grants for catering employment programs specifically for the disabled. So it is worth looking around online for this kind of employment, schemes such as these stands to benefit both parties.

What We Don’t Have To Stand For!

We do have to acknowledge that we are at a disadvantage when it comes to seeking employment. As I have mentioned, the consequences of our injury have left us less able than other people when it comes to certain things involving cognitive or physical challenges or our social skills may have been affected. I would also guess that most of the people who are reading this that have suffered an ABI suffer from fatigue in a big way. Rest periods being essential to us in terms of managing what life throws at us throughout the day.

We have to accept the limitations that have been forced on us when it comes to looking for work and take them into account when looking at job descriptions and the work environment we will be in. There are certain things we do not have to stand for though, mainly, prejudice in the work place. We should be considered just as capable and be just as valued as employees if we are given the opportunity. Here are a few things that you may want to consider doing when taking on a job. The following list is more of a guide to protecting yourself and your position while you are employed.

1. Ensure that when you take on a job and the terms and conditions have been agreed, that you sign a contract and make sure your employer signs it as well. Please make sure that you read the contract carefully, with an advocate if necessary, to make sure that you fully understand what is going to be required of you. The contract will explain things such as codes of conduct, responsibilities, working hours, benefits, holiday and so on. These being written down will give neither you nor your employer anywhere to hide should there be a legal dispute later down the line. Finally, with the contract, ensure that you have a copy of it yourself to take home.
2. Ensure that you are receiving at least the national minimum wage for what you are doing. You do not deserve to be paid less than anyone else, for the same job, because you suffer from a disability!
3. When you have signed the contract for your employment, I would advise you, straight away, to join the trade union for whatever industry it is that you are working in. For a minimal fee (a few pounds a month) you can get legal advice, protection and representation should there be a dispute between you, another employee or your employer in the work place. The trade union also makes disability discrimination a key focus in their aims and targets. It is good to have them on your side rather than having to hire a lawyer at your own expense, which, for many of us is not possible for financial reasons.
4. If you are dismissed from a job, in your opinion unfairly or that your disabilities contributed to the decision, ask for a letter of dismissal written and signed by your employer, listing the reasons for your dismissal. The next step is to then compare the letter to the contract you signed and see if there are valid reasons for dismissal, again with an advocate if necessary. If you both agree there are not, then contact your trade union.

The Key To Success In the Working World With An ABI…

I wish I could provide a magic remedy that would guarantee success for all of us. Unfortunately though, I cannot. The best advice I can give you is that you need to be ready to acknowledge the disabilities and issues we have as a result of our ABI’s and instead of resisting them, incorporate them into the job search itself, apply for positions where the limitations you have are not going to be as much of an issue.

I would also suggest opening our minds up a little. Even though it does not pay, voluntary work can do wonders for confidence and social skills. If they are issues you are struggling with, then a period of voluntary work could be hugely beneficial. If you find that it has helped you improve certain aspects of abilities that you fought with previously, it can really go a long way to improving your chances of getting a paid job. After all, is that not something we all want? Voluntary work shows a positive work ethic, a positive attitude and capability. All of those factors will go a long way towards achieving achieving our goals and gaining the financial independence we all so desperately want.