don't panic

My kitty has to go to the vets. He came in earlier with a very floppy tail and it’s now become apparent that he can’t put his bum down to sit down. I’ve just phoned the emergency vet to see if he needs to be seen immediately or can wait till tomorrow. She said, as he’s eating and doesn’t seem to be in pain, it’s ok to wait till tomorrow. It’s really horrible. What on earth has my little furry baby done???

the lone parent advisor and had to make the choice, there and then, between going on Job Seekers or the other one for people with health problems. I had had no idea the decision was down to me so was rather taken aback and very unsure what to do. To get the health related benefit you need a medical certificate from the doctor but (as I’d stupidly cancelled my app!) I wasn’t sure wether they would feel that was necessary and I didn’t relish the idea of having to prove this and that, put in appeals etc etc. My LPA said that it is possible to change from Job Seekers to the other benefit if necessary so I decided that I’d take the Job Seekers route and see how it goes. This, of course, means you have to prove that you are making yourself available for work and are attending interviews etc. With the other benefit they give you lots more support and longer to get back into work. I really hope I’ve taken the right route but my thinking was I won’t know if I can do it unless I try. Fingers crossed I don’t end up in fruitloop land again!

There is a job I would really like available at the moment but I have no CV, no idea how to write one (and it’s going to be tricky as I’ve never worked!), no interview experience and no smart clothes at all. It didn’t state that a CV was required on the job advertisment so I rang them, all hopeful and excited, but, of course, I was told to send in my CV. I had asked the LPA about these things at the interview and am now meeting up with a lady on Tuesday who is going to help with the CV and interview stuff. I was also told I can get some money toward the cost of clothes. However, I was told I would get a training premium when I did some courses, it would have been hundreds of pounds. Everyone else got it but they cocked up the forms at the job centre and I didn’t get it. Also, I was told my busfares would be paid for, but when I asked yesterday, nope cos I’d already started the course. Currently, if you start work, are a lone parent and have been out of work for more than a year, you qualify for an extra weekly amount of money from the government for the first year back in work. I would bet money that when it’s my turn, something will happen that means I won’t get it! Anyway, I digress! What I was going to say was, I have ordered some clothes suitable for interviews. 2 pairs of trousers, a blouse, a pair of shoes and 2 bras. This all comes to £100.50, (how much do you want to bet they find some reason I can’t get that money back?) I just hope the job is still available when I’ve sorted all this out.

I’m sorry guys. You gave me those lovely cheers and I didn’t go. I cancelled it. Sorry. Is going to make the app with the lone parent adviser a little tricky tomorrow too. Serves me right.

to try and help determine wether I should be going on to Job Seekers Allowance or the other one for people with health problems (can’t remember it’s name).
This is all pretty lousy timing to be honest as I’m now down to 20mg of my meds a day from 60. I’ve been doing really well but this whole thing terrifies me. I really don’t want to have to start increasing the dose again, but nor do I want to sit on my arse bored shitless for my whole life with zero self-respect. Meh.

Interviews! I’ve never had an interview! Need to practise being interviewed.

I need a CV. Not that I have a clue how to make one, or indeed have anything to put on it!

I need to get some clothes suitable for interviews. I don’t think jeans and trainers would go down too well. It’s a shame I look such an arse in smart clothes though =/

to start planning. I really hope I cope with this.

I know where my towel is.

I haven’t panicked in over 24 hours!
And I know where my towel is.