I was made redundant only weeks before my recurrence was diagnosed, that was in September and I still have 6 weeks radiotherapy in front of me. I have not been eligible for any government support because I had some money. Those funds will be pretty much exhausted by the time I can claim anything in July. Then I will have to register for unemployment benefits--pretty much the minimum benefit that is paid to anyone over 21. I'll have to navigate that for a coupe of years before I can claim disability if I don't secure a job.
My chances of getting back into the workforce in the near future are, I'd reckon, about zero. I've written enough diversity and equal opportunity policies in my time to know they are window dressing at best for the majority of businesses. I'm not well enough--and probably never will be--to do the physical jobs which seem to dominate the limited market here and can't see how I can compete for the sort of work I am qualified and able to do.
I can't get at my limited super because I'm not yet classed as palliative. Phffft.
So, as my disease progresses and my ability to support myself recedes into the distance my anxiety level keeps rising. A couple more years of pain and poverty and dealing with a punitive system that views me as a burden on one hand while encouraging me to take treatments to prolong my life on the other and I will be interested in checking out. Unless the cancer takes care of that problem first.
I know that sounds bitter and defeatist, but it's quality above quantity for me, and ultimately it's my life and my choice.
