Question to the Un-Employed

To the un-employed, life can be hard at times I'm sure, especially if you WANT to find work.

Me personally, I've been out of work here in Australia for the last 18 months. I was let go from a $1500 a week job because I suddenly developed Epilepsy. My doctor took away my driving licence which meant (duh) I could no longer travel anywhere outside of major centres.

Nobody will hire me because they tell me my Epilepsy will be a 'risk' both to them and me. I tell them that I can tell when I am about to have a seizure, but they don't care. Most employers state that you need your own transportation to reach the place of work.

When employers ask me why I have been out of work for so long, and I tell them the above story, they make an excuse as to why they don't need me.

It is very sad, since I have looked hard and come up with nothing. I am skilled in a number of fields, but in this day and age of Company Insurance and Occupational Health and Safety, I am slowly losing my place.

Let us not forget that Job shortages here in Sydney are on the rise.

I have had a few part time jobs, but they never meet my monetary needs.

So, questions to the Un-Employed here at ATS:

How long have you been out of work?

What keeps you out of work?



Feel free to add anything you need....

reply to post by Unrealised


Hi i am from sydney too

i am new to the 'unemployed' club - and still haven't transitioned over in the 'official gov books' as i am a business owner.

Things were great for years - being self employed and all, till this darned credit crunch. I am in a line of work which is the first to feel it - and now six months later, I am very low on orders and even lower in cash flow.

So, i have decided to look for 'paid' work elsewhere. I have NEVER EVER had so much trouble finding a job. I was one of those people who would be employed within a week - but now its so different. It has been six weeks since i have started looking and every time i get knocked back with one of the following excuses;

* You are over qualified / experienced
* You are not qualified enough
* You are too senior for the role & will intimidate the manager
* You are not senior enough or Do not have specific experience in this niche

... It is freaking infuriating!

It's funny that you mention that normally it is quite easy to get a Job.

It used to be.

The excuses that you listed at the end of your post sound quite familiar.

Here's hoping for you.

reply to post by Unrealised


that is the largest BS i have ever heard (not you)
Epilepsy and it may disrupt others,

i worked with someone that had Epilepsy and they worked fine
he did have a fit once but that never stopped the company from keeping him and funny enough hes still there.

Unrealised, I also worked with a guy who has Epilepsy, a pretty bad case too, (when it happens) but I never witnessed it myself.
My point is he had his license taken off him but got a medical drivers license, he drives all round the country (UK) for his job.
Can you look into a medical license in Aus?

Some people lie to get a job.

Don't know if that will work for you?

reply to post by Unrealised


That really does stink about your former employer. My brother has epilepsy and he's a CEO (one of the good ones I assure you).
-Keep the faith man.

reply to post by Unrealised


I too found myself and my business tanking with this economic downturn.
I was forced to reinvent myself and work on a contractual basis and pick up the odd job when I could as a window washer with nothing more than some window cleaner, some rags, squeegee and a bucket. I asked my clients if they needed anything else fixed and they usually did. Thru the window washing gig, I have made contacts with movie production companies and now work part time as an background actor and grip.
Anyone not afraid to get their hands dirty can make a fair living as a handy man. Get a business license and some business cards and go to work.


Good Luck!!