I’m completely out of touch and my past experience no longer applies so this may be boomer advice, but is it possible to temporarily change fields to gig work or side hustles just to get some money up and regroup?
Long ramble of unsolicited advice if you wanted to read it
Elderly and disability care can be hard and emotionally confronting, and not easy if you have a disability yourself and/or lack a car. There may be tasks you can’t physically do or inappropriate or dangerous behaviour.
But there are clients who just need help with routine cleaning or need errands done. Lacking a car will go against you as transport to appointments can be very important but maybe sign up to something like Mabel and see if you can find some clients close by? Even if it just means picking up their medication, getting their shopping, or being some form of social interaction. I’m not sure what qualifications are needed or if there are any, sorry. You may need to get a ABN maybe, and have your photo on the site? But I do know you can set specific areas you will work in and you can choose what tasks you’re willing to do.
I’d suggest petsitting if you didn’t have a partner and your own pet. Drop in care could still work as some cats get very stressed in catteries and prefer to stay in their own homes. Dog walking or training could be another casual side hustle if physically possible.
Cleaning is a hard one as it could be physically exhausting and low pay. I don’t have experience but maybe check out work as an NDIS cleaner in case it might offer fairer pay and conditions (not sure).
I’m not sure if you’re handy at all but there are people who struggle with male tradies and would feel safer with a non-man/queer person in their home. However this is potentially a risk to you.
Doing art commissions is possible but people are arseholes and may not want to pay your worth, or may screw you over with chargebacks. Scams are rife. The stuff that brings bigger money has been regulated out by payment processors and using PayPal can give out your legal name so you get doxed. There may also be issues if you don’t report income. Also there is a lot of competition from other artists in desperate financial circumstances. I haven’t gone for it.
There are admin and transcription jobs online but I wouldn’t begin to know what offers were legit vs scams.
I don’t have experience but there could be occasional work as a life model. It’s long boring work but cash in hand. You probably could negotiate to be in shorts and a tank, and I’d recommend approaching reputable art teachers or schools for reasons of safety and dignity. I don’t know what the pay is like. I understand if you don’t feel comfortable. But all body types are welcomed. Just an idea.
I know the CAE used to do coffee courses and had an attached cafe to get work experience so there’s potential there to casually work as a barista? There used to be programs to help people who have had mental health struggles get into that work. However it involves long standing, loud noises, concentration and dealing with people.
There is getting your liquor license but bartending can be rough. Do not recommend with ptsd.
Same for gaming attendant, you need to get a license and work shifts at irregular and dangerous hours.
I’m very sorry if this is poor and out of touch advice. I read it back and it sounds like I’m advising you to get a paper route… it’s just all I’ve been able to think up.
RSA isn’t just for bartending, it can actually open up a lot of opportunities including being able to just sit at a counter at a woolies BWS. If you do food service or retail professionally it’s worth getting your paws on one if you can.
I get it. Personal info deleted but I get it.
I’m completely out of touch and my past experience no longer applies so this may be boomer advice, but is it possible to temporarily change fields to gig work or side hustles just to get some money up and regroup?
Long ramble of unsolicited advice if you wanted to read it
Elderly and disability care can be hard and emotionally confronting, and not easy if you have a disability yourself and/or lack a car. There may be tasks you can’t physically do or inappropriate or dangerous behaviour.
But there are clients who just need help with routine cleaning or need errands done. Lacking a car will go against you as transport to appointments can be very important but maybe sign up to something like Mabel and see if you can find some clients close by? Even if it just means picking up their medication, getting their shopping, or being some form of social interaction. I’m not sure what qualifications are needed or if there are any, sorry. You may need to get a ABN maybe, and have your photo on the site? But I do know you can set specific areas you will work in and you can choose what tasks you’re willing to do.
I’d suggest petsitting if you didn’t have a partner and your own pet. Drop in care could still work as some cats get very stressed in catteries and prefer to stay in their own homes. Dog walking or training could be another casual side hustle if physically possible.
Cleaning is a hard one as it could be physically exhausting and low pay. I don’t have experience but maybe check out work as an NDIS cleaner in case it might offer fairer pay and conditions (not sure).
I’m not sure if you’re handy at all but there are people who struggle with male tradies and would feel safer with a non-man/queer person in their home. However this is potentially a risk to you.
Doing art commissions is possible but people are arseholes and may not want to pay your worth, or may screw you over with chargebacks. Scams are rife. The stuff that brings bigger money has been regulated out by payment processors and using PayPal can give out your legal name so you get doxed. There may also be issues if you don’t report income. Also there is a lot of competition from other artists in desperate financial circumstances. I haven’t gone for it.
There are admin and transcription jobs online but I wouldn’t begin to know what offers were legit vs scams.
I don’t have experience but there could be occasional work as a life model. It’s long boring work but cash in hand. You probably could negotiate to be in shorts and a tank, and I’d recommend approaching reputable art teachers or schools for reasons of safety and dignity. I don’t know what the pay is like. I understand if you don’t feel comfortable. But all body types are welcomed. Just an idea.
I know the CAE used to do coffee courses and had an attached cafe to get work experience so there’s potential there to casually work as a barista? There used to be programs to help people who have had mental health struggles get into that work. However it involves long standing, loud noises, concentration and dealing with people.
There is getting your liquor license but bartending can be rough. Do not recommend with ptsd.
Same for gaming attendant, you need to get a license and work shifts at irregular and dangerous hours.
I’m very sorry if this is poor and out of touch advice. I read it back and it sounds like I’m advising you to get a paper route… it’s just all I’ve been able to think up.
I appreciate you taking the time to think about me and ways to move forward, truly I appreciate it deeply and it means so much to me.
I have much to think upon, I just have to be mindful to separate the depression thoughts from the constructive thoughts lol
I’m so sorry to offer advice instead of comfort. It sucks
Everyone shows they care in different ways, I’m not upset by you or anything :) I adore you Melbs 💜
RSA isn’t just for bartending, it can actually open up a lot of opportunities including being able to just sit at a counter at a woolies BWS. If you do food service or retail professionally it’s worth getting your paws on one if you can.