4 Reasons to get a job if you’re living with an intellectual disability
Have you been lucky enough to ever have a job?
It’s one of the best things you’ll ever do!
Yes, really.
People who work can:
- Find new confidence
- Meet amazing people
- Build up valuable skills
And that’s just the start!
Jobs can be life-changing for you and your family. And there are many jobs out there for adults with intellectual disability.
Sounds pretty awesome, doesn’t it?
Ruth, one of our Me Plus More team members, lives with a disability.
She reckons jobs are the bees knees.
“A job keeps you busy and motivated AND you also get paid!”
Hard to beat that!
That’s why we’re going to explore a bit more about what a job is, why they’re important and how they can put a zing in your step.
So… let’s go!
What is a job?
Jobs come in all shapes and sizes. Just like us.
Basically, though, it’s when you are paid to perform a task. Whether it’s gardening, answering phone calls or cooking food, you earn money for doing certain activities.
And loads of places hire people with a disability.
You might work a few hours a week – or many.
You may travel to get to your job or perhaps it’s close to home.
It could be outdoors or indoors.
There are options for everyone, and job opportunities everywhere!
And you know what? There’s one out there for you!
4 great reasons to get a job
You may have heard people complaining about work. 
They might find it tiring, boring or just too hard.
And, yes, sometimes jobs aren’t easy (certainly not every day, anyway!)
But there are many more good things than bad (we promise!).
Curious? Read on!
1. You can make your own money
There’s something super satisfying about earning money for yourself.
Becoming more financially independent makes you feel better about being you.
It makes sense, doesn’t it?
If you’re able to buy things like food, clothes or a car for you/your family, you’re going to feel a real sense of achievement.
Trust us: your confidence will soar when you start contributing!
2. You have a new drive and purpose
Some mornings you’d rather stay in your cozy bed, right? We get it.
But, when you have a job, people need you.
You can spring out of bed with a sense of purpose, knowing you’ll make a difference that day.
So, even though it’s hard sometimes, the feeling of pride after a good day’s work will spur you on.
Did you know feeling proud about what you’ve done or who you’ve helped is fantastic for your mental health?
It changes the way you look at the world.
And when you live life as a happy, positive person, you spread those feelings to your friends, family and community.
Also, the busier you are, the more efficient you become.
Even though working can be hectic, you actually waste less time. This means you’ll probably find more time to do the things you love.
Before long, you’ll be waking up with a smile on your dial (and without the alarm clock!).
3. You can learn so much
Sometimes we hesitate about getting jobs because they seem too scary.
Maybe you think your qualifications, knowledge or abilities aren’t up to scratch. Or that companies are reluctant to give jobs to adults with intellectual disability
Well, everyone starts somewhere.
What’s more, you probably have lots of skills you’re not even aware of! Maybe you’re wonderfully organised, have great attention to detail or get on with people really well.
All of those are fantastic!
Once you have a job, you’ll learn even more.
You’ll brush up on all sorts of things – and probably uncover talents you didn’t even know you had!
The more knowledge and experience you gain, the more satisfaction you’ll feel at work.
And (this is an exciting one), you’ll probably earn more, too.
4. You can ‘find your tribe’
A good job isn’t all about the money.
One of the really fun parts about working is the individuals you meet.
Whether that’s your co-workers, clients or suppliers, you’ll cross paths with new people.
You might not get on with everyone (that’s ok!), but you will find others who you really connect with.
This is what we call your ‘tribe’.
The ones who energise you and make you feel good about yourself.
Even if you don’t find lifelong friends at work, you’ll still expand your social network. You’ll be invited to work events, or activities where you can bond with your workmates, and build strong relationships.
It’s those friendships that make your job even more enjoyable, fulfilling and, best of all, fun.
Start your job journey today
Feeling excited and ready to take the plunge? You should be!
Plenty of places need incredible, hard-working people like you.
Sign up for our newsletter below for lots of useful information on inding a job when you’re living with an intellectual disability (and much more).