Stories
People with learning disabilities told us what is feels like to do paid work and how they got their job .
How Niki found paid employment .
What does paid employment mean for you?
Stephen – “I get paid and I meet different people, it gets me out of bed, helps me get out and makes me feel better about myself.”
“It helps me improve my life, I am doing something positive.”
“It gives me a positive image.”
“You have more to talk about”.
What is paid employment like?
“It gives you a good routine.”
“I love my job, I get purpose out of it and job satisfaction. I like to buy luxuries from the money I earn.”
“I find it challenging at times because I do a lot of different jobs and I have to do them all well.”
What are the challenges?
“Sometimes I get a grumpy customer, but I have to be professional and polite, I like being nice to them.”
“Because I am paid I have to turn up, it pays the bills, so even if I’m having a bad day, it motivates me to go to work.”
“Even when I am tired I need to respect my customer or colleague and be polite.”
“My manager sometimes gives me a job I find boring, but I get on with it because I am paid to do it.”
How is it different from not working?
“I feel more respected, I am paying my own way.”
“It’s my money to spend how I like.”
“If you are earning your own cash it makes you feel much more confident about yourself.”