GarnetFox

Xx

Markus

Hi Katie,
I guess the main thing I have to ask is, what do you do and can you do? For example, I'm technical manager for a software development company, so I mainly deal with tech support, both on the phone and via email, so I could work from home (doubt my employer would let me though lol), and other tech like jobs might allow that. So it does depend on what you can do.

dunno if this is any help at all.

Markus

Of course I remembered your name <shakes head> I'm not a complete muppet :d lol, well, maybe.

we'll overlook the current work related inderesion

the IT thing would be worth looking into, as IT companies might be more willing to allow you to work at home.

andrewdelvard

BT do an awful lot of home work stuff for people in your predicament. Give them a call, look up their recruitment section.
Good Luck.

+Doc+

You are in the same prediciament as my GF, she is a Hairdresser, benefits pay some to helping out + you can now get permitted work and sickness benefit meaning you can earn so much a week and still claim incapacity benefit.
The best thing to do, go to your Job Centre Plus and ask for a meeting with the employment officer, they will guide you and help you find work that suits you and tell you about any benefits your entitled to.
Good Luck, if you need any more info e-mail me.

craig@langar.co.uk - I`m getting an expert at this having gone down the same road this last two years :/

ChrisB

What sort of artist type skills? Creative in general?

Goochie

You could potnentially make some money as an artist. Depending on your skills and taste - have a look on Ebay at the contemporary art sections. You'll see acrylic on canvas paintings on there for maybe £40-£50 each.

Speaking from personal experience this is very easy money. You can but pre stretched canvas or do it yourself, spend about an hour splattering £5 of paint about the place and hey presto - you've got yourself a £50 painting.

Snag is that they dont always sell first time but you can always try again. Chances are that you WILL sell any painting within a couple of months and maybe 2 auctions.

http://www.gooch.org.uk/art/red/red1.jpg

That painting was about 50cm x 70cm painted in acrylics on canvas. Sold on ebay within a week of the paint drying for £65, total cost to me....... significantly less.

I also take commisions by the way

+Doc+

Goochie, If I had the time and the inclination I would love to do that

Goochie

Time isn't such a problem. I tend to leave my stuff set up in the spare room so when I'm in the mood I can just go and paint. It is very good for relaxing after work too, I could paint for hours some nights - but I usually run out of canvas LOL!

OllyK

Art + IT stuff - see the possibility of doing freelance Web Graphic design for people. The only downside would be the meetings to discuss what is required. If you could work for somebody who was prepared to do that bit and talk you through it over the phone that may work

Richard Work

Might not be up your street but have you thought about a network marketing business? Probably get flamed because everyone thinks that they are a scam, but if you choose a reputable one with quality products they are a great opportunity for creating a second supporting income or if you put in the time and effort a part or full time income. You can also run this as a home based business which in addition to the benefits of not having to travel/choose your hours has benefits from a tax point of view.

My aunt who was also suffering from a medical condition decided to start such a business and is doing very well now both health wise and financially. If you want more details on this drop me a mail?

Best of luck

Richard

p.s. irrespective of whether you are interested in this sort of thing, you might want to check out your condition here as it might help your body regain its health quicker, thus allowing you to go back to more traditional work

Scooby96

How about proof reading?

If you can put a good document together you could try your hand at cv writing??

Goochie

Proof reading is an excellent idea.

Markus

oooh, proof reading, good idea. Find a local typsetting/printing firm and ask em. We used to outsource our proof reading, mainly as it was our policy to just input the copy without reading it, was not our mandate to check for clarity.