‘I’m quitting work at 39 to live off Universal Credit – I’ve had enough’ | UK | News

A mum has sparked debate online after she admitted she is considering quitting work altogether to live off of Universal Credit.

The woman explained she has been living with chronic pain and fatigue for years and finds it difficult to hold down a steady job because of it.

Taking to Mumsnet, she asked for advice on what to do. 

“I have been unwell now for three years and lost four jobs because of it,” she said. “I have gone from job to job in hope I’ll suddenly get better and be able to work as I feel so young to just accept I am unable to.

“I have long covid and fibromyalgia ( brought on my long covid ) as well as a b12 deficiency I’ll need monthly injections for life on as my body no longer absorbs anything. I have really tried.

“I am two weeks into another job and can feel all my symptoms coming back. The constant pain and exhaustion is too much to bear.”

She went on to say it was “time to accept defeat” and not work, instead living off the benefit.

“I think the time has come accept defeat and just follow the GPs advice which is to not work tor the time being,” she said. “How do I go about all of this?

“I’m already on a small amount of UC as my wages are so low so will they top me up a little until I apply for PIP? So confused and very worried as have three young children.”

Many offered the mum advice and support on what she should do next.

One person said: “I don’t know about benefits but I just wanted to say I am so sorry. I too had covid which turned into Long Covid and caused fibromyalgia and CFS. March 2020.

“I left work July 2020. I was older than you though at 49. As PP said could you look at working from home. Apply for PIP asap. I hope things start to improve for you soon.”

“I had to do it at 34,” another said. “It’s s***, but I couldn’t work, I was in and out of hospital and really ill.”

Meanwhile others said she should not quit her job completely and instead take less drastic action. 

“I think if you work full time then you should try to reduce hours/change job before giving up,” one said. “If your children are young it’s likely to get easier but getting back into work as you get older can be really difficult.”

Another replied to those telling her to work from home: “I have to agree with others that you should really try a different job/role if possible, at only 39 and with 3 kids you are going to struggle without paid employment.”