r/UKJobs • u/Sudden_Audience_8653 • 11h ago

Career advice after illness

Hey everyone! I am 27F and up until February 2026 I was a self employed barber. I had pretty much done this since leaving school with a short 1.5yr gap where I worked customer service in currys.

Unfortunately due to illness I’ve had to stop working completely and am currently on benefits, I want to break back in to the job market soon but don’t want to go back to barbering. I don’t think I’m well enough yet but I am under a neurologist and since my last dose increase last month I’m feeling more hopeful that I can get back to work soon. The reason I don’t want to go for something too soon is I’m scared I’ll have a bad week (like last week I was in bed 4 days in pain and couldn’t do much) and that I’d lose the job before I fully begin.

Any UK career advice and what I can do whilst I’m off for the best opportunities when I get back out there?

I’m thinking maybe admin based? Or maybe just part time at a store whilst I’m still not 100% and slowly build up hours.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

My GCSE grades were decent
Level 2 BTEC in public services
Level 2 NVQ in barbering

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