Comment on Discussion Thread ⏰ Thursday 4 December 2025

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melbaboutown@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

I get it. Personal info deleted but I get it. I managed to secure a steady job but had many refusals prior and ultimately lost it due to my health.

I’m completely out of touch and my past experience no longer applies so this may be boomer advice, but is it possible to temporarily change fields to gig work or side hustles just to get some money up and regroup?

Long ramble of unsolicited advice if you wanted to read it

Elderly and disability care can be hard and emotionally confronting, and not easy if you have a disability yourself and/or lack a car. There may be tasks you can’t physically do or inappropriate or dangerous behaviour. But there are clients who just need help with routine cleaning or need errands done. Lacking a car will go against you as transport to appointments can be very important but maybe sign up to something like Mabel and see if you can find some clients close by? Even if it just means picking up their medication, getting their shopping, or being some form of social interaction. I’m not sure what qualifications are needed or if there are any, sorry. But I do know you can set specific areas you will work in. I’d suggest petsitting if you didn’t have a partner and your own pet. Drop in care could still work as some cats get very stressed in catteries and prefer to stay in their own homes. Dog walking could be another casual side hustle if physically possible. Cleaning is a hard one as it could be physically exhausting and low pay. I don’t have experience but maybe check out work as an NDIS cleaner in case it might offer fairer pay and conditions (not sure). I’m not sure if you’re handy at all but there are people who struggle with male tradies and would feel safer with a non-man/queer person in their home. However this is potentially a risk to you. I don’t have experience but there could be occasional work as a life model. It’s long boring work but cash in hand. You probably could negotiate to be in shorts and a tank, and I’d recommend approaching reputable art teachers or schools for reasons of safety and dignity. I don’t know what the pay is like. I understand if you don’t feel comfortable. But all body types are welcomed.

TW risk of sexual harassment and assault?

In case you were thinking it - avoid those “cash for modeling” flyers. They will be for adult shoots and you won’t have the rights to the photographs which means you don’t have control of when where or how they get used. Also be very careful of independent photographers as you risk pervy Guy With Camera and potential coercion. No experience myself with either but I knew a few models and heard shit. Also it’s not lucrative, most were time for print (or whatever) which means they modeled in return for copies of the photos for their portfolios - aka ‘paid in exposure’. Not worth it.

I’m very sorry if this is poor and out of touch advice. I read it back and it sounds like I’m advising you to get a paper route… it’s just all I’ve been able to think up.

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