Get Started on Your Job Search: Wisdom from Winnie the Pooh
"You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes." 1
A lot of books have been written about the wisdom of Winnie the Pooh. He has so much amazing advice; about love, loss, mindfulness and friendship. How can the wise words of the yellow bear and his friends apply to the job search?
Winnie the Pooh teaches us that if we want something, we just have to get started. Pooh sometimes has a hard time finding motivation that isn't honey-related! But he and his friends have some great advice that could be used during your job search.
No matter where you are on your journey to work, there are resources available to help you accomplish your next step. Whether you are just considering working, ready to find a service provider to help you, are looking for a job, or already working and want to keep on the road to financial independence, Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can support you on your journey.
It doesn't matter where you start, or how long it takes, the most important part of your journey to financial independence is that you begin.
"Before beginning a hunt, it is wise to ask someone what you are looking for before you begin looking for it."
The job search can be overwhelming, and we know you probably have a lot of questions. If you decide to participate in the Ticket Program, getting started is easy! First, give the Ticket to Work Help Line a call at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Our customer service representatives will explain how the program works and answer your questions or address concerns you might have and send you a list of service providers who can help.
What happens if you need to stop working due to your disability? If your benefits ended because you worked and had earnings, you can request that your benefits start again without having to complete a new application. While Social Security determines whether you can get benefits again, Social Security can give you provisional (temporary) benefits for up to 6 months. This is because of a Work Incentive called Expedited Reinstatement. You can ask for your benefits to start again using Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) for up to five years after you stop receiving benefits. EXR is another piece of string for you to use if you need it.
Ticket Program service providers can answer your questions about work and Benefits Counselors can answer your questions about how work will affect your benefits. Maybe you're unsure about what type of job you want or what type of job may be best for you. Or maybe you have questions about how to request reasonable accommodations at work or for an interview, or how to revamp your resume. You're not alone in your job search when you participate in the Ticket Program. We're here to help you find the answers to these questions.
"I must go forward where I have never been instead of backwards where I have."
We understand it can be hard to think about employment when you receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income (SSDI/SSI). That first step toward looking for a job could feel complicated, or it could turn out better than you think.
There are so many benefits to work besides earning a paycheck. You can meet new friends, learn new skills and increase your feeling of productivity. As Pooh said, "It isn't much good having anything exciting if you can't share it with somebody."
Employment can even have a positive effect on your health. According to Mental Health America, "Working at something that is meaningful to you can bring you a sense of purpose that will anchor you. Meaningful activity expands your sense of self-worth by adding to your skills and helping you accomplish your personal goals and feel good about yourself. Meaningful activity, which includes school, volunteer work, part-time work and full-time employment, also enables you to meet new people and make friends."
"So perhaps the best thing to do is to stop writing introductions and get on with the book."
Are you ready to see if work is right for you? Here are 6 things you can do to get started.
- Read our Frequently Asked Questions about the Ticket Program.
- Contact the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
- Sign up for a free Work Incentive Seminar Event Webinar to learn more about the Ticket Program and other Work Incentives.
- View success stories of beneficiaries who have used the Ticket Program to improve their lives and achieve financial independence.
- Learn more about Social Security Work Incentives available to you.
- Opt in to receive information via text about the Ticket Program by texting the word "TICKET" to 1-571-489-5292. You can opt out at any time.
We hope we gave you a new way to think about your job search. What is your favorite advice from Winnie the Pooh?
1 All Winnie the Pooh quotes and graphics come from the original works of A.A. Milne, which entered the public domain in 2022.
