Homosexuality
Reply #15 - May 23, 2015, 07:41 PM
My impression is that you need to get out of that area. I do understand that your parents are settled and would not want to leave and you want to take care of them, but you can do this while living somewhere else. They aren't going to hit 70 and suddenly be infants, unable to do anything for themselves. If in the future it turns out they do need more immediate help, this is an issue that can be dealt with then. For now, think of yourself.
It's not selfish to want to get a dog for protection, however, you need to understand just what a huge responsibility a dog is. It's like having a small child. That dog will need attention, training, food, exercise, and it will need it every day. It's also expensive. Then there are annual trips to the vet, surprise trips if the dog get's sick or has an injury, shots, there's so much to consider. There's also the type of dog you get. Different breeds require different care. You cannot treat a huskie the same way you treat a rottweiler. You cannot treat a rottweiler the way you treat a collie. Etc.
There's also individual personality to consider. Some dogs are naturally easier to handle than others. Some dogs are naturally more protective than others. If you got punched in the face, there are some dogs that will run away, some that will cower in fear, and others that will instinctively attack to protect you. There's also legal matters of what constitutes dangerous dogs if a dog does indeed attack to protect it's owner. But if you're willing to learn about dogs, specifically the type you want, and you can take on that responsibility, then there's no reason not to consider it.
On the matter of employment, the first thing you need to do is get jobseeker's allowance. See if there are any benefits you have access to. The best thing to do is ring the citizens advice bureau, explain your situation and see what, if anything, you're entitled to. If you're registered with your local job centre and doing what you should be doing, you should be entitled. If you're not registered, make this a priority. When you have interviews, make sure you're on time and presentable. There are some surprisingly nice suits in places like Tesco and ASDA you can pick up for £30, and you'd be amazed at some of the things you can find in second hand shops, thrift stores and charity shops. Make sure you're at least 15 minutes early to an interview, well dressed and clean shaven. If you have facial hair for religious reasons (I'm not sure if you're actually an ex-muslim or not), make sure it's trimmed and professional. You don't want to look like a homeless Santa like a lot of these jihadi wannabe morons do. For references, make sure you put people who will tell a potential employer good things about you. If you have a friend or family member happy to tell a potential employer that you worked for them and will sing your praises, don't hesitate. Dishonest, yes, but do it anyway.
As for your experiences prior to this, you don't have to take it. Threaten to report them for racial discrimination and/or homophobia. If they don't stop, follow through. Report them. These laws exist for a reason, to protect you. Take advantage, or nothing will change.
At this point in time, taking your situation and safety into account, having an income is of incredible importance. You need to get out of that area. You need to get out of that environment. Your anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts are mental health issues that are being reinforced by the people in the area you live in. You need to leave. No good will come from you being there. Again, I understand you want to look after your parents, but this isn't an immediate concern, it's a future concern to be dealt with when the time comes. Your safety, however, is very much an immediate concern. This doesn't make you a bad son.
`But I don't want to go among mad people,' Alice remarked.
`Oh, you can't help that,' said the Cat: `we're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad.'
`How do you know I'm mad?' said Alice.
`You must be,' said the Cat, `or you wouldn't have come here.'
Topic: Homosexuality