Latest news with #Moses
Metro
14 hours ago
- Health
- Metro
‘If I didn't want to work, I wouldn't have gone to a thousand interviews'
Nobody enjoys applying for new roles, but for Londoner Moses Tai, life is one long job interview. The dry mouth, racing mind and thumping heart that most of us experience during hiring meetings are daily occurrences for Moses, 46, who has spent ten years on a carousel of short term work contracts. He blames his stilted career on a social anxiety that fills his days with panic and turns normal interactions to dread. 'From the moment I wake up in the morning, I am in this mental state where it's like I'm just floating or spinning. I'm not there. I'm just going through the motions,' he tells Metro. After completing a masters in IT at the University of Greenwich, Moses has a full CV and is well-qualified but when he gets to the interview stage, he experiences rushes of anxiety that render him speechless. In a decade, he took on 20 short-term IT contracts as he struggled to maintain permanent work, many of which he lost. Around 300,000 people with a long term mental health problem lose their jobs each year, and at a much higher rate than those with physical health conditions, according to official figures. Moses estimates that he has been to more than 1,000 interviews in a decade. 'I just can't cope with them – especially if they are face-to-face. It's like mental torture,' he explains. 'I have this sensation, like I'm there, but I'm not there. I can't focus, and people can see that. The few times that I have managed to get a job, I didn't last long, because the workplace is like torture too.' The office environment leaves Moses breathless and reeling when faced with even the simplest of tasks. 'I feel this enormous pressure. People ask me questions, and I can't answer. I just can't talk. I should be able to cope with it, but I can't,' he says. 'If my manager gave me some tasks that needed doing straight away, I would start panicking, and if there is a situation with a group of people, that would be a huge issue. I would be struggling and I couldn't talk to anyone, or tell anyone what was going on. 'For years, I didn't know what I was doing wrong. I went through that whole process of getting professional help with preparing a CV and tips for how to apply for jobs. I became very good at that but every time the interview came around, the same thing happened,' he explains. Moses, who was diagnosed with depression and anxiety in 2012, was offered counselling, but says he didn't find it helpful as it seemed to only address the symptoms and not the root cause. He was also offered medication, but refused because he's worried about addiction. Instead, he is left with his struggles which he fears make him seem standoffish and unlikeable. He is single and has few friends. 'People think I am aloof, that I don't want to talk to them or that I have an attitude. But actually, I'm just really suffering. One of the hardest things about depression and anxiety is how hard it can be to form relationships,' Moses says sadly. Rising living costs have taken a further toll on his mental health; he now struggles to afford food and everyday essentials and cannot afford to go out. 'It makes the anxiety worse and the ability to connect with people and form relationships more difficult, because then I am dealing with the financial anxiety on top of everyone else,' he explains. It's a problem being seen across the nation, according to mental health charity Mind, who say problems have been exacerbated by Covid and the cost-of-living crisis. Minesh Patel, Associate Director of Policy & Influencing for the charity says: 'Across the UK people in the poorest fifth of the population are twice as likely to be at risk of developing mental health problems, compared to those on an average income. Money troubles and poor mental health have a cyclical relationship. If you're struggling financially, you're more likely to experience a mental health problem, and if you have a mental health problem, you're more likely to struggle financially. 'We cannot address the UK's mental health crisis without tackling the many issues which surround insecure work. This includes low pay, and being entitled to access vital employment rights such as statutory sick pay. 'Poverty and mental health problems need to be addressed together,' he adds. 'The government must stop the planned benefit cuts and make sure that people get the vital support they need, including mental health treatment.' Meanwhile waiting times for mental health services are rising and those on the breadline are struggling to get financial support. Moses, who is no longer in employment, relies on Universal Credit, while others, like Shane, need Personal Independence Payments (PIP) to get by. However, proposed changes to these lifelines under the Universal Credit And Personal Independence Payment Bill – to be debated in the Commons in the next few days – will change the eligibility criteria to save £5 billion a year by 2030. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has warned that proposed cuts to sickness and disability benefits could leave those with long-term mental health conditions facing unprecedented reductions in their income and a group of more than 100 Labour MPs have put forward an amendment to try to block the cuts. Shane, who uses the pronouns they/them, loved their job as a youth worker but was forced to hand in their notice at the start of the year as the physical and mental demands of the role got too much. Shane has generalised anxiety disorder, low mood disorder, and suspected PTSD, alongside Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. They also have a raft of physical health problems including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and hyper mobility that requires them to relocate their shoulders daily. The 27-year-old from Manchester, says: 'Being on a low income and stuck on waiting lists is a spiral. I've been waiting to see a psychiatrist since May 2023 and for NHS talking therapy since June last year. You're always asking yourself, do I have enough for rent and bills? All the stress makes it harder to manage my mental health, and that in turn makes it harder to work. 'When my physical health crashes, my mental health plummets, because I'm frustrated at not being able to do what I want without pain or fatigue,' Shane explains. The hobbies that they used to love; climbing, roller skating and martial arts, are inaccessible now due to chronic health problems, so distractions are harder to find. Shane wants people to understand that it's not as easy to claim benefits as some believe. 'There's still so much stigma around mental health. People assume you're lazy if you can't keep up, and politicians talk as if we want free money. They don't see the endless admin, forms and tribunals you have to navigate just to prove you're disabled. 'I want to work, but physically I'm not able to – I have to know my limits. I enjoy working with young people; it's fulfilling. But it's also completely exhausting and draining, because you're taking on the problems that they have, while also dealing with all of the stuff that's going on in my own life. Shane copes by spending time with friends in queer spaces and going to a weekly support group at Manchester Mind. 'And leaning on my mum,' they add. 'I'm in my second year of counselling at Arden University, and that structure helps, but balancing study, benefits administration and health appointments still takes a heavy toll. It shouldn't be this hard.' Fed up with the disappointing cycle of losing job after job, in 2019, Moses decided to set up his own organisation, African Development Choices, to support rural African communities. Building the charity and leading a team of volunteers has given him renewed purpose and helped him to feel much better, as well as work in a lower-stress way that suits him better. The difference he has seen to his mental health has been dramatic; where once he would have been unable to hold a conversation about his depression and anxiety, he has been able to talk to Metro with a newfound ease and confidence – and he has written a book about his plans for the future. More Trending The charity is yet to start fundraising, so Moses doesn't receive any income, but he hopes he will one day be able to sustain himself so he never has to apply for jobs again. He adds: 'I've now recruited a team of volunteers from all over the world, the organisation is fully set up and we're ready to start doing work. This is what's giving me optimism for the future and the energy to push on. 'I now have something to focus on and a sense that I can achieve something with my life. It's brought me a renewed sense of hope.' Mind's welfare benefits line can offer advice on the benefits you may be entitled to, cost of living support and benefit appeals. You can speak to an adviser on 0300 222 5782 or visit MORE: All of Keir Starmer's welfare cut U-turns 'will cost £4,500,000,000' MORE: I built a fashion business from the ground up — you don't need entrepreneur family to succeed MORE: I was punished for not telling my boss about my disability
The Star
3 days ago
- General
- The Star
No regrets over career change
KOTA TINGGI: For 56-year-old Moses Abraham, the decision to swap a high-paying job as a long-haul trailer driver for a more modest role in public sanitisation was driven by one thing – family. He said working in the logistics sector required him to spend long hours on the road, taking him away from his loved ones. 'This made me reconsider my priorities after starting my family more than 20 years ago. I wanted to be present and watch my three children grow up. 'So I decided to join my wife S. Tanggam in the public hygiene sector where she was already working as a street sweeper until today,' he said in an interview. Drawing on his previous experience, Moses took on various roles over the years at waste management concessionaire SWM Environment, including operating trash compactor trucks. 'Currently, I operate a 15-tonne roll-on roll-off lorry and manage market waste and assist in bulk waste collection in the Kota Tinggi area. 'Although I faced many challenges along the way, including feeling frustrated about people's lack of good hygiene practices, I have no regrets about my career change as I got to be with my family,' said Moses. His wife Tanggam, 48, who has been working as a street sweeper for 23 years, said it was not difficult to convince him to switch jobs due to his family-focused nature. Family affair: Moses and Tanggam have been working in public sanitisation for over two decades. 'I remember feeling relieved as my husband agreed when I advised him to consider joining me so we could work and raise our children together. 'Two of our children are now working, while our youngest is still in school,' she added. The couple's day usually starts at 6.30am, and they take turns preparing their children for school before clocking in at work. From there, Moses begins his route as a waste collection driver, while Tanggam carries out sweeping in commercial areas such as Taman Kota Jaya and Kota Besar. 'It is common to see people throwing rubbish out of their cars despite having bins nearby,' Tanggam said. The couple's long service was recognised recently in conjunction with Global Cleaner's Day, celebrated annually on June 17. SWM Environment corporate general manager Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin said the day honours contributions of sanitation workers at all levels, especially those with long years of service. 'We hold the celebration annually to appreciate the crucial role played by sanitation workers in maintaining a clean environment, promoting sustainability and safeguarding public well-being,' he added.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: HK actor Moses Chan says wife Aimee manages his finances
HONG KONG: TVB actor Moses Chan is no stranger to success in Hong Kong's film industry. With a reported annual income of HK$30 million (RM16.2 million), the 54-year-old is the highest-paid artiste of the broadcasting company. But rather than managing that fortune on his own, Chan entrusts them to his wife, Hong Kong-based Canadian actress Aimee Chan. In a recent report by JayneStars, Moses revealed that Aimee, 44, takes charge of their household expenses. "I handle matters outside the home while Aimee looks after the kids. She's great at managing everything, so I leave the household finances to her. When it comes to business and signing contracts, that's where I step in," he said. The award-winning actor added that he and his wife are transparent about where their money goes. "Aimee has her own money, but mine is shared. I don't have personal savings. As a man, I believe in taking responsibility for the future of my family. That's what being a real man is about," he said. Moses and Aimee, who share three children, recently celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary.
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Undying love – and ledger – the key to Moses Chan's marital bliss
ACTOR Moses Chan (pic) attributes his successful marriage to allowing his wife to manage his finances, China Press reported. In an interview, the Hong Kong star said he handles work and business while his wife, Aimee Chan, is responsible for everything at home, which includes family finances. 'My wife is my boss. No matter how big or small the matter, we trust each other. Moses Chan Ho will be performing with his co-stars from War & Beauty at Arena of Stars on November 25 and 26 at 8pm. 'We plan our finances together. Aimee's money is her money. I do not have any personal money. 'All of my income goes to family expenses,' he said at an event. Moses, who has been married to Aimee for 12 years, said they are still as in love as when they first met. 'I'm fortunate we have such a good relationship, which is filled with love,' he said. Fellow actor Natalie Tong, who was also at the event, said she hoped to meet someone who was willing to let her handle all of their money, just like Moses. Moses and Aimee tied the knot in 2013 and are the proud parents of three children. > The daily also reported that robotic police dogs have officially commenced patrols in Chengdu, China, in preparation for the upcoming 2025 World Games, scheduled to take place there in August. Five of these robotic dogs commenced patrols at Tianfu Square on June 16, which attracts some 100,000 visitors each day. They transmit live footage and reports regarding any unusual incidents to the police command centre. There are three shifts in a day, and the robots return to recharge when their shifts end. The robots are currently being exposed to real-world conditions in the city so they can adapt to manage more complex situations. In the future, the robots are expected to assist in police work, help tourists and maintain traffic order. According to industry research, China's embedded artificial intelligence industry – which incorporates integrated artificial intelligence-enabled devices to process data and make autonomous decisions – surpassed 480bil yuan (RM284.2bil) in 2024. The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a, it denotes a separate news item.
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
TVB actor Moses Chan says wife Aimee Chan manages his finances: 'She's the boss'
Hong Kong actor Moses Chan and his wife Aimee Chan, who tied the knot in 2013, share three children. Photo: Aimee Chan/Instagram Hong Kong actor Moses Chan is no stranger to success in the Asian film industry. With a reported annual income of HK$30mil (RM16.2mil), the 54-year-old holds the title of highest-paid artiste at Hong Kong broadcaster, TVB. But rather than managing that fortune on his own, Chan entrusts them to his wife, Hong Kong-based Canadian actress Aimee Chan. Speaking at a recent banking event alongside former TVB star Natalie Tong, Moses shared that Aimee, 44, takes charge of their household expenses. 'I handle matters outside the home while Aimee looks after the kids. She's great at managing everything, so I leave the household finances to her. When it comes to business and signing contracts, that's where I step in,' he said. When Tong, 44, asked whether he had handed over financial control from the moment they married in 2013, Moses smiled and responded: 'I already belong to her. She's the boss!' The award-winning actor added that both parties are transparent about where their money goes. 'Aimee has her own money, but mine is shared. I don't have personal savings. As a man, I believe in taking responsibility for the future of my family. That's what being a real man is about,' he said. Moses and Aimee, who share three children, recently celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary. On June 21, Aimee shared two photos on Instagram – one showing Moses smiling happily as he snapped a picture of her and another capturing the couple holding hands. Moses once said in an interview that being mindful is key to a lasting marriage. 'We have never said hurtful things to each other… That's why our relationship is still full of love!'
