Today, I want to share my journey as a 19-year-old care leaver who has been struggling to find a job that aligns with my passions and accommodates my neurodivergent needs. I left foster care just three months ago, and it has been a challenge to manage bills and responsibilities while also balancing my college schedule, which starts at 5 AM. I’m not enjoying my course and recently missed a week due to my cat's recovery after neutering. My upbringing was difficult; my adoptive mother was overly protective and kept me isolated, which has left me with very few social skills. A couple of months ago, I had an interview for a job working with children in foster care, which I was excited about, but I ended up having a panic attack and had to leave the room in tears. I have a provisional diagnosis of ADHD and autism, along with a diagnosis of anxiety and depression from CAMHS. Currently, I'm on Universal Credit, which adds a lot of pressure to find a job, even in places like McDonald's or supermarkets. The interview process and work environment feel overwhelming to me, and I often shut down completely. I had hoped that being a new care leaver and having neurodivergent challenges would provide some protection, but it feels like I’m stuck in a system that doesn’t understand my needs. My support worker and personal advisor have told me that I won’t qualify for additional help because I can take care of basic needs, which makes me feel hopeless and ashamed. My true passion lies in cats, especially big cats like lions and tigers. I can talk about them endlessly, and my boyfriend often jokes about it. I’ve had my own cat for over two months now, and he means the world to me. I dream of working with big cats in Africa, but my past trauma makes that seem impossible. I fear I’ll be stuck on Universal Credit forever, constantly attending meetings to maintain my benefits without a job. The thought of becoming homeless is terrifying, and I often feel overwhelmed by the pressure to conform to societal expectations. I’m reaching out to see if any other care leavers have managed to build a life despite facing mental health challenges. How do you cope with Universal Credit when you’re struggling? And has anyone with a passion for big cats found a way to work in that field without a traditional career path? I did attend an animal college, but I left because I disagreed with their focus on factory farming, and I’m now vegetarian and planning to go vegan.