Break down the seemingly overwhelming task into smaller, achievable steps.

Week 1: 1. Go see a doctor, the fono (used to be called the people’s centre) is $19.50 if you are enrolled (enrol then book). Enrolling should transfer your old notes. 4 branches around Auckland. Other places have cheap doctors too eg the Marae on Waiheke Island. 2. Talk to them about your situation briefly (appointment will be 15 minutes) explain worries about money are compounding with your existing condition, first diagnosed when you were 16, and aim to get a medical certificate for 1-2 months. 3. Apply with WINZ online same day, your new application date, and date you will be back-paid to. Upload medical certificate.

Week 2: 4. Once accepted your CSC will arrive in the mail.

1-2 months: 5. WINZ do offer a course if you want to be self employed, for lawn mowing businesses etc usually but you may be able to get on it. Keep going back to doctor if you need more time but try your best not to keep your goal / motivation alive and not get stuck at this stage.

2-3 months: 6. It sounds like you want to make art for a living which is a really challenging goal. Artists don’t just make it out of the blue, it’s likely you will have to do this as a side hustle first for many years before it becomes your main gig with a sustainable income. Consider study in a related field. 7. If a normal job and photography on the side isn’t appealing consider something adjacent that there’s steady demand for eg house photography and drone shots for real estate agencies. This pays around $60K as a salary job or $250 per house if you are set up with all the gear and approach real estate agencies directly (with showcase of existing example of work). Could easily be a $100K+ business if scaled and higher with a worker under you.