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Posted 8/22/2008 4:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hey there everyone,

I have been going thru a lot lately with jobs and Fibro!

I have worked for Nonprofits the past 8 years. My last program lost it's funding and we all lost our jobs.  So, I set about finding new employment. NO OTHER COMPANY has been understanding and accomdating to my illness like my last company.

I don't know what to do for a job! I def. need something flexible. I CANNOT work FT. 

We truly need the money as we are behind on our mortgage.

That is a whole other story.....

Anyway, I just need to know what other people do to make money while they have Fibro?  I cant' do a lot of lifting, I get exhausted VERY easily and cannot commute too far, I get brain fog a lot, and of course.. the pain.

I was thinking about going back into substitute teaching....

Just curiuos how others have careers/jobs and what those jobs are????

THANK YOU!!!!!!

Jul

Posted 8/22/2008 4:54 AM (GMT 0)
I know that there are a lot of scams out there, but I have a friend of mine that is unable to work outside the house. He referred me to a website that actually is a legitimate source for work at home jobs. He has had a couple of tech support / help desk jobs that he worked though leads that he got from this site.

On the site they also give you tips on how to avoid a lot of the scams and such that are out there. The leads that I've looked at on there vary though a lot of different skill sets and levels of aptitude. So far so good. He's been using them for about the last 6 mos with success. The site is: http://www.ratracerebellion.com Hope you have as much luck with them as he has.

Again, my brain has lost the information on how to make it come up as a link and if someone can tell me how to do so again, I'd appreciate it.
Posted 8/22/2008 12:01 PM (GMT 0)

Jul,

I'm not sure that a career is something that most of us can have.  I stumbled and stumbled until I found a job that doesn't require me to be on my toes.  Before I was diagnosed, I just couldn't figure out why I could not keep up.  I thought that I was going to have to stop working and that scared me, I need motivation to keep moving.  I didn't want to end up on the couch all day thinking about my problems.  Luckily a job opened and I just went for it.  It was the best move that I have made.  Just before I started the job, I found out that I had FM.  So with medication and a lot of pushing on my part, I have made it work for me.  I really like my job.  I do still have bad days, fatigue and fog are a major part of my FM.  On bad days, I try to stay away from things I can screw up.  I know that I am lucky to have found this job but there are jobs out there, just keep looking.  Maybe you could work from home.

We are here to listen and support you!

Meggie

Posted 8/22/2008 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
I have a private practice and I don't think it could work any other way. During my recent flair from you know where, I cancelled a lot of appointments and lost a lot of income but I still have a job because I work for myself. I have the flexibility to juggle things around and accept only the work I can handle. It's really the only way for me. The driving is the absolute worst part of it, that's when I get the sleepiest. Can't sleep a wink at night but put me behind a wheel and look out! Despite that, I am very thankful and feel blessed. I can't go back to full time or to a position where I am expected to show up before 10:00 am in any consistent manner! What field are you in? What do you love? Substitute teaching sounds good because you can say yes if you're having a good day and no if you're having a bad day. I did that about a hundred years ago and got a call every morning at 6:00 am from some sick teacher or teacher with a sick child and I could say yes or no.
Posted 8/22/2008 6:12 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your response! I am so frustrated! I really want a job I can feel good about...... I also NEED to make money. My husbands income is just not enough for us.
Yes, that was my thought on subbing- being able to say yes or no depending on how I think i will feel that AM.

Well I am glad you have a private practice! That would be ideal!
Take Care,
Julie
Posted 8/22/2008 6:24 PM (GMT 0)
Well I don't have much advice for you. Just wanted to say I can relate to how you are feeling. I really need a flexible job that is part time. I need something where I'll be sitting down the majority of the time. I also need a quiet work environment with not too many people around and something that is close by.I've been looking for work for the past year and I've found very few jobs like that. I think I've only gotten 4 interview this year and I was always beaten out by someone with more experience. I fear that this is always going to happen because I just finished college last year and I really don't have much work experience at all. Of course ideally I'd work from home but it's really hard to find work at home stuff that doesn't involve running your own business. I don't think I could handle my own business because I get overwhelmed very easily.

The only thing I can suggest is to see if you can find any organizations that help disabled people find work. This is what I did, I recently filled out an application and mailed it to them. Still waiting to hear back though.
Posted 8/22/2008 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
thx for the reply. I do appreicate others sharing their story. it's helpful to know I am not alone.......

I really hope I can figure out some type of job to do! I am getting so frustrated.

Yes, maybe I will try an agency that helps disabled people find employment.

Thanks!

Take Care,

Julie

Posted 8/22/2008 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
I worked for many years in an office and it was really, really difficult. I finally gave it up about four years ago and I a doing medical transcription from home. I have been in the healthcare industry, so that really worked in my favor. I don't know if you have the time for it, but you would probably have to get certified...all can be done from home. I got lucky and a working for a company as an independent contractor. I make my own hours. Of course, there are no benefits, but at least I can work around the FM, which is very important for me, at this time in my life...best of luck to you,
Miriam
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