HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Career w/ Fibro?

Support Forums
>
Fibromyalgia
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/15/2009 7:51 PM (GMT 0)

Career w/ Fibro?

Hello Everyone,

I've been thinking a lot about career lately. I know many of you cannot work at the moment and are working to just get through the day - I commend you for that. :) But, if you could choose any career (even part time), something that you think you could be successful at even though you suffer from fog, pain, fatigue, etc., what would it be?

I have every intention of staying at my current job for a while, probably a few years. But, I'm trying to figure out what I'm passionate about, what I would love to get up and do every day and make money at at the same time - and start doing things now so that in 5 years, I could realistically make a career out of it. I love yoga and have been considering getting more involved with that. Maybe nutrition. Maybe I could study to be a yoga instructor and start my own business, w/ classes for people w/ Fibro & CFS?? Hmmmm....

I would love to hear your thoughts, not about what I should do, but what you could do if money or responsibilities would not get in the way OR something you are already doing that you love. Perhaps, it will help me think of something I hadn't before.

Thanks,

Kerri

Posted 1/15/2009 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
Kerri, you have a great idea there, and a very smart one. I think one of the best things you can do is follow your interests into a career. I hope this works for you! I am a social worker and I can not do direct service anymore; I tried on my first FT position in social work after I was diagnosed. It took 4 years to be able to return; it took 3 months to undo all the good I had done in those 4 years. My doctor insisted that I make a change, and I did- shortly after we moved and now I am praying to find something part time in social work- in the policy area, or program management, something that uses my 20+ years in the industry in ways that I can handle and make a difference. As my pals here in our forum have told me over and over again, I CAN do it, and I believe them. SO- my message is that a career is possible, on your terms, in an area you are passionate about, with health and fulfillment attached. Good luck and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it.
Posted 1/15/2009 9:02 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, SeraSmiles...I'm so glad I read this post. I had been going to school for Social Work and have wanted to go back. I'm such a nerd that even though I've been out of school since 2002, I still read everything I can on Social Work stuff, just because I'm so interested. I've wanted to go back, but I have been nervous about how effective I would be in the job field with the fibro and my other health stuff. What exactly did you do, if you don't mind my asking. I wanted to go into more of the counseling aspect. I wanted to counsel victims of domestic violence and rape but I don't want to start if I won't be effective, you know? Was the hardest part for you the fatigue?

Sorry for all the questions...
Posted 1/15/2009 9:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kerri!

You are amazing to have such high goals and a positive outlook on life. It's very easy to let this disorder destroy our lives but we just can't! Bravo! for you ~~ I'd be happy to share my years of experience and thoughts.

I think you hit it right when you said you are passionate about yoga and began looking into that field. That's one thing I've always told my kids and grandkids. Find something you love doing and be the best you can at it. Then when you find a job doing whatever your passion is...you will never "work" a day in your life. You will have a career but it will never seem like work because you will love getting up each day and heading off for new adventures.

That's how I felt about teaching. Even though most of the time I taught the same classes I was continually changing and making it fresh...if not for the students, then for me. If yoga is your passion then learn all you can including surrounding fields...be the best you can be! Then your choices will open up for you. You may start out teaching students but end up teaching the teachers! Who knows. Even at my age and the fact that doc said no more work, I still love learning and being as active as I can...even if I pay for it in pain.

Hugs and best wishes,
Chutz
Posted 1/15/2009 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
I've been thinking about this a lot lately as I am in my second year of college. I have been nervous about declaring my major because I feel like I am going downhill very quickly. In the past year I've noticed that there are many things I can't do anymore. I'm going to declare my major as anthropology because I feel like it is something that I will enjoy studying in college, but I feel like it is just a degree so I can at least have one.
Beyond that I've been thinking about possibly getting a veteranarian degree, although that will involve a move from the support system I've found here as well as the two doctors who I've found.
However my dream is to open a humane pet store with rescue pets and natural pet food. I also want to have a combined bakery where I make treats for both humans and animals. :-) I think it would be very helpful to own my own business and being able to work on my own terms. I know it would be stressful at time, but it I could come to work everyday to loving little creatures, I can't think of anything better!
Posted 1/15/2009 11:14 PM (GMT 0)

Sounds like you have a good idea, Kerri!!

As my dear old dad said to me, make your hobby your job and you'll never work, you'll always play!!  He was a smart guy.

Posted 1/16/2009 3:46 AM (GMT 0)
I took something I loved and made it my job... and now it is work to me but that may be because sometimes I have to make ugly wedding cakes (LOL!) and it's so hard to make ugly! Having a licensed bakery in my home has allowed me to add to our household income while still being able to control my fatigue levels with frequent naps. I also only see brides by appointment so I can also control how busy I am in that department.

When I wanted some control over when my vacations would happen I started a bridal show so I could find out early which dates would fill and which ones might be open for me to vacation. Sixteen years later my business partner and I have one of the best shows in Mid-Michigan with over 85 area businesses benefiting from our networking. Almost all of the work is done from my office setting up the website, purchasing advertising, designing graphic art for ads, selling booths via email. This is a job I can do long after my hands have become too arthritic for cake decorating... If I can still work with the consarned $%^&* vendors who are dumber than dumb. Seems as I get older I have less patience with people who can't follow directions.

Anyway, the internet has become a great venue for me to sell my cakes and bridal show and it works for me 24/7 even on the days I'm not feeling so great.
Posted 1/16/2009 8:00 AM (GMT 0)
Honey Princess, you have great questions and I'll be happy to talk with you all you like. You have your sights set on a tough area of SW, but again, if its your passion, then you have to follow it if you want any peace of mind. Social Work is a wonderful profession and I am grateful I was able to follow my passion and do the work that I have done. I'll see about us emailing so that we can chat without boring the rest of the fibro funny farm :) I'll check in with you later on today and see if we can share emails.

Posted 1/16/2009 2:15 PM (GMT 0)

Kerri-

I too plan on staying in my current career for as long as I can do it. Mine is not extremely physical and I have tricks and tools I use when the fog sets in to help witht he mental aspect.

My passions are food and sports. I would enjoy owning a small, yet successful  smilewinkgrin   bistro and coach children's sports.

There is a place for everyone is this world and it is really important that we make the most of what we have available to us.

Maybe I will open a bistro and employ as many Fibromites as I can. They can all work part-time shifts........ shocked

Posted 1/16/2009 5:28 PM (GMT 0)
I love this post! I have been working from home for a while. But, I have become so involved with helping other people with Fibromyalgia and chronic pain that I have been thinking of adding something that is not available here. We have water aerobics but not anything that would include hydro-therapy. Where the water is very warm for Fibro folks and anyone with Arthritis, to do some simple strength building moves and to loosen up the muscles.

But mine is a huge undertaking. Another idea is the Yoga. Here, they dont have any classes for people with arthritis or those type conditions. My rhuemy cautioned against Yoga, because some of the moves are too difficult for people with back problems like mine.But I know you can tailor these exercises.

Anyway, I hope some of you discover your passions and turn them into careers.
Kathy
Posted 1/16/2009 5:52 PM (GMT 0)
Wow...and here I was thinking I was the only one that felt like something was missing. I would LOVE to teach the yoga/water arobics or something that would help us Fibromites!! I attempted the personal trainer thing, but the gym wasn't the right fit and I am also working 40-45 hours a week, so it had to take a back seat. however, in 3-4 years I would like to be a Registered Dietitian and have certifications for teaching various classes for people with "restrictions." Somehow, I would be a Consultant of sorts so that I could maintain the personal relationship with people and incorporate nutrition and exercise into a regimind.

Right now, I have a desk job and it is driving me nuts. It isn't worth the stress or the pain that I've been going through. That is what made me decide to go back to school and figure out what it is that I am truly passionate about. I love helping people, especially if it is because of something I have personally learned or experienced. Great post Kerri!

I have really enjoyed what everyone has posted. It looks like we are figuring out what works for us. Here's to careers that work with our fibro! <<cheers>>

Aimee
Posted 1/16/2009 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
I'd love to tutor high-school kids. I've also been looking into coaching soccer - I played for 14 years before I got sick, and it's still a major love of mine.

I've actually been looking in a computer technology course, since computer work doesn't seem to hurt me too bad, plus there isn't anybody where I live who has a good understanding on how to fix a computer - why not me?

I've also looked into starting a buisness growing gormet mushrooms, however that's a very long term goal.
Posted 1/20/2009 2:18 PM (GMT 0)

I have really enjoyed reading everyone's responses! It is wonderful that you all shared what you are passionate about, what your career dreams are. Thank you so much. Sorry it took me so long to respond, have been having a terrible flare.

You sharing what your dreams are help me to look deep within to see what mine are too. I have always wanted to own my own business, but could never decide on what that business would be. And, as for all of us, life gets in the way and months can go by before I think about it again.

I am passionate about yoga, though I am truly a novice. I am very passionate about food and cooking. I love promoting living with less waste and helping less fortunate humans or animals. I have always had a calling to help others.

So, it seems that I have a lot to think about. Studying yoga, I mean really studying yoga, is a life long journey. Though it would take years before I could teach others, it is certainly not out of the question to have a goal to start my own business. There is also a niche in the market in regards to yoga. I believe many people are intimidated by yoga centers, as they feel that they will not 'fit in' with others going there.

I have also strongly considered writing a cookbook. Has anyone here done this, or know anyone who has done this??

Posted 1/20/2009 2:27 PM (GMT 0)

P.S.

I really love some of the ideas on here! The bakery for humans and animals is so original - I can think of several people who would love that. The bridal shows sound like a lot of work, but obviously something Jeannie loves. The hydro therapy sounds very comforting. Jokat, I'm sure many people on here would come & work for you if you opened a bistro. :)

Posted 1/20/2009 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, SeraSmiles! I would love to hear your thoughts on Social Work since you have Fibro too. I get worried that it will impact my ability to help people...
Posted 3/3/2009 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
hi, im new here im a nurse full time and there are days i hurt so bad that its hard to move. hte passion i have for my job makes me get up and do it! I agree if you find your passion you find your carreer.
Posted 3/3/2009 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
I have been going to school part time for what seems like forever...I am going to be a guidance counselor. If i was rich, I would open a new homeless shelter and just volunteer. I have a huge passion for helping people that most of society looks down upon. for the most part, people who are homeless or have drug and alchohol problems do not chose this. no one starts taking drugs with the intention of becoming addicted...and even though they may have gotten into a bad spot and burned every bridge, they still need help and compassion
Posted 3/4/2009 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
I was told by a dear friend to live my passion and it would always fulfill me. Well that is what I did with my bead work. I have two bachelors degree's and well doing nothing with those. I play with beads all day, he he. I now teach on my terms. My students know if I am not well they may be rescheduled. A few were not understanding and well they are no longer my students. I teach independently, not through any stores. I also sell what I make. I keep all craft and art shows to the summer months when I seem to feel better. I have my mother and friends there to help lug around the heavy displays. I do not stand through shows. Some days I can't touch my beads, more often now. But I love what I do and will not give it up no matter what!
Angeline
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply