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new job...very nervous

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Posted 1/11/2008 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
ok so here is my problem, i havent worked since january '06 a few months before my transplant.  and now i my be getting a new job, i already went on the first interview and now they want me to come in on Monday to fill out paperwork for a background check.  the position is for an administrative assistant, and now i am worried because with the last flare and all the additional medical problems that they have found i am afraid that i wont be able to give it my all, and i am absolutely afraid of any type of stress or even leaving the house but i know that i have to get a job because i think my SSI is gonna run out in June, i'm not sure how it works i got the SSI and Medicare after the transplant and i am not sure how long i have it for and i dont wanna rely on the government to give me money.  for those of you who work ( you dont even have to work), how do you deal with stress?  are there ways to keep from overworking and overstressing yourself to keep the lupus at bay?  and advise would be absolutely welcomed and appreciated! :-)
Posted 1/11/2008 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi (((((((((Suzanne)))))), Oh dear . . . I may be heading back to the work force myself. There IS a lot of stress out there. But I think the worst stress of all is trying to anticipate what you'll be dealing with. "I have nothing to fear but fear itself!" So make sure you stop playing those "fear" tapes in your head . . . they drain us WAY fast. You need a little mantra to play over and over instead. Like a script ure or a good quote. If you can't shake the bad tapes, do some gentle exercise like walking or go up and down the steps a time or two (depending on your ability) . . . it uses up the adrenalin from the "fight or flight" syndrome going on in your body. When we get anxious, our bodies flood with adrenalin so we can either fight or flee . . . so, if you don't use that extra energy you just feel very anxious. Great time to sweep or wash the floor too!! Do you have your first week of work clothes lined up in the closet?? You could de-stress by getting some things ready ahead of time. Also . . . don't put too high expectations on yourself. Your new job will likely unfold in a manageable way. As you complete each task, your confidence will build and you'll shake off this fear. I sure feel for you as I hesitate to put myself out there because my brain just doesn't work like it used to. Then again, it may never work well unless I am forced to do that type of work again. I was administrative assistant in a law office and then for a judge. . . . I worry about going back to work too I hope some of the working members will give us some tips too. I used to nap at lunch time, thats for sure. And I'd stop somewhere on the way home and take a 5-10 nap in the car because my eyes would be so tired, I was afraid to drive home like that. I hope you'll keep us all posted how things go . . . I'll live vicariously through you for a bit!! Blessings!
Posted 1/12/2008 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Suzanne,

 

I can relate.... Even though I'm self employed, and work from home, the stress can build up pretty quick and make me a very loose cannon!

 

Gosh, I'm dealing with work stress too.  I've decided that this year, I'm "working less, and playing more".  That includes my pilates class that I just started!  Also, giving myelf permission to absolutely veggitate if I need to some days.  I did that yesterday and it was sure great.  The work can wait.

 

I know it's different when you are in an office environment.  you can't just "let the work wait"!  Make sure you take your coffee breaks and use your lunch to really relax and recharge.  Leave the office if you have to, to get away for an hour and look after YOU! 

 

I like what Rosie said about planting the fear monger in our heads prematurely.  Go into this new job with "I'm gonna do this and it's going to be great" attitude.  That kind of thinking can sure work!  I think you'll do terrific!

 

(((hgus)))

Ginny

Posted 1/12/2008 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
Apple, I really pray you can be successful. It is a courageous move and probably pretty scarey. I'm looking forward to the day that I go back to work. Have you heard of the ticket to work program through SSDI? You may want to check into it. You will be in my prayers. Please keep us posted. Judy

P.S. Are you a nurse?
Posted 1/12/2008 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
 

Hey Apple!

I am currently working and going to school, so the stress level I have sometimes can be heavy. I have found that music helps me. Whenever I get too stressed I come home put Josh Groban in the CD player, put my headphones on, get on the computer and play solitare and just veg out. The music relaxes me, the headphones help shut out the rest of the world and the solitare makes it so I don't have to think about the day. I am very fortunate to have a family who understands that when I do this that I need to be left alone for just a bit.

Good Luck with the new job.

Blubry

Posted 1/13/2008 12:58 AM (GMT 0)
Suzanne, I don't have much to add to the great advice everyone else has given you. I don't blame you for being nervous about everything, but just try to take one thing at a time. I did work for a while after I got sick, but found that I just didn't have any energy for my family or myself. I am fortunate that my hubby makes a decent enough salary so I could stay home. On a side note, I bet there's a number you could call about your disability and you could ask them how long you will be receiving benefits. Take care and keep us updated whenever you are feeling up to it.
Posted 1/13/2008 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Suzanne.  I've worked for a hospital for over 10 years and 1 1/2 years ago was allowed to come home to work doing medical transcription.  I found out last week they are eliminating transcription and I am now going back outside my home (my comfort zone) to work. I have the same fears as you as to can I make it in a new job and will they understand the diseases and symptoms and give me the time I need to take care of myself.  My present bosses have been very supportive and understanding if I needed to clock out for a while to take a nap midday or such.  I have been seeing a therapist for a couple months and what AlwaysRosie said about the adrenaline thing is absolutely true. We have to find a balance between our disease process (whatever it may be for us) and working.  I know my limits and I know just how much I can take before I am in total flare again.  Being well prepared will help you.  I do exactly what AlwaysRosie said, I have all my clothes on separate hangers for each day of the week.  I find being well-organized and having everything ready the night before helps me a lot.  Lunch packed, purse and keys and glasses ready by the front door and clothes hanging and ready for the morning.  As you do each task at work, tell yourself how well you did and be proud of your accomplishments and move on to the next and you will soon find you can handle more than you thought you ever would.

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