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Posted 10/23/2019 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
I deleted this post because of harassment. this place sucks!

Post Edited (orbitingaround) : 10/22/2020 11:56:12 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/23/2019 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
The answer's really vary depending on what kind of job your shooting for.

It might (might not?) be easier to hit the re-start by a temp entry level job, in which you will then look for something better for you. They like to hire currently employed people, and you will be employed already then.

The higher the pay/higher level job might make it more difficult to be honest about your health. Per the "bean counters": Sick people cost them money.

Remember - a working relationship is different than a personal relationship. Not telling them about lyme is not lying, its just not telling your life story. Talking to much (in life's details) at an interview is sometimes seen as a negative in some HR's eyes (per an HR person I know).

I have witnessed employees get discriminated/canned from longtime illness in corporate America. Happened to several people I know personally too. It happens and bean counters dont care, their job is maintaining profitability.

Corporate vs small company can have differing outcomes too of course.

Post Edited (astroman) : 10/23/2019 12:49:53 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/23/2019 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
I've been unemployed for a year and half due to Lyme. My plan is to be honest with the potential employer. I don't believe a relationship should start based on a lie. Yes, talking about my health issues might scare a potential employer off, but at least I'll be able to live with myself. Additionally, I've always found employers are most impressed when you are your true self in an interview.

I'm thinking my best bet is to use my GI bill to go back to school. The bachelor's degree I have was based off me planning for a career in the military/gov't contracting. I'm thinking going back to school might be the best way to get back into the workforce if I'm looking for a good job/career. Of course this is all based off my health stabilizing.

What is your certificate in? Any potential for stay at home work?

I'd say your best bet is to just start applying to places and going for interviews.
Posted 10/23/2019 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
Don't say you were sick, that didn't work for me ( I tried)
Don't act like a victim, look at everything as a challenge or frame it that way anyway.
Stay at home mom is great cover story.
Don't know what your career sector is, but build a portfolio. Get into a work routine. Take some initiative.
Send out 40 resumes a week.
Maybe actually do freelancing in between? to get your skills up to date
Set high goals
Expect setbacks, its how you deal with setbacks that separates you from the rest! (remember: everything is a challenge)
Utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy(+++++ revolutionary to me). Become highly positive and spirited.
Reinvent yourself everyday!
Don't work for ******s, life is to short.
Don't worry about age discrimination. Don't make assumptions. Go to interviews you don't want to practice.
Keep a journal. Mine had the same goal for 2 years until I reached it, still don't actually believe I did -- its weird, but oh well.
Think back to everything you've done or things you "think" were mistakes and reframe them as not -- and realize you were a wonderful and positive person, did the best you could. Focus on that.
Tell the story of your life.
Posted 10/23/2019 4:28 PM (GMT 0)
I’m thinking about re-entry to the work place too.

I’ve been off for 6 years now.

Dr J said I shouldn’t go back to my original job - after I described it - too stressful.

I’m thinking of doing something very part time at first - maybe applying for school lunch time playground monitor.
Only one hour a day

Won’t bring in much $$ - but I figure even in bad days - I can push through for one hour.

Plus my herxes are usually Friday evening - usually functional now by the following Monday.

Will only add $400 a month but it’s better than 0
Posted 10/23/2019 6:41 PM (GMT 0)

JovaLyme said...

Girlie said...
I’m thinking about re-entry to the work place too.

I’ve been off for 6 years now.

Dr J said I shouldn’t go back to my original job - after I described it - too stressful.

I’m thinking of doing something very part time at first - maybe applying for school lunch time playground monitor.
Only one hour a day

Won’t bring in much $$ - but I figure even in bad days - I can push through for one hour.

Plus my herxes are usually Friday evening - usually functional now by the following Monday.

Will only add $400 a month but it’s better than 0

Have you considered trying to make money online Girlie?

It's something I am considering. I quite like the idea of being my own boss, plus I can take a day off whenever I like if I end up feeling unwell again.


=============================================================

Oh I'd love to make money online - from home......sign me up.....where do I go for this? lol.
Posted 10/23/2019 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
orbitingaround
40 isn't old....holy moly.

i was early 40's when I got my last job pre-lyme....never even thought I was old...lol.


Now I'm old.
Posted 10/23/2019 6:51 PM (GMT 0)

oregonhay said...
Don't say you were sick, that didn't work for me ( I tried).

Agree!
Posted 10/23/2019 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
Jova: "I definitely get the ageism thing.

I'm 46 and until a few months ago I was still trying to find jobs. I have no idea why because I can barely walk or stand up half the time!

I've had more and more trouble finding work the older I've got. It seems everyone wants fresh-faced young and "dynamic" kids. I think it's partly due to the image companies like to have, but also because they can get away with paying younger people less money. Not only that, but half the managers at most companies now look about 12-years-old! I just think sometimes they feel threatened by someone with experience.

I have completely given up on working for a company again and am looking at ways to make money myself. Easier said than done, but more and more people I know are doing their own thing and making money online."


My former boss is older than me....but I doubt I'm going back to my previous job.....
I don't need a lot of $$...just something to supplement my husband's income...although once he retires....the $$ will be a lot less....
maybe we'll end up joining the homeless on the street...and eat at the soup kitchen every day....lol.
Posted 10/23/2019 7:46 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I don't know how to build websites....my smarty-pants son doesn't live with us anymore...so he can't teach me.

Maybe I'll deliver newspapers...and make $20 a month.... smile
Posted 10/23/2019 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
Orbitingaround, I'm sorry to hear of your troubles. I got into a counseling internship (post Lyme the first time) at age 41 and experienced what I felt were some ageism politics during the time.

I since moved and started back to school last spring thinking I'd opt for a healthcare degree. Did fine in my first course and got a recurrence of Lyme preventing me to continue.

Also depends on the field. I've found business admin to be more discriminatory than other fields. What is your field?
Posted 10/23/2019 9:25 PM (GMT 0)

Girlie said...
Well, I don't know how to build websites....my smarty-pants son doesn't live with us anymore...so he can't teach me.

Maybe I'll deliver newspapers...and make $20 a month.... smile

If making money online were so easy, everyone would be doing it. It's more myth than fact and there are many programs being sold that dupe people into thinking that all they have to do is sit around and watch the incoming tidal wave of cash. It's mostly baloney.

Do people make money online? Yes, of course. But, how many people are able to replace their income of a "traditional" job (you know, one where work is actually done)? The answer is: Very few. Millionaire YouTubers and Instagrammers are very real, but, like in real occupations, it's a pyramid -- with the masses at the bottom making little and the few at the top making the most.

I'm not trying to discourage anyone from attempting to make money online. I'm simply suggesting people keep some realistic expectations. And, of course, the term "online" could mean a number of different things.
Posted 10/23/2019 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
"Millionaire YouTubers and Instagrammers are very real, but, like in real occupations, it's a pyramid -- with the masses at the bottom making little and the few at the top making the most."


I'm trying to get my hubby to get a youtube channel (not sure if that's what its' called) - he builds gas-powered bikes out of old bike frames....and there's quite a few sites - with a ton of ads. ( Apparently that's how the money is made - via the ads) - I would video him (his idea is to film me on the bikes)


Might make another $20 a month....too add to my paper route.
Posted 10/23/2019 11:45 PM (GMT 0)
“Your husband makes gas-powered bikes out of old bike frames? Where did he get the idea for that?

That sounds pretty cool... and slightly nuts! smile

He definitely sounds like the kind of guy who should have a Youtube channel!”

I’m not sure where he got the idea - prob on utube.
He’s very mechanically minded.
He gets the bike frames for $20 or less and cuts it to fit the gas mower. I think he added a clutch to one as well.
He’s got several now - I’m waiting for him to sell a few .

Where we live they’re not allowed on the roads - only electric bikes are.
So they’re just for logging roads... etc. for now anyway.
Posted 10/23/2019 11:47 PM (GMT 0)

orbitingaround said...
Yeah, a part-time job would be great, that would be ideal for me right now. I think I'm going to apply for some temp jobs at a nearby university (I have worked at universities before). I was in a dead industry: book and magazine publishing. There are absolutely no jobs there, and the salaries are garbage. I am done with that. I have also tried freelancing, and I found it wasn't worth the effort to try to get clients.

My boyfriend is in sales and has a ton of contacts, and he has sent my resume to so many people -- with zero results. I have worked at some really well-known companies so I don't know what the problem is.

There is *definitely* ageism -- at my last interview the hiring manager was only a couple years younger than me and she was blatantly trying to figure out my age with her questions.

What do people who have survived cancer do? Do they just never go back to work? Do they turn it into a heartwarming story? Meanwhile, I just read about JP Morgan hiring a bunch of people with criminal records. Criminals are getting hired, but I can't.

Well when you survive cancer - they welcome you back with open arms.
We just don’t get that support.
Posted 10/24/2019 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
As for the original question, have you considered working with a temp agency?
Posted 10/24/2019 7:51 PM (GMT 0)

Girlie said...

maybe we'll end up joining the homeless on the street...and eat at the soup kitchen every day....lol.

With all due respect, this isn't funny. This is a harsh reality for some people, even a few I've seen on this board.

I hope this seriously doesn't happen to anybody.
Posted 10/24/2019 8:19 PM (GMT 0)

1000Daisies said...

Girlie said...

maybe we'll end up joining the homeless on the street...and eat at the soup kitchen every day....lol.

With all due respect, this isn't funny. This is a harsh reality for some people, even a few I've seen on this board.

I hope this seriously doesn't happen to anybody.


Yes, you're right Daisies....poor taste. I apologize.
Posted 10/24/2019 11:58 PM (GMT 0)

orbitingaround said...
So, unfortunately I've been unemployed for over 2 years, almost 3. I didn't quit my job because of Lyme, (I didn't know I had it the time), but I was making very little money, with a 1.5 hour commute each way, had been turned down for a promotion, was totally burnt out, miserable and depressed -- and I never would have been able to continue working anyway once I got sick.

I have several more years of savings... which could probably last another 4 years. But that includes my retirement savings and I don't want to burn through all of it. My boyfriend makes great money and is fine with me not working, but I don't want to rely on him. (He already pays for all of our food)

Before I got really sick this year I was getting interviews, but I was basically lying on my resume saying I have been freelancing. I am 40 and was also experiencing age discrimination.

How am I going to get a new job? I don't even know where to start. Should I be honest and say "I got sick"? Should I continue to lie and say I was freelancing or was a stay at home mom? I feel like that would work best, because let's face it NO ONE wants to hear about or hire a sick employee... but it's perfectly acceptable to stay at home and raise a kid or two.

How have people managed to get jobs after being sick and unemployed for so long? Do you lie on your resume? Are you honest about your illness? Where are you getting hired? I have zero desire to go back to my old employer, and the commute would kill me anyway. Are there employers who are sympathetic to this crap?

Please don't suggest going back to school... last year I wasted 4K on a certificate program from a very well-known school, which did not help at all.

Just need advice. Thanks

Hey Daisy!

This is going to depend on your field and how many years you worked prior to taking off etc. I worked in finance...burnt myself out and got sick as at the same time...then lost my job/got fired for being sick. I don't plan on ever working in finance again and doubt I can get a job after being out of the field for 4 years. So I plan to go back to school for medicine if I ever get freaking better.

If you are well enough to work...I'd say do it...but maybe go in slow to see how it is. Working takes a lot out of you physically. I personally would say I was freelancing vs raising kids if you have the ability to do so. I would NOT mention being sick until AFTER you are hired and just tell HR you have a chronic illness and if working full time is too much I would try and get a doctor's note saying you need to work from home a couple days a week.

On another note, are you able to freelance? If so, I think working from home would be ideal with an illness like this.

Post Edited (Lvg123) : 10/24/2019 6:01:37 PM (GMT-6)

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