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Parkinson's Disease
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Posted 6/15/2007 4:13 PM (GMT 0)

Have been approached by my employer to resign on illl health grounds as I've been off work for just over a year. Feeling unsettled by this as, although I feel unable to work, it seems such a big decision to make. Have spoken to various agencies about my rights etc. 

Disregarding rights, does anyone have any experience of making this sort of decision?

I feel there's a lot about pride and usefulness/uselessness involved here.

I'd appreciate any insights.

Thanks,

Skatergirl

Posted 6/16/2007 10:43 AM (GMT 0)

Re: "If you quit your job, for me that will be the end. No more challenges no more advancement, all you have to do is to wait for PD to it's end stage and you're done."

That's a tad pessimistic for those of us not working! As for me, my diagnosis came shortly after being made redundant from a long term job and I've not worked since. Holding on to an existing job is one thing, but embarking on a new career is another thing altogether. I would suggest that there is more to life than working, and it's unhealthy for you to invest ALL of your identity in your career which could literally end tomorrow for any number of reasons. And, no, PD is not merely a physical illness, as a cursory read through the threads on this forum will reveal.

Posted 6/16/2007 11:26 AM (GMT 0)
Skatergirl,I retired a year ago .Best thing I everdid.It was off to a new adventure.More time for fishing,and projects I've put off for years..It is all how you look at life,retirement,Illness and the whole package.What is that old saying ?The cup can be viewed as either half empty or half full.I am not making light of retirement it is a hard change to go thru ,as many here can attest, to but it can bring a new set of rewards with new independence.Best to you.Ed
Posted 6/17/2007 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
Skategirl,

Ijust started long term disability with no hope of returning to work.  It is a scary time, I was in the same field for 40 years (started when I was 10 wink wink). Now I will be able to move back to where my kids and grandkids live.  A real joy.

I remember one time my daughter was concerned about changing jobs and starting on a new path.  She loved what she was doing, but, thought she neede a change.  I told her that she enjoyed the job because of what she brought to it as much as what it brought to her.  I told her she would enjoy any change the same way if she brought her usual enthusiasm to the new position.

Do not let your employer run roughshod over you, you have rights.  But, sometimes change is what you make it, and giving it your best can make even unwanted changes rewarding to your spirit.

Good Luck

Jerry

 

Posted 6/21/2007 10:13 AM (GMT 0)
Dear Skategirl, Finishing work work is not the be all and end all it's what you make of the time after it. The style of your ending sadly is not in your hands it would seem but sek out representation either through a lawyer or your union f you are in one. It is clearly dfferent in the USA but an employer simply cannot dismiss you here in the UK over issues of ill health - it is illegal. There is a negotiated path. I hope that this can be done in your case. I am going early retirement hopefully in December 08 and I have plans now outlined in my mind what I would like to do with my time. Travel to the US and New Zealand is high. Maybe like Ed says, if you start to think cup half full it will make the finality of work more approachable. I am one of the half empty brigade generally speaking but I am thinking positively about retirement/unemployment whatever you wish to call it. You don't say how old you are but age isn't really the issue. The seniors programme I work on has volunteers doing everything imaginable that they possibly thought were unmaginable when they were working. Life's experiences fon't end merely because we have pd or have no job. Surely we don't define ourselves as such.
Take advice and stay ppositive as much as possible.
Good luck Skategirl.
The Bear
Posted 6/22/2007 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
Skategirl
Legally you can't be asked to resign because of an illness. Look into the disability act. about 2 years ago I couldn't walk to my classrooms to teach my title students. My principal made it easier for my by having the kids come to me. In another school I know the principal would have tried to get me to quit. You have to decide whats best for you. Right now retiring would be devistating for me but when it's time I will know it and retire with grace and dignity and go on to a new adventure in my life. I always tell my students when it's time to go on to the next school "you are starting a new adventure." Not to go and try something new would be boring. Just pick the time when you want to start an adventure. Don't let others decide for you.
Keep moving and good luck
fiestytex
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