Career Choices??

[gihelp]

My job made me feel like crap after 10 months. I was starting to dislike it and I was gaining some weight because of it. Now I'm on my savings, but I've been stressed because I'm trying to figure out a way to create my own business that wouldn't be affected even if i had a flare up ever again (it's been about 2 years and I haven't been on any drugs, diets, or regimens). Hence the fear of getting a flare up because it's been a while and the feeling of being doomed all over again.

I was thinking some sort of online business that I could work from home. Or maybe something where I'm the boss and it's just me, no one else. I guess I fear that if I went and pursued what I wanted to do, I'm afraid my proctitis might flare up one day and stop me from being able to go out into the public, thus killing whatever job I had working for someone or career I wished to follow that involves me being out and about in the world.

Ever felt this way? Your thoughts?

Thanks,
http://www.gihelp.com

 

[njprrogers]

Hi there,

I used to work as an IT consultant - I would head off at the drop of a hat for jobs - I worked in Dublin, London, Amsterdam, Sydney, Seoul etc.

And then I got laid seriously low by Crohn's - I ended up in bed for the best part of a year unable to work. I had no income and didn't know what to do. But most of all, I didn't want to go back to the job that triggered the Crohn's flare in the first place.

So, now I have a converted attic in my house where I have a little home office. I do web design and development working for myself as a freelancer. It took a while to build up a reputation and contacts - probably 2 years really but just the last year and a half I have been getting a decent living wage from my work.

It is about 25% of what I used to earn but I have never been happier with my working life. I would say that you should invest some time in something either through study or just working hard to develop a skill and then go for it.

I wish you all the best!

Nick

 

[MINI Cooper]

Hi there.

I am also a freelance designer now. I used to work for some top notch
design firms, but the Crohn's hit and after my last job laid me off because
I had to have surgery, I got fed up with the cut throat people in the work
force that don't understand people with diseases and decided it was best for
my physical and mental health to work from home. I was doing brilliantly
until the economy crashed and now it is slow. It will pick up again, but I feel
better being close to my own toilet

 

[Kev]

Hi gihelp

I lost a 20+ year career in IT due to Crohns, along with my savings and a huge chunk of my retirement fund (what Crohns didn't take the recession took)..

I thought of working out of my home, being my own boss, and for many its the right choice. But, if you are your own boss and sole employee, who do you turn to when you are sick. I choose a different route.. I work for a large company driving a garbage truck... none of my co-workers complain too much of my occasional flatulence (OK, my common, everyday flatulence).. I've earned the nickname Stinky Old B.... errr, basket. I don't mind, and even if I did what could I do about it. I earn about 1/3 - 1/4 of what I once did (that took some getting used to) BUT.. I am covered by a full health care plan at no cost to me, and if my health fails again I'm covered by both short term and long term disability benefits AND un-employment benefits... things that can be very handy to have ... and hard/expensive to get (if possible) if one is their own boss.

 

[kristyn]

I am in a difficult spot right now. I have taught elementary school for the past 10 years (at one school the whole time) and this year I was taken out of the classroom and put on the subbing list. I was just informed that my job as a sub will be cut next year because of my inconsistent attendance. So much for job loyalty. I am applying for longterm disability and hoping to get some part time work when I can. I can understand the difficulty an employer must have dealing with people who are out sick a lot, but as the employee there's not a lot I can do about it.

 

[Ashley]

I hear you.
Right now I work in finance at a small Investment bank. I have been here just about 2 years and worry all the time about my absences and about what would happen if my disease got worse and I had to miss a long period of work. So far they have been pretty understanding but as they say, it's not show friends, it's show business.
Losing this job would be aweful not only because of the $$ but because their health benefits are amazing and cover 100% of my Remicade.

Fingers crossed everything stays ok.

 

[fromthegut]

I've been at an employment agaency to get help with finding a job. I have been on disability for 5 years. What I am grateful for is that I have vision, dental and drug coverage. I live in geared to income housing so i am safe that way.
What I have a hard tiem accepting is not havign a socail life and I constantly fear what I ahev will break down. ( car, tv, computer , etc.) I am trying to save enough money to get a used computer for $60. I ahve no saving and no retirement. I am goign to see about gettign funding to go to school. I can take onlien courses. Soemthign taht I can work towards an have a goal.
The employment counsellor suggested soemthign where I am more physical and I don't emotionally support people. I lvoed that idea. I was use to working in customer service and I got burnt out. I thought about takign soemthign very different like Business Adminstartion with an accent on accounting.
I am grateful my Crohns is in remission. I am scared to ahev a job where it flares again. i am also fearful about my future finances.
Prayers out to all those who have changed jobs and are finding less incoem but better health. I woudln't midn doign a bit of driving. I still do volunteer work but I need soemthing where I get to be around people more. ( and not seniors