Advice on Jobs and Careers | Arthritis Information

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Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum and I have JRA/RA was diagnosed at 14 but showed signs since I was very young. I'm 19 now and having such difficulty finding a job/starting a career because of my RA. I missed a lot of school and my RA is still not under control and has caused me to leave jobs before. I don't know anyone else in my small town that has RA and I'm just looking for some advice. Hah, I'm itching to move out and live on my own before the whole "in a wheelchair and dependent on people" thing sets in, but I need a job! Thank you all for just reading this, I appreciate the ability to vent.Hi a_artist, welcome to AI!  This is a great place to vent and ask questions, so vent away. There are other JRAers on the site who can likely relate to what you have been going through. 
- Joy
What kind of artist?

 
Hugs,
 
Pip
I don't have much, but maybe this is a start for you?

http://www.opm.gov/disability/mngr_4-09.asp
This is a good question.
 
I didn't know i had Jr. RA cuz they didn't test for it when i was a kid.  But it caused horrible problems.
 
I worked at restaurants, movie theaters, video stores etc. and my legs couldn't take the pain.
 
Can you go to college?  Or a technical college?
 
I would suggest a form of data entry or sit down job training.  This way it will make sure that when you get a position, that you will be able to sit.
 
Some temp services will help you get some on the job experience to help you get into a steady job.
 
That's what i ended up doing.
 
I tried doing nails and hair in college, but couldn't stand that long without bad pain.  I understand what you are going through.  I didn't play hide and seek cuz i couldn't run, no swinging on the jungle gym bars, even in 1st grade cuz of pain.
 
so i fully understand your questions and would suggest training in a sit down job like computer programming, information processing etc.
 
God bless and i wish you a life of wellness.
I don't have any advice, but I wanted to say hello and welcome :)I agree with Bubbagump but it all depends on your interests.  Since you already know that you have jra/ra, go for a job that is not physical.  I knew I had JRA when I was young.  I went to college and became an environmental engineer.  I have been able to work for over 15 years full time.  I am now part time because the RA became so bad and uncontrolable.  One suggestion is to find a job that you can telecommute to.  That way if you have bad days, you can work from home which would allow you to rest when needed.  That is the only career change I would have made (although I love my job and had a really hard time going part time).Hi a_artist.  Welcome to the forum.  Hi and welcome!
 
What about an internet based business of some kind?
thank you all for being so supportive! in response to pip's question I work mainly with paint-oil, acrylic, watercolors. I am also creative, in a craft way i create scarves and handbags. And as for a data job i have arthritis in my hands and sometimes i can't even brush my teeth for the pain. haha it just seems everywhere i turn i just hit a wall! i'm sure i'm not the only one who's felt that way. But maybe i'll look into that more, thank you for the ideas!Hi arthritic artist. I'm currently doing a government sponsored program for vocational rehab which so far is one on one counseling from a vocational counsellor. First they help you identify the fields of interest you have, then they locate career options suited to your abilities and limitations. After I figure out what area to go into they also help find suitable programs and supportive funding options. Could you ask your doctor if there are any programs like that available for you? I live in Canada so I'm not sure what the deal is where you live.

Also on my own I'm doing this Career Development Manual from the University of Waterloo which is really good. You don't have to be a student there to use it. It's kind of like "What Colour is Your Parachute" but more focussed. It's been really helpful but also quite a lot of work. In issues like career path choices I think it's wise to do a lot of work upfront, rather than spend years to retrain for something not suitable.

Hope this helps and good luck with whatever you decide to do.
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