I'm supposed to be working from home and staying away from the computer. But it is so hard because my boss is pressuring me in a nice way. If she was being nasty about it, it would be easier because then I would just get mad and do what the doctor says.
But here's what I cannot decide. I am supposed to find a different career that doesn't require constant computer work. But everything I love, I do on the computer. When I'm home, I writing here or on one of my books.
I don't have the energy for a lot of jobs and I've considered teaching but don't seem to be really drawn to that.
The pain tells me that the doctors are right. I mentioned this before and I know a lot of you have the same concerns.
Any ideas? I cannot stand for very long, I cannot walk very far, I can't work more than 30-35 hours a week. But I don't really want to go on disability. I would love to write books from home and just vary my tasks with tape recorders, by hand, research, etc. But I really need a way to make a living while I do that. I cannot seem to find enough energy to work my current job and build this on the side.
Hi Deanna: I have a friend who writes and illustrates text books for the lower grades. She works for the publishing company and works from home with a few yearly trips to the publishing company. As far as I can tell she does very well and has done this for the last 10 years. PM me if you have any questions. I may be able to get more details for you.
There are computer programs where you speak into a microphone and it type what you say...the one we use at work is called Dragon.
That would minimize the use of your hands and I think you could probably sit in a more comfortable position.
Patti,
I have Dragon Speech but it takes so long to train. I couldn't keep my present job and use it. It would help minimize efforts is I work from home. I even have the tape recorder that works with it. But I talk with an accent and it gets confused.
Roxy,
Editing is a good idea because lots of people do need that. You also are usually away from the computer. I'll add that to my list, thanks.
Jeanne, good advice but I do know that I want to write (and illustrate). I am afraid I equate career counsellors with Vocational Rehab. I'm sure that's not fair, but it left a really nasty taste in my mouth.
My doctor suggested going into management, but I dont' have the energy for the number of hours needed and the stress that comes with it.
I'll keep it in the back of my mind, but I'm not even sure where to start with that one.
I agree with seeing a career counselor. You are already limiting yourself, and you may find something else that you could really love. Okay, how do I locate one? I'm not interested in Vocational Rehab. They were nuts and rude.I'm not talking about Voc Rehab. You could start by asking the Human Resources Dept at your workplace. They can probably put you on the right track. Or look them up in the phone book (or the internet). Most areas have individuals or businesses that work with people who are laid off, etc. I saw a private counselor and she was terrific. Just go with an open mind. You never know what might tickle your fancy. Things you have never even considered. That's what happened with me. And the side benefit was I learned a lot about myself and other people and why we work the way we do and why there are some we like to work with and some we don't, etc. It was an interesting journey.jeanne,
I don't have access to Human Resources because I'm a contractor. I would have to find a private source. I will consider it because I certainly need to do something that is wage earning. If I could find something that would pay the expenses on a part-time basis, then I could still write and create the rest of the time.
I know that I would really like a job where I helped other people. The one thing I absolutely cannot stand about my job is that I don't get to interface with other people much and I don't get to problem solve.
I also love history and politics.
I'll have to look into it. I just can't keep doing things like I am. The message is written on the wall. I have to make a change.
And, Roxy, I am writing those books. But if I burn myself out all day in immense pain, I can't write anything when I get home. I've found variety of activities works best with my RA. My boss will not even consider this. She thinks all that I can do is graphics and writing. I'm really good at them, but it isn't all I am.
Thanks for the advice.
You can look at the community college. They have inventories you can take that give you information about your skills and preferences. I did one years ago and it was free and took about an hour or two. You can also use an agency to get temp work that might work for awhile.arizonara,
That's a great suggestion. But I already have a Bachelor's degree with lots of experience. Community colleges just don't have much to offer me. I would have to get a master's degree at this point.
Temp agencies are usually looking for phone, computer, or assembly type work. All of these are unsuitable for what I have wrong with me. Plus, they don't pay well. I do use a job shop right now. But I would have to go into Project Management or back to coding (very computer intensive). The Project Management is very stressful. I've also done marketing, but also too stressful and deadline driven.
I can certainly check out the tests they have at our Community College, but I'm thinking that is more tailored for people who don't already have a degree. I will consider it. It was a really good thought and I might be surprised at what they have.