Today I can work in my office, and plod along for hours without much concern for my body. I could probably even hold down a job again, but I won’t give up the freedom of being able to work in a comfortable environment.
Being self-employed made it easier for me to work when in the throws of a flare up. I can set my own schedule, pay attention to my needs more easily, and take my phone, laptop and books right to bed if I need to. Right now I don’t need to, but I could.
One of the chapters in our book, “Fired - by Your Body or Your Boss” is all about self-employment as an option, an adaptive strategy if you will. In this chapter I laid out the factors that most people who start their own business evaluate, with some additional guidance about the other factors to consider when you to add fluctuating, unpredictable health to the mix. Included are stories of women who were “accidental entrepreneurs,” and some who deliberately set out on their own.
My body did fire me a few times. It’s more commonly known as disability leave. Like some who commented in reply to Monday’s post, it also helped me make necessary changes in my life, most definitely in my career. I went through 5 jobs in 8 years after I became ill. I was demoted, let go, and some times just moved on.
Today we have even more options when we need to find new ways to work. Technology has made it possible. Some employers have come up with more flexible work policies. On the other side, I know that people are working harder and more hours than ever. I watch my colleagues who have gone back to a job and I don’t envy their schedules at all. I might like their steady paychecks, but it’s not a trade off I’d make.
I’m interested to learn how you have adapted in your working life since the flare up of your symptoms. What have you let go of, what have you insisted on and what have you been able to negotiate?
Joan
I’ve created my own freelance business (wordimpact.net) and am building that, including hiring other writers, assisting boomers or chronically ill who find themselves downsized or underemployed.
I sought and for the time being am keeping a part time position with a nonprofit Buddhist graduate institute. The Buddhist ministers take their time for lunch and meditation. The pace can be brisk but is not insane, though even this tends to tire me out significantly from time to time.
Finally, I’ve done research on systems that can produce passive and residual income. I’m learning about online business and marketing, and believe it is the wave of the future for those of us with chronic illness. This requires an investment of time and money, so goes more slowly due to the need to bring in cash to take care of myself now.
Freedom and letting up on myself have resulted overall in health improvements. I wouldn’t go back to the old way of working.
Batia - I, like you and Joan, started my own (home based) business, coaching people with chronic illness to be successful in their careers. I, like Joan and you, really love what I do and that helps you keep going. You’ve obviously been strategic in your moves - taking a part time job and watching how your body responds. Researching and hiring others — these are all smart moves. But it does take time — and money. It also takes self discipline. It’s not for everyone but it is a great fit for some of us. Good luck!
Rosalind
I have worked for the govt for 22 yrs, my behcets and arthritis is becoming an issue, I have used up all my sick leave for dr. appts. I like the income, but the workplace is stressful. I feel shortness of breath and anxiety in trying to keep up the pace. The govt is not very flexible, so I feel I need to stop working. I may come back to a not so stressed job in the future. I am torn between my earning power and my health. I don’t want to give up either one. The boss said they will work it out, but the stress is still there. I with I could be moved to a quite place, or it could be how I manage the stress too. I am just beginning the negotiating, the US govt jobs are not so flexible. You can’t take your work home with all the ssns. I need some guidance thru this.
Laurie in WA
I’m sorry it took me a few days to read and respond to your comments, Laurie and Batia. I was in Nashville for a few days last week, participating in the annual conference of one of my clients. (I remember, still, the days when I couldn’t have possibly agreed to this, and am grateful.)
You both describe 2 sides of the same coin. Laurie, who wants to continue to work and take care of her health, and feels the stress of the need to choose. Batia, who has moved away from traditional employment to seek a solution that more easily includes health and work by leveraging her talents and technology. Neither is right or wrong for women with chronic illnesses; neither is necessarily easy.
Rosalind and I went through many phases of readjustment and fits and starts as we figured out how to work and take care of our health. There is no such thing as “the answer.”
As I read your words, Laurie, “I [wish] I could be moved to a [quiet] place,” it spoke volumes to me. Rosalind coaches people with chronic illnesses to figure out what’s required to have a successful career when you live with a chronic illness. She’d be an excellent guide. Have you looked at her website, http://www.cicoach.com?
Joan