Comments on: Chronic illness can make unemployment look appetizing http://workingwithchronicillness.com/2008/01/31/chronic-illness-can-make-unemployment-look-appetizing/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:54:08 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 By: Rosalind http://workingwithchronicillness.com/2008/01/31/chronic-illness-can-make-unemployment-look-appetizing/#comment-1588 Rosalind Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:51:40 +0000 http://workingwithchronicillness.com/2008/01/31/chronic-illness-can-make-unemployment-look-appetizing/#comment-1588 Shauna- I have neuropathy so most shoes hurt and I've always loved great looking shoes. I wear pants so my shoes aren't as obvious - and find that Merrill shoes are pretty comfortable and wide. Don't try to fit into something that hurts - you won't be your "best" when you interview and that's more important than you r feet looking good. Yeah for sun in CA! It's dark and bleak weather in MA! Rosalind Shauna- I have neuropathy so most shoes hurt and I’ve always loved great looking shoes. I wear pants so my shoes aren’t as obvious - and find that Merrill shoes are pretty comfortable and wide. Don’t try to fit into something that hurts - you won’t be your “best” when you interview and that’s more important than you r feet looking good. Yeah for sun in CA! It’s dark and bleak weather in MA! Rosalind

]]> By: Shauna http://workingwithchronicillness.com/2008/01/31/chronic-illness-can-make-unemployment-look-appetizing/#comment-1587 Shauna Wed, 13 Feb 2008 04:00:34 +0000 http://workingwithchronicillness.com/2008/01/31/chronic-illness-can-make-unemployment-look-appetizing/#comment-1587 Hi gals! I am finally going to take THE step of finding a full-time job, and finally getting benefits, medical insurace which I haven't had since I lost my COBRA. About 2 years now. Some of the meds I take are not covered by the Patient Assistance Programs, presently I like my Anti-D and Neuropathology med are. To go and interview for jobs makes me feel terrified, anxious, nervous, self-esteem (up and down), have edematous feet and lower extremities all full of fluid, it is 4 pitting. More like pitting 20 ! It's gone down since starting Lasix 40 BID x 4 days, then to 40 mgs q am. Even with all that. and seriously changing my fluid intake, my feet are still fat, oh so sore, to the touch, or if something brushes against them, it's agony. I know what outfits I want to wear for interviews, but fluffy blue slippers don't look the best. My shoes will not FIT on my feet. Do I go and get some just for now even though I know it is not my regular size? (Hey! Payless!) Have an amazing day! It is gorgeous here in CA!!! ;-) Hi gals!

I am finally going to take THE step of finding a full-time job, and finally getting benefits, medical insurace which I haven’t had since I lost my COBRA. About 2 years now. Some of the meds I take are not covered by the Patient Assistance Programs, presently I like my Anti-D and Neuropathology med are.

To go and interview for jobs makes me feel terrified, anxious, nervous, self-esteem (up and down), have edematous feet and lower extremities all full of fluid, it is 4 pitting. More like pitting 20 ! It’s gone down since starting Lasix 40 BID x 4 days, then to 40 mgs q am. Even with all that. and seriously changing my fluid intake, my feet are still fat, oh so sore, to the touch, or if something brushes against them, it’s agony. I know what outfits I want to wear for interviews, but fluffy blue slippers don’t look the best. My shoes will not FIT on my feet. Do I go and get some just for now even though I know it is not my regular size? (Hey! Payless!)

Have an amazing day! It is gorgeous here in CA!!! ;-)

]]> By: Sherry http://workingwithchronicillness.com/2008/01/31/chronic-illness-can-make-unemployment-look-appetizing/#comment-1575 Sherry Sat, 02 Feb 2008 15:47:35 +0000 http://workingwithchronicillness.com/2008/01/31/chronic-illness-can-make-unemployment-look-appetizing/#comment-1575 The biggest complaint is will you be-able to perform your work, get the job done. As a person is adjusting to their illness often the answer is 'I don't know or no'. When the reality is often, 'yes and here is how I'll get the job done'. I find that before the question is answered thought and exploring possibilities is needed. Once you begin the path of possibilities the dialogue becomes a solution instead of a problem. Shifting the focus to new ways of accomplishing what needs to happen and setting attainable goals is the idea I work to share. How to reaching people before they say no is the question. And also how do we reach and help employers understand the question can be how can we work together to keep your valuable service to our company. The biggest complaint is will you be-able to perform your work, get the job done. As a person is adjusting to their illness often the answer is ‘I don’t know or no’. When the reality is often, ‘yes and here is how I’ll get the job done’. I find that before the question is answered thought and exploring possibilities is needed. Once you begin the path of possibilities the dialogue becomes a solution instead of a problem. Shifting the focus to new ways of accomplishing what needs to happen and setting attainable goals is the idea I work to share. How to reaching people before they say no is the question. And also how do we reach and help employers understand the question can be how can we work together to keep your valuable service to our company.

]]> By: Rosalind http://workingwithchronicillness.com/2008/01/31/chronic-illness-can-make-unemployment-look-appetizing/#comment-1572 Rosalind Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:29:12 +0000 http://workingwithchronicillness.com/2008/01/31/chronic-illness-can-make-unemployment-look-appetizing/#comment-1572 Hi Sherry - You said it so well. In the end, it's going to be up to us, with chronic illness, to make the case. Have you tried anything that you can share here? Rosalind Hi Sherry - You said it so well. In the end, it’s going to be up to us, with chronic illness, to make the case. Have you tried anything that you can share here? Rosalind

]]> By: Sherry http://workingwithchronicillness.com/2008/01/31/chronic-illness-can-make-unemployment-look-appetizing/#comment-1571 Sherry Fri, 01 Feb 2008 21:41:28 +0000 http://workingwithchronicillness.com/2008/01/31/chronic-illness-can-make-unemployment-look-appetizing/#comment-1571 Hi Rosalind, I agree with your thought 'Career Coaching for people living with chronic illness should be considered an employee wellness benefit. I also believe we, our country, focus on unrealistic expectations of ourselves and others in the work force. The stress to perform at these unrealistic levels is part of the reason people believe if you have an illness you are not going to get the work done, after all it is hard enough when you are well. I don't believe illness, like any difference makes a persons contribution less. The difference can bring an insight that will improve how and what is being done. Working smarter becomes a way of thinking and doing. This can benefit an employer, they just have to give the employee the opportunity to make the adjustments and your idea of coaching as a wellness benefit is a good idea. Hi Rosalind,

I agree with your thought ‘Career Coaching for people living with chronic illness should be considered an employee wellness benefit. I also believe we, our country, focus on unrealistic expectations of ourselves and others in the work force. The stress to perform at these unrealistic levels is part of the reason people believe if you have an illness you are not going to get the work done, after all it is hard enough when you are well. I don’t believe illness, like any difference makes a persons contribution less. The difference can bring an insight that will improve how and what is being done. Working smarter becomes a way of thinking and doing. This can benefit an employer, they just have to give the employee the opportunity to make the adjustments and your idea of coaching as a wellness benefit is a good idea.

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