Comments on: No one ever said that working with chronic illness is easy

By: Rosalind Joffe aka cicoach.com

Rosalind Joffe aka cicoach.com — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:50:06 +0000

Not sure that’s a book I want to write. But you might try The Right Job Right Now Susan Strayer.

By: Sandra

Sandra — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:06:35 +0000

” I am convinced that those jobs exist it just takes strategic thinking and energy to look for them, especially in this economy.”

I think your next book should be completely dedicated to this topic Rosalind ; ) I’ve been looking for a decade!

By: Rosalind Joffe aka cicoach.com

Rosalind Joffe aka cicoach.com — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:49:08 +0000

I was a teacher in the mid 1970’s in MA and I lost my first job after 1 year due to what was called RIF (reduction in force). That taught me that no job is secure. It’s an illusion of the 1950’s AMerica that no longer exists. But with CI, we do long for a job that we CAN DO. That doesn’t seem like a lot to ask but unfortunately it is. I am convinced that those jobs exist it just takes strategic thinking and energy to look for them, especially in this economy.

By: Sandra

Sandra — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 06:16:10 +0000

Coming from a teacher, Rosalind is absolutely right in saying that fulltime jobs aren’t what they used to be. I was encouraged by my family to get into teaching because the pay is ok, the benefits are great, and it’s secure right? Tell that to my shining pink slip warning I got last month.

The worst part is that even though teaching may be secure compared to other industries, the amount of energy one needs is tremendous! Now couple that with CI and it’s a VERY tall mountain to climb on most days. I almost think that any job that is less demanding physically and emotionally would be better for me,

By: Rosalind

Rosalind — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:14:34 +0000

Maria – It’s easy to think that whatever you’re not doing would be better than this. Remember what your mother used to say (my mom didn’t but someone’s must have). “The grass is always greener”. F-T jobs aren’t what they used to be -Higher expectations than ever and NO guarantees you’ll have employment tomorrow. And often the insurance benefit isn’t what you need. That said — I completely understand what you’re saying and have been there often myself! Thanks. I’m glad to be feeling better, at least today, too!

By: Rosalind

Rosalind — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:54:16 +0000

Anne
It’s so hard to put on that”happy face”. And to wonder, why can’t I do it? It is lonely — some understand. We do.

By: maria

maria — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 23:59:20 +0000

I get caught up in a panic mode between wanting to remain self-employed doing what I can and thinking that getting a full-time job like everone else would make things ‘better’. Unfortunately (and fortunately), chronic illness isn’t as black and white as we (and those around us) might want it to be. That constant state of flux is draining in terms of both the physical and emotional challenges, yet the days when illness rears its head forces me stop and review what’s REALLY important. The pressure to climb mountains because they are there is simply too much sometimes for me to take on.

Like you both point out, knowing that there’s a place to connect without having to explain takes some of the weight off when trying to find the answers we’re looking for…or at least help us in keeping those mole hills just mole hills.

Thanks for the post~ glad you’re doing better

By: Anne

Anne — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 23:30:39 +0000

I have been experiencing the same. I put on a “happy face” to others yet my insides cry out that enough is enough. The hard thing is that the times call for pushing and being stoic. Hey, others can do it why can’t I?
I have yet to get used to the wild fluctuations in energy that go with managing multiple chronic issues. As Pam pointed out, no one understands.

By: Rosalind

Rosalind — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:49:15 +0000

Hi Pam — SO glad this is helpful. The thing I always tell myself is that CI is just like – but even more so. If you didn’t work and were healthy, you’d have time for other things. So too, others don’t get it. Most people are capable of really understanding anything they haven’t experienced themselves. And even then, they only see how they did it. We are alone — but talking to people who do get it really does help !

By: Pam Fitzgibbon

Pam Fitzgibbon — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:32:26 +0000

I agree completely! I could focus on getting well and enjoying my life and family if I didn’t have to work. Or work so much. My biggest complaint is that others don’t understand. They just think you look ok so you should feel ok. Or how come you aren’t getting any better? They don’t understand the word “chronic” means everyday. These blogs are a first for me and so they have really helped me to vent and learn. Thanks.