I work in a school as an assistant and make about $300 a week. It sucks! But I get full insurance.
Im affraid to try and get another job because my brain doesnt work right and I cant stand for long.
Some days its tough for me to get around (today).
I mope around very slowly and just look sick.
There is mold in the school and it bother me but doesnt bother the students or staff. It makes my eyes red and makes me so so tired.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Retired teacher here. I work several businesses from home.
Posted by lymednva (Member # 9098) on :
ditto to what tutu said! had to retire early due to lyme, but at least i have my health insurance.
Posted by lymeHerx001 (Member # 6215) on :
darn.
I must say this is my first post in General?
Maybee this is a good sign, maybee not...
I wish I could retire, was sick way before then. In fact I was sick when I started going to high school, got out, got better for a little and started drinking then WHAM!!!!!
Now I cant even put vinegar or olive oil on my salad. Its gotten that bad.
What type of work can one do from home? Ive sold a couple things on eBay but dont really know how to take it to the next level.
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
.. i was a former secretary, state employee for 30 yrs., 7 months, and left work WITHOUT ANY BENEFITS at age 49 due to my severe health problems NOT knowing it was chronic lyme disease!!
38 yrs; 34 years misdiagnosed by 40-50 mds!
took 5 yrs. of hell to get SSDI, disability insurance benefits....
at home fulltime; on here helping others especially those going thru SSDI with my prior experience and others....
this is my way of giving back and my support group!
thank God, my hubby "retired" with full benefits at age 60, 1 yr. before me so i was INCLUDED as spouse on his health benefits or i would be S.O.L !! Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
Does being a full time mother count?
Definitely more work here than outside of the home.
I am unable to go back to work yet as a Speech Pathologist.
Still have too many "bad" speaking days.
Not sure I could make a full day much less part time work yet.
Have you thought about unemployment?
Any disability insurance?
I've thought about both, but I was self-employed prior to Katrina and Lyme
So my benefits are very limited.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by JoRaeMi (Member # 15234) on :
Well - I've been a SAHM for 13 years, before that I worked as a RN in Neonatal ICU. I also did cross stitch design for a few years.
I'm glad to hear (not really, but you know what I mean) that even the Speech Pathologist has "bad speech days". Some days the stammering/word reversal drives me nuts.
Today I am teaching a finishing class at my local cross stitch shop - I've really been looking forward to it and actually have 2 people driving in from another state to take the class (it isn't really *that* exciting - I'm assuming they have nothing better to do! LOL).
Hope everyone is doing well today.... Jo
Posted by disturbedme (Member # 12346) on :
I'm only 24 and was just getting started with more of a career than any other job I have ever had when I fell sick. I had only been working for a few months (as a proofreader/editor of court cases for the Department of Justice) when I got really ill and had no idea what was wrong with me.
It got to the point where I eventually got brave enough to ask my boss if I could proof/edit from home. He allowed it and I was BEYOND thankful and happy about the arrangement.
After about a year and a half, a new guy came in as boss and within one day called me and my at-home job was pulled away from me and I was told that if I still wanted to work for them I had to come into the office on site and not at home. That threw me for a loop. It was very hard. I had to go on unpaid leave for a while because going into work was just too much.
We're still working together to find a happy medium before my unpaid leave runs out. So far I still can't work from home, but I may be able to get a part time position so at least I'll have a couple of days at home to rest and a few working. It'll be better for my husband and I financially. This has been really hard on us since we are newly weds as well - this disease itself as well as the job problem.
Posted by tdtid (Member # 10276) on :
I was mostly a full time mom with four children but as they got older, I did accounting and the moved to the stock market, but perhaps with the way the market went, it was a blessing when I couldn't even keep numbers straight on a balance sheet.
I would read a prospectus and be in total fog and started making stupid mistakes, but didn't know what was going wrong in my brain.
Then more physical symptoms started and now I don't think anyone would hire me since I fear I'd miss work more than I'd be there with this up and down roller coaster.
But would love to get my feet wet again when I can finally start driving again, so this is an intersting topic.
Is there something lymies can do that can use a half brain without it being boring since it takes no brain skills? Does that makes sense?
Cathy
Posted by proudtoserve (Member # 14811) on :
I am a mother of 2. and work full time Navy Law Enforcement. So does my Fiance' of 6 yrs.
I am an Instructor for everything law enforcement. Mainly I teach Un-Armed Self Defense, Non-Lethal Weapons and Firearms.
This has proven to be nearly impossible to do since I barely have the energy to get out of bed in the morning.
I am due to be discharged in June and still dont know what I will do after I get out.
Awsome to see what everyone does and/or has done, kinda allows everyone to get to know each other beyond the disease, symptoms and treatment.
But it is terrible to see just how many careers were lost to Lyme and co. Posted by feelfit (Member # 12770) on :
I was a Govt. Employee and a Fitness Trainer. Had to go on Disability in 1996. I didn't even know that I had Lyme then. Diagnosed in Sept. 2007 w/ Lyme.
there is absolutely no way that I could do m yformer work at this time....hope to get there soon!
Feelfit
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Lymeherx.... I retired on disability. I was 43 at the time.
You'll have to contact me if you want to know what I do from home.
One of the three businesses is a jewelry making business I started when I retired.
Geneal.... Yes, being a stay-at-home Mom counts!!!!
Posted by laura miller (Member # 12703) on :
Wow there are lots of teachers here. I am a retired art teacher from Missouri.
I left it to stay home with my kids, not because I was sick with Lyme..(yet!)
Now my kids are 9 and 7 and it's time for me to go back to work..BUT...
I feel so darn bad everyday that there's no way I can do that yet!
I am hoping to try to substitute teach maybe next Fall, if I have this all back under control by then, but we'll see?!
Good to hear what others are doing I always wonder if I am the only one home here.
and yes yes yes, being a full time Mom counts. I feel sooooooooo busy just trying to keep my head above water, managing everyon'e schedule's, laundry, and playdates, it's all I can handle right now while feeling so sick everyday.
Hoping good health for each of You! Laura
Posted by AZURE WISH (Member # 804) on :
Well, I was going to be an art teacher. All I had to do was finish my student teaching and finish taking the praxis tests.
But i got too sick (i was sick 13 years before i was disabled at age 23). Posted by Larkspur (Member # 5131) on :
I have a MA in Speech Pathology but haven't worked in 4 1/2 years
About a year ago I started making mixed media collages and have done ok - I have been in some stores/craft galleries, an art show, and have a little web store on Etsy to sell my work.
So, Lyme turned me into an artist:)
Etsy is a good way to make extra money if you are an artist, crafter, sell supplies etc.
www.etsy.com - very easy to set up your own store
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Thanks for the website link, Larkspur!! What does it cost to display items there??
I'm looking for a place to sell beaded items as a fundraiser for our new church sanctuary.
Posted by Larkspur (Member # 5131) on :
To open a store itself is free and it costs .20 to list an item (for 4 months)then it expires. I know Etsy takes a small percentage of your sale, but it's a much smaller percentage than eBay
Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :
If you have good health insurance, then think very carefully before giving it up. Unless your state requires insurance companies give insurance to everybody, then you will not be able to get insurance on the private market once your COBRA period runs out.
We have such a stupid health care system in this country. We shouldn't have to make employment decisions based on health insurance. But that's where we are.
Posted by nclymelife (Member # 15276) on :
It is amaxing to see what everybody does all very important wonderful missed jobs.
I have been a teacher for 11 years and had to give it up Oct 07 due to this illness.
I am only on short term disability ( perk for working for the state) and plan to return in August no later than december
Can you tell i am very optimistic.
Right now i am just concentrating on taking care of my 2 beautiful young boys.
It is everything i can do just to keep the clothes washed and dishes clean during the day and then play and help them.
Someone asked me this week why i kept my youngest in daycare since i wasn't doing anything but "sitting" at home.
It took everything i had not to scream a few choice words but luckely God helped me hold my Words.
I looked at her and said i really hope you never have to find out how i feel "sitting" at home all the time.
I miss working as i know all of you must. I don't think i will ever say again i wish i could just go home when i go back to work.
Just remember someway somehow you always make it through the bad times and there are good times ahead.
That day will be when i can go out in the yard and run around with my boys again.
Posted by lymie_in_md (Member # 14197) on :
I'm an Oracle principle database administrator and senior technical consultant for a large software company. This past year I've been able to struggle through despite half a brain. Fortunately, I've been able to graze on past laurels.
There are some not so amusing (but amusing) close calls I've had this past year given my responsibilities.
I've done enough over the past 4 months where my capacity to perform has increased significantly. Such as no more brain fog.
Posted by cantgiveupyet (Member # 8165) on :
lyme_in_md- i give you credit! Thats a very complex job! I worked for oracles competitior, in finace though, i miss it.
I was able to work from home for a week then they took it away from me. worked there for six years.
Posted by IMHisda (Member # 6998) on :
I was a vocational rehabilitation counselor so you'd think of something I could go back to work doing but the fatigue in AM is something I'd have to adjust my hours for. The other symptoms affect so many areas, still trying to figure it out. Voc. rehab. is way too stressful for this condition, especially if the supervisor doesn't wan to accommodate.
Posted by jagb09 (Member # 14713) on :
veterinary technician and certified canine rehabilitation practitioner.
still working, only part-time though 20-25 hours per week.
Posted by lymeladyinNY (Member # 10235) on :
It's so interesting to read about everyone's work life.
I have a degree to teach Social Studies but I decided teaching wasn't for me. I then got a degree in medical records.
But what I actually ended up DOING was working as an editor/proofreader and then as an advertising compositor at three different newspapers.
Now I'm on SS disability and I don't foresee myself being able to work again. I wish I could because the cost of living is insane.
Plus, it gets boring here at home! My children are in school or at the babysitter's all day.
My husband is an electrical engineer with nothing to do at work! He's being driven insane because no work is coming in!
He is also a landlord and enjoys taking care of his rental property far more than engineering.
- Lymelady
Posted by lymeHerx001 (Member # 6215) on :
This is all very interesting.
I usually get very upset that I still work a job I hate. And then around noon I get very tired and give in.
I have lots of energy for about 2-3 hours at most and then its all downhill.
I actually have more energy at the school even though they do have some mold in some rooms.
I cant see getting a job at home (parents house), theres more of a musty smell in here that makes me so tired and foggy!!!!!!!!
Its the same thing with the mall, walking around there for an hour made me so foggy and dizzy.
I wish I was healthy enought to handle chemicals. Its preventing me from doing some good paying work.
But somehow I think its everything, the pain, the energy, the foggy thinking, the vertigo, the muscle weakness.
The people on this board are really the only ones that understand.
Maybee my purpose in this life is to accept suffering? For me there is always something spiritual going on.
Posted by lifeline (Member # 3445) on :
Medical transcription for ophthalmology for many years. Now, working at same, but only at home for approximately the last ten years.
Posted by dmbfan (Member # 11948) on :
I am a mom to two and I supervise an ABA program for students with autism. I officially work for Rutgers Univ.
Fortunately, my job has been very flexible and understanding. Its great having state health benefits!
Posted by steelbone (Member # 14014) on :
Work for siemens medical. 17 years. Large company really support me. Haven't missed much work.
Wife is a Partner at the largest audit firm in the world. So i'm pretty lucky finacially. Still money doesn't = a cure or i would be cured.
This disease sucks.............
Posted by wiserforit (Member # 9732) on :
Wow! Such interesting and competent folks out there!
I am a full-time mom of two. I was a Social Worker/Special Education teacher turned Learning Specialist. Had a full tutoring practice in NYC working with learning disabled students.
Stopped working when my children were born. Tutored a little on the side until my memory and speech got bitten by Lyme. Can't help little ones with memory disorders when you can't remember stuff yourself!
Now I spend three mornings a week caring for a friend's elderly father who has dimentia. Also care for my boys and do meals, laundry, shopping and chaffeuring.
Alot of times it feels like too much, but at least I can zone out in my own home when needed. I wish I could go out to work and get benefits. Just not there yet.
Best to you all,
wiserforit
Posted by laurie sm (Member # 14584) on :
I am (was) a preschool teacher for adorable 4 year olds for 12 years.
I miss it! It has been a year of not working
Now i stay at home trying to get better everyday.
Thankfully my 2 daughters are 17 and 20 and very self sufficient.
They miss all the cute stories I used to come home with daily about my students.
I hope and pray that everyone here can get better or improve and do whatever they wish...
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