Work

I worked my first 40 hour week since I qualified for ss disability 5 years ago.  I still can only work 2 days in a row.  I crash if I don't have a day off after 2 days working.  So I worked 4 10-hour days.  It feels REALLY GOOD and builds my hope for the future.  I am very proud.

Way to go having a sense of accomplishment is a great feeling...you deserve to feel good. Whatever your doing keep it going

Ugg, maybe I spoke too soon, seeing that I've been in tears at work since. I really can't cope with stress. So frustrating!

Chloe,
I am very proud of you! I know all too well how hard it is to work with this type of illness. I know I need to find a way to get away from my very stressful job. I know it is making me sicker/ preventing me from achieving my healthiest self. When did you know it was time to get SS? I have a very hard time at work. Where do I start? I want to work in an more emotionally safe environment. Is there a way to do that without financial ruin. I sat and cried for an hour tonight over this. Your success give me hope that I can find some peace and work too. Any advice is appreciated!

Post Edited (Morningperson) : 5/22/2013 7:50:06 PM (GMT-6)

Morning - my TP told me to apply. I guess I was in denial about how bad I was. I was approved in 4 months, no hearing, no psych exam. That's unheard of!

Things started looking up when I became eligible for Medicare. I was then able to get ALL the treatment I needed. With treatment, I have become stable and much more able to work.

My work environment is very important. I can't work just anywhere! I work for my bf. I don't have any stress about an employer discriminating against me due to disability/mental illness. My service dog comes to work with me. My schedule is completely flexible - I work by appointment and set my own schedule. I'm paid commission. I prefer this. Because I'm paid commission I can have my phone and computer (Facebook) with me. I can get support throughout the day. I've been known to take naps on a bad day. Or to leave the building. This allowances help me to calm down on a bad day.

Having the good work environment has allowed my work to shine! I'm starting to get recognition in my field and requests to travel to teach seminars. I'm very proud of this recognition, since I don't have nearly the experience and resume of the others in my field that teach seminars. My goal is to get more income from intermittent work to take away some of the everyday grind. Looking forward to an event helps keep me motivated and well, so I'm happy to find a way to incorporate that into my work.

I worked another 40 hr week. I scheduled myself a little lighter and it was emotionally easier. However, light scheduling only reduces my pay - doesn't help me be financially independent.