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Replies to 'Living with Chronic Pain'
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September 6, 2005, 9:22 pm PDT
 Quote From: profderien the question of whether to work or not to work seems to be a pretty common concern. i bounced around from part-time volunteer work to a fulltime [+++ volunteer position, and then [having a teaching background worked as a substitute teacher. my pain management doctor gave me enough medication that i was able to teach full time for a couple of years -- until my body just collapsed for good.
what i wanted to share is the substitute teaching opportunity. many school districts don't require a teaching certificate -- some don't require more than a high school education. it varies but it's worth checking out, eh? the classroom teacher leaves instructions that normally don't require active teaching so don't worry if the subject isn't your major or interest. i teach foreign languages so i tended to luck out and get classes in my field -- but i also did english, math, history... and still got the same pay!
it was perfect for me because i could take jobs when feeling well and could also pick or choose what schools in which to work. the money wasn't great but it certainly was better than nothing -- and i felt like a useful citizen. at the time, i was receiving SSI and social security worked with me as i tried to get well enough to teach fulltime.
the suggestion made about using volunteer work as a stepping stone to "real" [grrr! work is great! watch out that you don't overdo -- in an effort to be SuperWoman, i wrecked my immune system. still, it felt great to help someone else.
i'm kind of spacey... i hope this makes some sort of sense. ciao...
unfortunately where i live the district does require a teaching certificate to be a substitute. its a great idea though. i tried to go back to an old job in retail that i had, they knew my limitations, part time and had to quit after 2 days. talk about an esteem killer. i just couldnt do it, and i was only on 4 hour days. i hurt so bad after the second day that i was just laying on the floor crying. i cant do that, not with an 8 year old to take care of. that's when i decided to try ssi. talked with my doc, and he is supportive of that.....sometimes i wonder if i will be a case study for him, he writes alot of articles. just cause its so trial and error and a little strange sometimes. then again, my best (and practically only) friend works for him, so he treats me a bit different anyway. right now hes trying to dissect my mental health, and i feel like im having a nervous breakdown. just put me in the padded room with good meds and get it over with! lol trying to keep the humor, having a REALLY bad night. I will look into other options, thought about trying Goodwill's employment service as i am able to get out more, they are used to dealing with disabilities. thanks again-u did make sense, hope i did, fighting a migraine....gentle hugs...mel |
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