Getting A Job

KatelynRae

New member
Hey Melissa!
<br />
<br />I am 21 and have CF. I too worked in the food industry as a cashier, however i found I was getting frequent colds as people still need to grocery shop even when they are sick! After 11 months I had to quit.
<br />
<br />I also attended college for 1 year 2 days a week which wasnt hard for me to do. I made sure my classes started closer to noon times, as I cough most in the morning. After that, I decided to do an online course for Special Event Planning. I figured a job in this category could be outside, and you might be more mobile rather than sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day. It took a year, and it was SO EASY. I spent about 10 hours a week doing posts, readings and assignments. Sometimes it was hard to get motivated - do homework or go outside in the sun - but I did it! I finished in January and am just looking for a job now, as I have been taking it easy on PWD. So online schooling is an option if you prefer to avoid people who go to school sick!
<br />
<br />I have done quite a bit of volunteering, and if you are looking to volunteer I would recommend something outdoors! Even if there is alot of people, I like to think the chances of catches colds decrease when you are outside. I have volunteered with the Dragon Boat Festival, Christmas parties, parades, Westside Daze (community event,) but my favorite to volunteer at is triathalons/marathons. I just look at my local website, search all the events happening, and email them!
<br />
<br />I did hot yoga for a while, but I hated having a coughing attack in the middle of a class. Anyways, keep us posted on what you decide to do and where you volunteer if you do!
 

peter

New member
Sorry to come into this conversation so late since your first post but it is a great topic. Good cameras are not that expensive anymore if you can get hold of one. Then just get outside, or get some good props and angles in your apartment and start shooting. If you PM Jeanne she may have some great advice how to turn photography into a hobby (or a job) by knowing what software and hardware you would need to get started. You sound like an energetic thinker so probably "cross-trains" into physical energetic activity. Take pictures locally and perhaps you could make some picture book stories for children about their (your) local environment. Just make them up 3-5 year olds and perhaps get a slot at the library or other place where you could be with some kids (hopefully not get exposed to anything) and teach them how to express their imaginations and imaginary life through pictures.
 

peter

New member
Sorry to come into this conversation so late since your first post but it is a great topic. Good cameras are not that expensive anymore if you can get hold of one. Then just get outside, or get some good props and angles in your apartment and start shooting. If you PM Jeanne she may have some great advice how to turn photography into a hobby (or a job) by knowing what software and hardware you would need to get started. You sound like an energetic thinker so probably "cross-trains" into physical energetic activity. Take pictures locally and perhaps you could make some picture book stories for children about their (your) local environment. Just make them up 3-5 year olds and perhaps get a slot at the library or other place where you could be with some kids (hopefully not get exposed to anything) and teach them how to express their imaginations and imaginary life through pictures.
 

peter

New member
Sorry to come into this conversation so late since your first post but it is a great topic. Good cameras are not that expensive anymore if you can get hold of one. Then just get outside, or get some good props and angles in your apartment and start shooting. If you PM Jeanne she may have some great advice how to turn photography into a hobby (or a job) by knowing what software and hardware you would need to get started. You sound like an energetic thinker so probably "cross-trains" into physical energetic activity. Take pictures locally and perhaps you could make some picture book stories for children about their (your) local environment. Just make them up 3-5 year olds and perhaps get a slot at the library or other place where you could be with some kids (hopefully not get exposed to anything) and teach them how to express their imaginations and imaginary life through pictures.
 

zaj1139

New member
I would give anything for you to live near me and babysit my grandson's. But then again I guess two CF'ers can't be around each other? Is that correct? My grandson is doing great since being diagnosed and I believe this is giving his mother false hopes as it appears she is getting a little relaxed on treatments which scares me dramatically.

Shame on your Dad for his comments but perhaps he is trying in his own way to keep you going????? Maybe using psycho babble? (Its so hard to be on the otherside too.)

My heart goes out to you and yours, I agree with the other bloggers; keep on keeping on! You are beautiful <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">
 

zaj1139

New member
I would give anything for you to live near me and babysit my grandson's. But then again I guess two CF'ers can't be around each other? Is that correct? My grandson is doing great since being diagnosed and I believe this is giving his mother false hopes as it appears she is getting a little relaxed on treatments which scares me dramatically.

Shame on your Dad for his comments but perhaps he is trying in his own way to keep you going????? Maybe using psycho babble? (Its so hard to be on the otherside too.)

My heart goes out to you and yours, I agree with the other bloggers; keep on keeping on! You are beautiful <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">
 

zaj1139

New member
I would give anything for you to live near me and babysit my grandson's. But then again I guess two CF'ers can't be around each other? Is that correct? My grandson is doing great since being diagnosed and I believe this is giving his mother false hopes as it appears she is getting a little relaxed on treatments which scares me dramatically.
<br />
<br />Shame on your Dad for his comments but perhaps he is trying in his own way to keep you going????? Maybe using psycho babble? (Its so hard to be on the otherside too.)
<br />
<br />My heart goes out to you and yours, I agree with the other bloggers; keep on keeping on! You are beautiful <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">
 

rhonda21

New member
i think if you are careful and wash hands alot and arent sick yourself,you can enjoy life and get out there and try all of these jobs and volunteering. As for babysitting, just dont take them when they are sick. No daycare that is smart takes sick kids, and yes you can watch cf kids but you cant if you have MRSA or B. cepacia. otherwise it is fine. (according to my docs)
 

rhonda21

New member
i think if you are careful and wash hands alot and arent sick yourself,you can enjoy life and get out there and try all of these jobs and volunteering. As for babysitting, just dont take them when they are sick. No daycare that is smart takes sick kids, and yes you can watch cf kids but you cant if you have MRSA or B. cepacia. otherwise it is fine. (according to my docs)
 

rhonda21

New member
i think if you are careful and wash hands alot and arent sick yourself,you can enjoy life and get out there and try all of these jobs and volunteering. As for babysitting, just dont take them when they are sick. No daycare that is smart takes sick kids, and yes you can watch cf kids but you cant if you have MRSA or B. cepacia. otherwise it is fine. (according to my docs)
 

icefisherman

New member
As far as what your dad said, i don't work 3 jobs but i work a lot of overtime. 691.5 hours of overtime last year, had a small second job where I set my own hours(not very much just when my other job was slow) and ironically i used to hike a lot in the adirondacks when i lived closer. I did a 14.5 mile hike over three mountains a week before going to the doc with my fev1 @ 37%. Now this sounds all fine and dandy but the other half of the story is i don't take care of myself like i should. i quit taking meds when i was 16 and my first trip back to the doctor was when i was at 37% about 5 years ago. Went in the hospital came out 67%. I felt better didn't go back to a doctor for a few more years. I'm almost 28 now and have had three runs at trying to get back on track. Now my problem is my work. I have always worked hard and put things aside thinking my life would end up short. Then one day i realized i had everything i wanted to get done out of the way and i was stuck in this life that i created out of fear. I have been married for 7 1/2 years we bought a house and have two dogs. I have tried everytime to stick with the meds but my work makes it harder and harder. i get called in early have to stay late schedule changes daily. Now if your still reading your probably thinking this has nothing to do with your post, and if so where am i going with it lol. What it all comes down to is figuring out what you really want. Volunteering would be great for you, because it would be for you. Find something that you love and that you can be comfortable being yourself. don't be afraid to invest time into more schooling or things that will help you down the road.
take care
Ben

By the way tell your dad that a cf'er that works two jobs and climbs mountains said he should be lucky his daughter can take care of her health and deal with all the meds treatments hospital stays ect. Theres not time for both lifestyles I can honestly tell you that much.
 

icefisherman

New member
As far as what your dad said, i don't work 3 jobs but i work a lot of overtime. 691.5 hours of overtime last year, had a small second job where I set my own hours(not very much just when my other job was slow) and ironically i used to hike a lot in the adirondacks when i lived closer. I did a 14.5 mile hike over three mountains a week before going to the doc with my fev1 @ 37%. Now this sounds all fine and dandy but the other half of the story is i don't take care of myself like i should. i quit taking meds when i was 16 and my first trip back to the doctor was when i was at 37% about 5 years ago. Went in the hospital came out 67%. I felt better didn't go back to a doctor for a few more years. I'm almost 28 now and have had three runs at trying to get back on track. Now my problem is my work. I have always worked hard and put things aside thinking my life would end up short. Then one day i realized i had everything i wanted to get done out of the way and i was stuck in this life that i created out of fear. I have been married for 7 1/2 years we bought a house and have two dogs. I have tried everytime to stick with the meds but my work makes it harder and harder. i get called in early have to stay late schedule changes daily. Now if your still reading your probably thinking this has nothing to do with your post, and if so where am i going with it lol. What it all comes down to is figuring out what you really want. Volunteering would be great for you, because it would be for you. Find something that you love and that you can be comfortable being yourself. don't be afraid to invest time into more schooling or things that will help you down the road.
take care
Ben

By the way tell your dad that a cf'er that works two jobs and climbs mountains said he should be lucky his daughter can take care of her health and deal with all the meds treatments hospital stays ect. Theres not time for both lifestyles I can honestly tell you that much.
 

icefisherman

New member
As far as what your dad said, i don't work 3 jobs but i work a lot of overtime. 691.5 hours of overtime last year, had a small second job where I set my own hours(not very much just when my other job was slow) and ironically i used to hike a lot in the adirondacks when i lived closer. I did a 14.5 mile hike over three mountains a week before going to the doc with my fev1 @ 37%. Now this sounds all fine and dandy but the other half of the story is i don't take care of myself like i should. i quit taking meds when i was 16 and my first trip back to the doctor was when i was at 37% about 5 years ago. Went in the hospital came out 67%. I felt better didn't go back to a doctor for a few more years. I'm almost 28 now and have had three runs at trying to get back on track. Now my problem is my work. I have always worked hard and put things aside thinking my life would end up short. Then one day i realized i had everything i wanted to get done out of the way and i was stuck in this life that i created out of fear. I have been married for 7 1/2 years we bought a house and have two dogs. I have tried everytime to stick with the meds but my work makes it harder and harder. i get called in early have to stay late schedule changes daily. Now if your still reading your probably thinking this has nothing to do with your post, and if so where am i going with it lol. What it all comes down to is figuring out what you really want. Volunteering would be great for you, because it would be for you. Find something that you love and that you can be comfortable being yourself. don't be afraid to invest time into more schooling or things that will help you down the road.
<br />take care
<br />Ben
<br />
<br />By the way tell your dad that a cf'er that works two jobs and climbs mountains said he should be lucky his daughter can take care of her health and deal with all the meds treatments hospital stays ect. Theres not time for both lifestyles I can honestly tell you that much.
 

Proxy

New member
I cant express how much all your posts have meant to me <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> thankyou so much.
Ive been out of hospital for about a week now and im not getting better, ive decreased another 4% so im at 36 now >.< so I have put the volunteer thing on hold until I can at least get to my baseline.
I have been doing Yoga for a few days now and I gotta say the people on the videos make it look way easier then it is, I wobble around like a newborn baby giraffe and I fell a few times but im sure after a few weeks I will get better <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
On Tuesday I am going for another doc appointment to see how my pft's are.
I talked to my dad about how I felt but he just said he understands but to keep me motivated he has challenged me to get to 60%, I havent been that high in over 10 years, I just said "yeah ok dad"
Thankyou All for making me feel welcome here <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I will keep you posted on my Tuesday appointment, I got my fingers and toes crossed.

Much love to All
 

Proxy

New member
I cant express how much all your posts have meant to me <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> thankyou so much.
Ive been out of hospital for about a week now and im not getting better, ive decreased another 4% so im at 36 now >.< so I have put the volunteer thing on hold until I can at least get to my baseline.
I have been doing Yoga for a few days now and I gotta say the people on the videos make it look way easier then it is, I wobble around like a newborn baby giraffe and I fell a few times but im sure after a few weeks I will get better <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
On Tuesday I am going for another doc appointment to see how my pft's are.
I talked to my dad about how I felt but he just said he understands but to keep me motivated he has challenged me to get to 60%, I havent been that high in over 10 years, I just said "yeah ok dad"
Thankyou All for making me feel welcome here <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I will keep you posted on my Tuesday appointment, I got my fingers and toes crossed.

Much love to All
 

Proxy

New member
I cant express how much all your posts have meant to me <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> thankyou so much.
<br />Ive been out of hospital for about a week now and im not getting better, ive decreased another 4% so im at 36 now >.< so I have put the volunteer thing on hold until I can at least get to my baseline.
<br />I have been doing Yoga for a few days now and I gotta say the people on the videos make it look way easier then it is, I wobble around like a newborn baby giraffe and I fell a few times but im sure after a few weeks I will get better <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<br />On Tuesday I am going for another doc appointment to see how my pft's are.
<br />I talked to my dad about how I felt but he just said he understands but to keep me motivated he has challenged me to get to 60%, I havent been that high in over 10 years, I just said "yeah ok dad"
<br />Thankyou All for making me feel welcome here <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I will keep you posted on my Tuesday appointment, I got my fingers and toes crossed.
<br />
<br />Much love to All
 

megan420

New member
Melissa! My situation is almost exact to yours! I am 21 and have CF, my CF has gotten quite bad. For the last 3 years I have been in the hospital at least every 2 months. I struggle with this problem. mentally. I had to drop out of school and get my GED, that wasnt completely due to my illness. And about 2 months ago my heart stopped, they stabalized me in my home town, and then flew me to a bigger hospital. This has taken a huge toll on my sanity! They want me to take it even more easy than b4, bc my PTFs arent the greatest either. I love school and would love to work full time but thats not an option rit now. I am looking at taking some online classes, even if it means I cant use the degree I recieve. You must stay active in something. I haven't and have paid for it mentally! I too do nothing all day, and unlike some of you guys; I dont have internet or cable in my apartment. I do have a roommate and many friends I keep in touch with; they have been a huge support system for me. I too would like to volunteer. I want to say thanks to every1, your posts have been helpfull to me even and I hope, melissa, you found answers too. It really helped to know I was not alone in all my issues with this subject, and there are others going thru the same. I also recomend seeing some1, a counselor of some sort, to let all your issues out on and they can help you through some of it. Thanks again for posting this <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">
 
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