Not working, what to do?

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imported_Momto2

New member
Sue, you're not alone here. I was in a similar place 2 years ago. It really sucks. I felt so cut off from people too and so depressed about my future. I am so sorry. Some days it just seems like everything comes crashing down. Let us know how we can help you.

*big hug*

-sara
 
I

imported_Momto2

New member
Sue, you're not alone here. I was in a similar place 2 years ago. It really sucks. I felt so cut off from people too and so depressed about my future. I am so sorry. Some days it just seems like everything comes crashing down. Let us know how we can help you.

*big hug*

-sara
 
J

jessykt

Guest
I volunteer A LOT. It makes me feel better, even, physically and mentally. There may be time commitments, but they should be more than understanding if you are sick and cannot make it to a function. I've worked with pregnant teens, at a women's shelter, Habitat for Humanity, the senior center, and so many other places, and I go to certain ones depending on how I feel (like Habitat was when I could physically handle it).

I wish you the very best. Remember you have lots of talent to give and it'll make you feel better when you are helping others!
 
J

jessykt

Guest
I volunteer A LOT. It makes me feel better, even, physically and mentally. There may be time commitments, but they should be more than understanding if you are sick and cannot make it to a function. I've worked with pregnant teens, at a women's shelter, Habitat for Humanity, the senior center, and so many other places, and I go to certain ones depending on how I feel (like Habitat was when I could physically handle it).

I wish you the very best. Remember you have lots of talent to give and it'll make you feel better when you are helping others!
 
A

angiejones

New member
I know how you feel. My lung function has creeped down to the high 30's and it's not only the feelings of failure healthwise but also that you no longer have the ability to help support your family. For me, deciding to quit work also put a financial strain on my husband and I (he is in construction so is on unemployment for a few months every year). I actually got into doing surveys online at home which helps make the time go by more quickly and also as a way of earning extra money. An excellent website to check out is www.surveypolice.com where you can view which survey sites are the best. I've also recently gotten into another website called SuperPoints. You need a referral to join which I will post below in case anyone is interested. It's not much but it does past the time and it's nice to earn a few bucks!

Another big thing for me was reaching out to my family and friends to help deal with the lonliness. I find living with CF is isolating. Even when people are around I find it's hard for them to totally relate to what I'm feeling. Having a network of people to spend time with and talk to is very important to me. And also helps me get out of the house!! I've done a little bit of volunteering which is ok. It's hard because I live in a very rural area so I often have to travel quite a distance to the events which can be tiring for me. I do try to keep busy with the community though. I take alot of classes so I'm constantly meeting people and learning from others.

I hope everything works out for you. It's hard at first but if you take it one day at a time, you will get into the swing of things!

SuperPoints referral if you're interested: http://superpoints.com/refer/missangie

Take care,
Ang
 
A

angiejones

New member
I know how you feel. My lung function has creeped down to the high 30's and it's not only the feelings of failure healthwise but also that you no longer have the ability to help support your family. For me, deciding to quit work also put a financial strain on my husband and I (he is in construction so is on unemployment for a few months every year). I actually got into doing surveys online at home which helps make the time go by more quickly and also as a way of earning extra money. An excellent website to check out is www.surveypolice.com where you can view which survey sites are the best. I've also recently gotten into another website called SuperPoints. You need a referral to join which I will post below in case anyone is interested. It's not much but it does past the time and it's nice to earn a few bucks!

Another big thing for me was reaching out to my family and friends to help deal with the lonliness. I find living with CF is isolating. Even when people are around I find it's hard for them to totally relate to what I'm feeling. Having a network of people to spend time with and talk to is very important to me. And also helps me get out of the house!! I've done a little bit of volunteering which is ok. It's hard because I live in a very rural area so I often have to travel quite a distance to the events which can be tiring for me. I do try to keep busy with the community though. I take alot of classes so I'm constantly meeting people and learning from others.

I hope everything works out for you. It's hard at first but if you take it one day at a time, you will get into the swing of things!

SuperPoints referral if you're interested: http://superpoints.com/refer/missangie

Take care,
Ang
 
M

mamerth

New member
I think it is neat all the suggestions everyone gave. Here is my two cents.....

I don't drive and I like stay at home most of the time. I have a homeschool kid so he keeps me busy most of the day. As he is getting older and more independent I have more time on my hands. I do my treatments... they are my priority. Lately, I have taken up quilting and sewing. I knit.... embroider and once in a while try crocheting.

Now that we have a few nice days I sit outside and soak up a little bit of sun. It boosts my spirit and gets me out of the house for a while. On icky weather days I sit and watch cop shows on Netflix.... such a fun addiction!!!

I am not a people person so I don't crave socialization. I do blog and read lot of other people's blogs. I play Rummy with a group of ladies once a month at a nearby church while my guys play sports.


Keep your brain busy even if your body is not up to being busy.
 
M

mamerth

New member
I think it is neat all the suggestions everyone gave. Here is my two cents.....

I don't drive and I like stay at home most of the time. I have a homeschool kid so he keeps me busy most of the day. As he is getting older and more independent I have more time on my hands. I do my treatments... they are my priority. Lately, I have taken up quilting and sewing. I knit.... embroider and once in a while try crocheting.

Now that we have a few nice days I sit outside and soak up a little bit of sun. It boosts my spirit and gets me out of the house for a while. On icky weather days I sit and watch cop shows on Netflix.... such a fun addiction!!!

I am not a people person so I don't crave socialization. I do blog and read lot of other people's blogs. I play Rummy with a group of ladies once a month at a nearby church while my guys play sports.


Keep your brain busy even if your body is not up to being busy.
 
M

MiddleAgedLady

Guest
I was in the same situation a couple years ago. Had to go on disability and moved 3 hours from friends and family in order to move in with a generous friend in a town where I used to live. Like Joni, my treatments and rest are my priority.

First, I joined a book club which has really broadened my horizons as they often pick books I never would have, and I end up loving them! Also, I had wanted to learn to paint in watercolor for 30 years so I found someone to teach me and just LOVE it!! I believe doing something creative is healing to the soul.

Last fall I began teaching jr. high girls in Sunday School, like I did 25 years ago. I was hesitant because my health has been so ragged the last 4 years and just hate to be undependable for anything. It has worked out great, I get the most out of it because of the research and studying. The girls are delightful and I feel about 10 years younger!

I understand how you feel and want you to know it will get better!
 
M

MiddleAgedLady

Guest
I was in the same situation a couple years ago. Had to go on disability and moved 3 hours from friends and family in order to move in with a generous friend in a town where I used to live. Like Joni, my treatments and rest are my priority.

First, I joined a book club which has really broadened my horizons as they often pick books I never would have, and I end up loving them! Also, I had wanted to learn to paint in watercolor for 30 years so I found someone to teach me and just LOVE it!! I believe doing something creative is healing to the soul.

Last fall I began teaching jr. high girls in Sunday School, like I did 25 years ago. I was hesitant because my health has been so ragged the last 4 years and just hate to be undependable for anything. It has worked out great, I get the most out of it because of the research and studying. The girls are delightful and I feel about 10 years younger!

I understand how you feel and want you to know it will get better!
 
K

kharm

New member
I was in your exact situation3 years ago. I had to "retire" on disability from my job as an elementary school teacher...something thatfor7 yearshad kept me so busy between commuting, lesson planning, grading, etc that I never had time to take care of myself. I felt like I went from 100mph to 0 and, in addition to feeling like a failure as a contributing member of society (no job, no kids, etc), I was BORED, and that can be depressing. The first and most important thing thatI didwas focus onmy treatments and resting. This was now my "job" as myhusband reminded me. Once I got into a routine of doing my nebs and vest 2-3 times a day and taking a nap as needed, I found thingsto do during the rest of the day when I was feelingup todoingthem. Okay, at first I watched aLOT oftv, spent too much money shopping,and read a ton of magazines, butsoon that got old. I like working on the computer, so I started designing websites for family members whowanted them for their businesses.Ialso like to organize, so Iwould take on little projects around the house (a closet here, a drawer there, etc) and my sister and I would take turns at one another's houses organizing. I also love to shop, so Ibecame sort of a"personal shopper" for my family members...doing their holiday shopping, buying concert tickets (nobody else could buy them when they wenton sale at 10 am on a weekday!). Helping others who didn't have any flexibility in their daykept me busy, so it was a win-winsituation. I agree with others about joining meetup.com. I am not into Facebook and on meetup.comthere are tons of groups that addressall types of interests.Ijoined recently after my daughter was born, butI'm sad thatI didn't look into it before I hadher. I wish I would not have felt thatyou need kids to have something in common with others. It can be lonely when you're home by yourself, so try to make yourselfjoin a group ora class. But also, rest, take care of yourself, and enjoyhaving alone time.Now that I have someone else to take care of, I sometimes miss the days whenit was just me I had to worry about!
 
K

kharm

New member
I was in your exact situation3 years ago. I had to "retire" on disability from my job as an elementary school teacher...something thatfor7 yearshad kept me so busy between commuting, lesson planning, grading, etc that I never had time to take care of myself. I felt like I went from 100mph to 0 and, in addition to feeling like a failure as a contributing member of society (no job, no kids, etc), I was BORED, and that can be depressing. The first and most important thing thatI didwas focus onmy treatments and resting. This was now my "job" as myhusband reminded me. Once I got into a routine of doing my nebs and vest 2-3 times a day and taking a nap as needed, I found thingsto do during the rest of the day when I was feelingup todoingthem. Okay, at first I watched aLOT oftv, spent too much money shopping,and read a ton of magazines, butsoon that got old. I like working on the computer, so I started designing websites for family members whowanted them for their businesses.Ialso like to organize, so Iwould take on little projects around the house (a closet here, a drawer there, etc) and my sister and I would take turns at one another's houses organizing. I also love to shop, so Ibecame sort of a"personal shopper" for my family members...doing their holiday shopping, buying concert tickets (nobody else could buy them when they wenton sale at 10 am on a weekday!). Helping others who didn't have any flexibility in their daykept me busy, so it was a win-winsituation. I agree with others about joining meetup.com. I am not into Facebook and on meetup.comthere are tons of groups that addressall types of interests.Ijoined recently after my daughter was born, butI'm sad thatI didn't look into it before I hadher. I wish I would not have felt thatyou need kids to have something in common with others. It can be lonely when you're home by yourself, so try to make yourselfjoin a group ora class. But also, rest, take care of yourself, and enjoyhaving alone time.Now that I have someone else to take care of, I sometimes miss the days whenit was just me I had to worry about!
 
T

Tisha

New member
I'd say it depends on your finances... If you have some source of income already, there's lots of volunteer activities and hobbies to pick up (plus of course, do some exercise! For joint pain, swimming would be good...).
If you do need income, why not start a home based business? There's lots of them and some are quite good. Send me a private message if you want ideas on the subject, I've been doing it for 4 years and I'm quite happy about it!
 
T

Tisha

New member
I'd say it depends on your finances... If you have some source of income already, there's lots of volunteer activities and hobbies to pick up (plus of course, do some exercise! For joint pain, swimming would be good...).
If you do need income, why not start a home based business? There's lots of them and some are quite good. Send me a private message if you want ideas on the subject, I've been doing it for 4 years and I'm quite happy about it!
 
J

JustDucky

New member
I actually took up painting.....I love it and have found that it can keep me busy for hours when I am really focused. The nice thing is, they make great gifts.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Around the holidays, I keep busy making ornaments and make up gift baskets with other goodies (fudge, cookies, brittles etc) along with the ornaments...Again, they make wonderful, inexpensive gifts but people love them. On the days I don't feel like painting/crafting, I read books. I find that a busy mind does wonders for the soul. Try new things, even if it is learning a new language....these days, you can find just about anything on the internet as far as instruction goes.

Jenn 40 wCF
 
J

JustDucky

New member
I actually took up painting.....I love it and have found that it can keep me busy for hours when I am really focused. The nice thing is, they make great gifts.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Around the holidays, I keep busy making ornaments and make up gift baskets with other goodies (fudge, cookies, brittles etc) along with the ornaments...Again, they make wonderful, inexpensive gifts but people love them. On the days I don't feel like painting/crafting, I read books. I find that a busy mind does wonders for the soul. Try new things, even if it is learning a new language....these days, you can find just about anything on the internet as far as instruction goes.

Jenn 40 wCF
 
beautifulsoul

beautifulsoul

Super Moderator
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Iamqueenofeverything</b></i>

i started making jewelry to sell. you can get these things at micheals. if you don't like to do that start something else that is crafty and sell them!</end quote>

I've started this hobby myself <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> It can get a bit pricey but I always look for great deals and coupons. Being the creative person I've always been, it's actually a little on the challenging side for my talent level but I still enjoy it. The finished product is worth it. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
beautifulsoul

beautifulsoul

Super Moderator
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Iamqueenofeverything</b></i>

i started making jewelry to sell. you can get these things at micheals. if you don't like to do that start something else that is crafty and sell them!</end quote>

I've started this hobby myself <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> It can get a bit pricey but I always look for great deals and coupons. Being the creative person I've always been, it's actually a little on the challenging side for my talent level but I still enjoy it. The finished product is worth it. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
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