I am just curious what everyone here does for work and if they find what they do enjoyable? Do you find balancing work and having CF difficult? I haven't been back to work since my transplant 2 1/2 years ago and I'm about to start looking for work again. Any tips or tricks on finding appropriate work for a CFer? Any guidance would help.
What Do You Do For Work?
- Thread starter baco623
- Start date
rubyroselee
New member
Hi there,
I do computer applications in the healthcare environment. I LOVE what I do and I have a lot of flexibility with my schedule and I am able to work from home when needed. My education is in nursing and business, but I took a liking to computers when I started working, so I just fell in love with this career. As of right now, I am not finding it to be difficult to balance work and CF because I stay strict with my routine and make time for everything I need to do. I also find that being at work makes me feel better because I am around people and fulfilling my social needs, as well as contributing my skills to something important.
Obviously, it takes time to develop a good relationship with your boss. But I have found that if you are a hard worker and prove yourself early on, that most bosses will work with you in return and allow some flexibility. I try to take days off for clinic appointments when I know I am not needed at work that day and when my work is caught up; I try not to inconvenience my coworkers or boss. However, I have also been hospitalized for a bowel obstruction unexpectedly, and that was not in my control. But because I kept my boss up to date with my status and my expected day of return, it all worked out just fine. But that is the best advice I can give - is be an over-the-top, hard worker and prove that you are there to do a good job and good things will come in return.
As I said above, keeping a strict routine is key for me too. I am not post-transplant, so obviously my routine has nebs, CPT, etc. But I'm sure your routine has to be more strict on things like eating regularly and taking your meds on time. So it may be wise to find a job that allows you to have the same scheduled hours so that you can stick more to a routine. I have found that when my hours varied (i.e. Monday was 7am-3pm, then Tuesday was 12-8pm), I was out of whack and I slacked on my CF stuff. Some people can deal with the awkward schedules, but I have found that it makes it easier for me because of all the maintenance required.
Some other advice I have is not to disclose your CF right away to your boss. I often start off by asking for days off for appointments by just requesting a planned sick day/vacation day. Again, prove yourself. But also allow yourself the time you need to take care of your CF. If your boss mentions that you are excessively requesting time off, then that is a good time to explain in a sincere way that you are there to do a good job but that you have some health issues that need some attention from time to time. And just let the conversations roll from there. One job I had, I told my boss about my CF about 6 months in. Ironically her cousin who was very close to her also had CF, and this boss ended up being one of my best friends. We had such a good relationship inside and outside of our job because of my honesty and hard work.
Life is too short to do something that doesn't make you happy. You need to enjoy going to work and using the skills that you have. Pick something that makes you smile, isn't too stressful, and makes you feel good at the end of the day. There are so many good things that can come out of going back to work, so good luck!
I do computer applications in the healthcare environment. I LOVE what I do and I have a lot of flexibility with my schedule and I am able to work from home when needed. My education is in nursing and business, but I took a liking to computers when I started working, so I just fell in love with this career. As of right now, I am not finding it to be difficult to balance work and CF because I stay strict with my routine and make time for everything I need to do. I also find that being at work makes me feel better because I am around people and fulfilling my social needs, as well as contributing my skills to something important.
Obviously, it takes time to develop a good relationship with your boss. But I have found that if you are a hard worker and prove yourself early on, that most bosses will work with you in return and allow some flexibility. I try to take days off for clinic appointments when I know I am not needed at work that day and when my work is caught up; I try not to inconvenience my coworkers or boss. However, I have also been hospitalized for a bowel obstruction unexpectedly, and that was not in my control. But because I kept my boss up to date with my status and my expected day of return, it all worked out just fine. But that is the best advice I can give - is be an over-the-top, hard worker and prove that you are there to do a good job and good things will come in return.
As I said above, keeping a strict routine is key for me too. I am not post-transplant, so obviously my routine has nebs, CPT, etc. But I'm sure your routine has to be more strict on things like eating regularly and taking your meds on time. So it may be wise to find a job that allows you to have the same scheduled hours so that you can stick more to a routine. I have found that when my hours varied (i.e. Monday was 7am-3pm, then Tuesday was 12-8pm), I was out of whack and I slacked on my CF stuff. Some people can deal with the awkward schedules, but I have found that it makes it easier for me because of all the maintenance required.
Some other advice I have is not to disclose your CF right away to your boss. I often start off by asking for days off for appointments by just requesting a planned sick day/vacation day. Again, prove yourself. But also allow yourself the time you need to take care of your CF. If your boss mentions that you are excessively requesting time off, then that is a good time to explain in a sincere way that you are there to do a good job but that you have some health issues that need some attention from time to time. And just let the conversations roll from there. One job I had, I told my boss about my CF about 6 months in. Ironically her cousin who was very close to her also had CF, and this boss ended up being one of my best friends. We had such a good relationship inside and outside of our job because of my honesty and hard work.
Life is too short to do something that doesn't make you happy. You need to enjoy going to work and using the skills that you have. Pick something that makes you smile, isn't too stressful, and makes you feel good at the end of the day. There are so many good things that can come out of going back to work, so good luck!
Hello, I work at a winery in southern California. I work at the hotel in the lounge as a cocktail server. I like being a server because Im moving at a fast pace for about 6 hours. At my place we have to go up an down stairs to get to the kitchen, so I at least walk up 15 flights of stairs a night. I am in school to become an ultrasound tec, if I get into the school. The percentage of me getting in is low but Im hoping they will pick me because being an ultrasound tec is something I can do with CF.
R
RytheStunner
Guest
Software Developer
I am a real estate agent. The schooling only takes a month. I get to choose my hours and 85% of the work is done over the phone, email, or paper work that is faxed...which means I get to stay at home a lot. Right now I am on IVs and I stayed in my PJs all day. The only work I had today was all taken care of by phone and emails. Honestly, the only time you have to leave is to show buyer's potential property, (if you choose) an open house on Sundays, or a run to the office...obviously every now and then you may need to meet an inspector or worker at a house. However, it has offered me a lot of freedom to do my treatments and rest if I am not feeling well. Also, you are not around a lot of people...that is one of the best parts. You can stay away from the sick during flu season and such. Yes, you will be around your clients but you do not meet with them everyday like in other jobs. If your clients are sick most all business can be taken care of over an email or phone call. It has been the perfect solution for me. Yes, the downside is that it is commission only and in the beginning you will be spending a lot of time in the office and learning from the managers. Once you build up a clientele and really understand the contracts most work can be done from home.
D
Deb
Guest
I work full-time as a coordinator at the College of Medicine. I love my job and working with the medical students. As someone mentioned earlier it is important to work hard and prove yourself. If your work and attendance record is exceptional, employers are more likely to be flexible when need be. I haven't been on IV meds for a couple years now, but I am fortunate that I have my own office and can shut the door and do IV's while working. I have also made workouts part of my daily schedule and this has helped me stay healthy and miss less work. Sometimes I think it would be great to be at home but I working keeps me healthy (mentally and physically) plus we need the income.
AggieGeologist
New member
I am a geologist by education but I work as a Seismic Data Specialist and it's great. I work 9/80's which yield a long day (I'm up at 5am, at work by 6:20am, leave at 4:20pm and home by 5:10ish) but I have every other Friday off which is really nice to catch up on sleep or go to doctor appointments without having to miss work. I would have to say that because I have to leave so early in the morning I do not have time to take my treatments. I usually do my albuterol inhaler to help open up my lungs for the day but I don't do anything else. I do make sure I take a really good treatment when I get home with at least 45 minutes of Vest time though. Luckily, I have stayed pretty healthy...only 2 IV therapy sessions in the past 5 years with my FEV1 at 73%. I wouldn't recommend this type of schedule for someone that's had a transplant or has to do a lot of IV sessions but it has worked for me the past couple years so I am going to rock it out now while I am making awesome money and save up for the time in the future when I won't be able to work this schedule anymore. It is a tough schedule to keep and balancing work with CF and other normal life activities is tiring at times but I just keep pushing forward. I didn't go this far with my life to give up now...if I was to quit, everything I did to get here would be a waste of time and money. Plus, I have too many people to prove wrong to give up...that's probably my true motivation.
B
BikerEd
Guest
I am a field engineer, basically I build roads and bridges. I love it lots of walking climbing embankments, outside most of the time a little rough during allergy season, but I take it as a personal challenge. Most certainly prove yourself early and have a good relationship with your employer. I was with my company 18 months the first time I called I'm sick, and it was from the hospital I had just been admitted. The next time I called out was 2 years later, same situation. I let them know my Doctor appointments as far in advance as I can, never once did they have a problem with it. Be reliable, give extra effort, never turn down an opportunity to learn or take training. I was promoted 4 times this year alone.
Best of luck In your search, determination goes a long way
Best
Ed
Best of luck In your search, determination goes a long way
Best
Ed