As a stay-at-home mom at the time of my fibromyalgia diagnosis, I never considered to think how this disease would impact my ability to hold down a job. I would have done things a bit differently had I realized that there was nothing predictable about living with this wretched illness.
*Disclosure: I am NOT a medical professional and am NOT issuing medical advice. Everything stated is my own experience and personal opinions. This post includes affiliate links. Meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a commission when you make a purchase through my links.
Job Security
Life with fibromyalgia differs for everyone.
Some people are able to continue working in their chosen profession, while others find themselves needing to make changes. A reduction in hours or stress may be necessary as well as making modifications to make it less painful to fulfill your duties.
If Fibromyalgia Ends Your Ability to Hold Down a Job
I have one very important word of warning if you find yourself unable to work fulltime, DO NOT WAIT TO FILE FOR DISABILITY!
I left the workplace two years prior to chronic pain and symptoms from fibromyalgia prevented me from holding down a full-time job. Because we didn’t need the money at the time of my diagnosis, I waited to apply. I also had hope that I would improve.
Unfortunately, when I accepted that I would never work full-time outside my home and my family needed the money, I had been out of the workforce for too long and was no longer eligible. Instead of waiting, get a lawyer and let them help you not lose the money you worked so hard for.
In the meantime, talk to your employer about how your position could be modified to meet your needs. Options to consider may include telecommuting or transferring to a less physical position.
In the end, I had to find a new career. In my eBook, Make Pain Your Bitch: How to Dominate Your Chronic Life I offer tips to help you choose a new career path and other ways to make money when living with chronic pain.
Whether you are able to continue in your career, have to find a new one, or rely on disability for an income, DO NOT ALLOW your career or lack of one be what you base your value on. You are not your job! You are not your illness! It is imperative that you learn to find worth in yourself beyond both your employment status and health.
The rest of the story
The cost of living with fibromyalgia goes beyond finances. Nothing I read at the time of my diagnosis could have prepared me for the high cost of living with fibromyalgia. That is why I wrote this article.
Click below to read the rest of the series
I stopped working, and was getting support from my parent that was also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. She grew tired of me not figuring things out, and I ended in trying to get back into the work force. I struggle with the demands of my part-time job, and being able to care for myself.
That being said, since I have only been able to keep part-time hours, I seek ways to be able to improve. Though, I have had some success with some of my meds, I feel the urge to go drug free. I don’t exactly know how I will do that since I have tried, then failed when I am off the meds. I may take some of your suggestions to better my quality of life. Thank you for the information you post. I find it helpful.