What kind of a job can people with MS symptoms hold?

[WeakButStrongInside]

As I see my funds continuing to drain over the past 2 1/2 years of unemployment, I wonder what kind of job I could secure and hold - having periodic (more frequent than not) brain fog and confusion, memory issues, imbalance, gait instability even with a cane, decreased endurance, debilitating fatigue requiring 12 hours' sleep, and weakness.  Denied disability.  Need to work soon.  How?  Anyone out there with MS symptoms find a job that is MS-do-able?  In other words, what jobs could someone with the above poorly-controlled symptoms possibly do?  All suggestions will be welcomed.  Thanks!

WAF

[Guitar_grrrl]

Keep up the optimism!  Often, there are "Diverse Job Fairs" in larger cities. These are open to folks with varying degrees of disability, and I'm sure someone will reach out to you.

Check out:
A Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment
www.ada.gov/workta.htm

Part-Time Disability Jobs
www.gettinghired.com

There are more - just get Google working for you!

Best of Luck!

[WeakButStrongInside]

Hey all, one type of job has just ruled itself out:  I just got my "rejection notice" for a crossing guard job I applied for - thinking that job might be do-able since I could remain seated most of the time - and take naps between the morning and afternoon shifts.  Do you think they possibly crossed me off as an applicant when they saw the way I hobbled into and out of the room on the day of my interview - using my cane that folds out into a seat??  Or was it the fact that I answered that I "could not run" into the street after a wayward child?  They must have thought I was crazy for ever applying for that job!  

I keep pondering the following saying like a Rubik's cube in my mind: "Sometimes the most brilliant opportunities come to us disguised as unsolvable problems."  Brilliant opportunity:  Unmask thyself!!

[WeakButStrongInside]

To Everyone Who Replied,

Thanks for your thoughts everyone.  Mommy, I couldn't do a paper route - too physically demanding.  Can't deliver pizzas either (tho can sure eat 'em - lol!). .Pastor, yep, I'm fighting that decision.  Supermum, I do have a clinical dx of Lyme, but also several other dxs, and possibly undiagnosed MS . . . Just got a brand new dx - diabetes insipidus. Wouldn't it be great if we were limited to only one disease??!!  Trouble with my resume - it represents the "old me" -  misleading because I can't do what I could then.  Thanks for the well wishes.  Jifr - loved your humor - got a good laugh out of it!  Thanks for suggesting medical billing - though I'm not sure I'm "trainable" will look into it.  I love all you people here on the MS Forum - you are the greatest!   Thanks for your input!

Hugs from,

WAF

[Jifr]

People with MS can do ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   :-)

Right?

:-)

What do you think about looking into medical billing?  I think that's a job where there is definitely an industry that will be around for a good long time, they need people now and in the future and it's something you can get training on at home? Now might be the time!

Goodluck with whatever you find!

Jen

[supermum_ms]

I noticed you've said you have Lyme disease and i honestly don't know enough about it, other than it's hard to dx, has similar sx's to MS, is difficult to treat and can be very disabling. Generally i would think employment options depend a lot on an individuals employment history, education levels etc so i would highly recommend you first look at what YOU can do and what experience you have.

Once you have a list of your skills, look into what jobs those skills require. Look at any of your prior jobs and see if you can do those jobs part time, on call, contract work, from home etc. If you have physical limitations, then look at those jobs that keeps you off your feet eg call centre, market research, debt collections, reception etc

It might be an idea to contact friends and family and let them all know you need help finding work, they might know of a job going that you can do or keep you in mind if something comes up.

Good luck...........JJ

  

  

[PastorDan]

I would certainly pursue an appeal of the disability ruling, with that symptom assortment.  Documentation could be an issue.  Have you spoken to an attorney about this?

[MommyofNatTyZach]

I am a teacher, but do not have all the symptoms you have! SO sorry! I have heard that it takes at least 3xs to apply for disability before they approve it. My sister was denied and she has one hand!!!

It would be great if you could do something from home or a paper route (if they have that in your area). Hope you are blessed with work soon!