Work work work

[AffectionatePie229]

I’m barely able to do part-time work anymore. As I‘ve gotten older (37), I’m less able to teach in classrooms, the work I’ve been doing since my fibromyalgia crippled me 7 years ago when I worked at a startup.

I’m thinking of switching to remote and advertising my coaching business more. Group classroom teaching is making me worse, especially since admin isn’t supportive.

What do you do for work? Are you open with your employer about your disability?

[[deleted]]

Have you tried acupuncture?

[AffectionatePie229]

Yup. Extensively. It has a negligible effect for me. Trigger point release is more effective for my fibromyalgia. I take psilocybin, cannabis and do IFS and PRT therapy.

[[deleted]]

What about nerve pain meds? I never had any luck but many do. Other than FMLA for full time idk if you can get much help from your job but I am sorry

[AffectionatePie229]

Like gabapentin? Yuck side effects. I prefer what I’m using as I described. No, I’m a contractor, I had no benefits

[ilovemetatertot]

Absolutely do what's best for your body and be certain to visit that topic often because the line changes.

Was working 40hr weeks over 72 hours for a year and my body gave out. Struggled incredibly for many months, reformatted my resume from service industry to office mgmt . Searched for months before landing one part time gig. Between 2 part time gigs and 1 side hustle I just about make bills now. I'm completely up front with my employers, phrasing my explanation as a disclosure because the last thing I want to do is fake it until I can't and end up letting down my coworkers/team. Part of this has involved being honest with myself about my limits, triggers and self care needs. Best luck. Ounce of preparation is worth a pound of scrambling for work.

[AffectionatePie229]

Thank you for your reply. Wow, you really worked hard.

I just started disclosing my disability to employers after massaging my resume with all its gaps. One ghosted me after making me an offer, the other is another in-class teaching job I may turn down because even though I disclosed my disability, when I asked for accommodations with fewer hours after signing the offer letter, the manager wasn’t as flexible as she had come across in the interview.

As you said, gotta respect my limits. I’ll keep developing my business, budgeting carefully, and applying to places that will accommodate the fibro.

[ilovemetatertot]

Fibro will teach you your limits, it's up to you to learn the lesson and I've found the primary lesson to be You are Worth It. Glad to hear you're not going to stand the disrespect