Working from home may be one of the best things to come from living with Fibromyalgia. I have been forced to adjust my career to allow for flare-ups and for days when I am not suitable for human consumption. It has been a gradual transition from the full-time job I had when I was first diagnosed, to my current career as a freelance writer and homebody, but I am very pleased with the direction my career has taken.
The doctor who diagnosed me told me plainly and simply, “You are going to have to change your life, and most definitely your career, but you will be able to live and work productively with Fibromyalgia.” I did not realize it at the time, but by saying that she had given me a gift, and her words play a huge part in how I have approached living with Fibromyalgia. And the accident too, it also played a huge part in the changes I have made – forced change if you will. I understand that I cannot be productive the way I once was. I can no longer work a routine schedule set by the needs of an employer, but I am still capable of working at my pace. So I have found a career to suit my needs and stimulate my mind. So far it has been very satisfying, if not yet financially rewarding. And now here I sit at my desk, which is an old refurbished army desk from my husband’s Dad, in my lovely antique chair that my husband procured for me off Craigslist. I sit here each day and feel lucky to have the opportunity to pursue a writing career in the comforts of my own home with all the benefits it affords.
For instance, I get to spend the day with my lab Casey curled up behind me in her favorite leather chair. She is thirteen and has endured a lot this year – 4 surgeries to open her scarred esophagus and later an awful stomach infection. She is old, skinny, and riddled with arthritis, but she is a happy girl and it brings me great comfort spending every day with her, and feeling her constant presence behind me. I have found there is a rhythm to the sound of her snore and it soothes me.
The coffee breaks are better when you work form home. If I decide to go out for my break I have several nearby coffee shops to choose from, and I get to take my work with me. How great is that? It is a good way to stimulate my brain and usually gives me new and fresh ideas for my writing. It is also a good way to counteract the isolation of working from home and to remind myself that the world is still abuzz with activity.
Working from home has helped save our budget too. Previously I was a commissioned sales rep and traveled 3 counties to visit accounts. I had to spend money to make money. Not just on gas, but on lunches, and supplies, and general wear and tear on my car, and also on my wardrobe. A sales rep lifestyle is expensive. Now I can do everything from my desk, and who cares what I am wearing!
You have to be disciplined to work from home otherwise you lose a lot of valuable time. I am fortunate (when I am not sidelined by a flare-up) to not have issues with this so far, and mostly that is because I love writing and when I am not writing I am doing research for my writing, which I enjoy as much if not more. There are so many freelance writing opportunities on the Web on such varied topics. It is fascinating and I feel constantly driven to get my piece of it. I am not the most accomplished author, but check back with me soon!
Despite my limitations, I still need to feel productive. I need to feel like I am contributing to my life. I cannot give in to the pain. I will not let it defeat me. Disability is not an option. That is what my doctor told me eleven years ago. That was her gift to me and I hold onto it tightly. It is because of her gift that I sit here today in my antique chair; at my refurbished army desk; with my cup of coffee and my lab Casey, and write these words that few will read. But these words will lead to the next, each one building the foundation of my new career. Just think, without the Fibromyalgia, I may never have made this leap. I am not quite ready to “thank” my Fibromyalgia, but I do acknowledge that it just might be taking me to a better place. I hope it not to be with me when I get there!
Thank you soooo much for writting this. Until Friday of last week I was in process of filing for disability. After a really bad day and sitting down to put everything in prospective I have decided against it or to at least but it on hold for the time being. I’m not ready to give in to Fibro and all the other health problems I have. I still have a lot of fight in me that I just couldn’t find for a while. I have found it now and reading this today reinforced the strength that I still have. You are truely an inspiration.
Amber I am so happy my post was meaningful to you. Thank you for the kind words.
I understand the struggle you are going through. It is a constant battle between our beliefs that we are still strong, capable people and the ever present nagging of our chronic illness.
Somedays I have a lot of fight in me and others I just have to give in to it, but the important thing is to never give up.
And if it turns out at some point that disability is the right thing for you, just think of it as a temporary measure. It is okay to ask for and accept help sometimes, but never lose your fight.
I’m wishing you well!
I really really need to become a freelance writer. I’m so tired at work, I am constanly dizzy and nauseas and feel stressed while at my real job. I love to write, and I really need to start looking for writing opportunities.
I’m sorry your whole life has changed, but I think as long as your able to make a living, this is a fantastic way to go. If only I could spend the day in pjs!!!!
I’m very happy that you are able to do this.
Have you ever thought about putting ads on your blog Ghetto Girl? You have such a huge following I think it would be a good gateway for you into freelance writing. You put a lot of work into your blog. There is nothing wrong with being compensated for it. Something to think about.
So great that you have been able to make this switch and that your diagnosing doctor put things in good perspective for you. So often, it takes a very long time to be able to see the gifts that come from a life changing illness or diagnosis. For me, Fibromyalgia, with it’s hills and valleys, has given me a better perspective on life that I could not have had otherwise! Thanks for sharing, it is inspirational!
So you only do freelance writing? How does the pay work? I’m currently struggling very hard with the pain, but with the financial limitations. I’m fighting SSD but it’ll be a long fight. If I can earn money on my own I’d much rather do that.
Hi I was wondering I need to find a job…how do I go about finding something that is not a scam in working from home. I have tried varoius jobs after my diagnosis and I have not been able to keep on doing them. I prevoiusly worked in a dental office for over 8 years. I need help financally its bad. I tried applying for disability and failed. I hope you can shed some light on this for me. My days are filled with bordem. thanks
First Cathy, you should know a lot of people get denied disability the first time they apply. From everyone I know who has received it, they all say that it was the second or third try before they were approved. It is not an easy process, but for those that rely on it, it is worth it. And it can often be made retroactive.
As for working from home, you need to first consider your skill set, and what you are interested in doing. For me that is writing. I have a degree in Lit & Writing and I love to write, so it came naturally. There is no specific place to look for at home work. It takes leg work and research. Once you determine what it is you are interested in doing, research job boards, craigslist, etc. You do not need to keep your search local, as a lot of work from home jobs can be done anywhere. I wish I had a quick and easy solution for you, but it will take work finding the right kind of job for you. Best of luck!
Finding a full time work from home job is tough