I have been let go from another job. For the last 2 to 3 months I have been doing a lot of soul-searching along with exercising and cleaning up my life. For example, my apartment is outstandingly clean. That means that my bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, office, and even my garage is in order. I have been working hard by myself to clean my things.
I most definitely will say that my overall affect is substantially better. I have been focusing on eating healthy and exercising. For example, eating better, I am a flexo- vegetarian. I choose not eat a lot of meat but when I do I know that it is organic and without chemicals. For example item a lot of deer.
My other benefit is exercising. With the weather improving, I have started to ride my road bike. Here is what my week looks like:
Sunday: lift weights at planet fitness.
Monday: ride my bicycle or do yoga.
Tuesday: lift weights.
Wednesday: do some light exercises or ride my bike.
Thursday: lift weights.
Friday: do a spin class at the YMCA and possibly hang out with friends.
Saturday: ride my bike and possibly hang out with friends.
I mean I have a pretty full schedule but when we are talking about having a job what am I supposed to do, I have a disability?
Having a disability is by far one of the hardest things to get over. I have a physical disability which impacts every little thing in my life. For example, I cannot functionally use my left arm or hand. Walking is not as easy.
That brings into a new question of do I really want a job?
I have received help from the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and a job coach currently and in past years.
NOT ONE PERSON IN MY LIFE HAS ASKED ME IF I WANTED TO WORK. People think that if I have a job I will be happy but they are mistakingly wrong. Work sucks. People suck. People think that if I have a job I will be happy. That is further from the truth. Making little money while still having a disability is useless because if you make too much money you will lose your benefits. Benefits that you need to live. Us disabled individuals are caught into a vicious cycle of wanting to work and not wanting to work.
1.) What is everyone else’s perspective on work?
2.) Are there any success stories of having a disability and working?
3.) I would love to hear from you.
Hi Chad! I’m just reading your blogs for the first time, starting with the most recent one. I want to share my perspective on working, since I have been working at my first “big girl job” for just over 1.5 years. I work in cardiac and pulmonary rehab. I am passionate about helping others and health/fitness, and this job allows me to do both. I think having a job with coworkers that are great (which I am so fortunate to have the BEST coworkers) and doing something you are passionate about, then work doesn’t always seem like “work”. On the other hand, having a job just to simply have a job to fill your time and make money, I would have a hard time forcing myself to do this every day. Not sure if this is an answer you were looking for, but I wanted to comment (:
very inspired by your website!! Glad I met you (at planet fitness)!
Hi Hailey, thanks for commenting on my post. I was depressed when the post was created. I am in a much much better place now. I have so much more to look forward to so I am quite content with my life. It is always nice to see you as well!