I got a job!

[Barbara Stewart]

I'm not sure where this post should go, but I'm sure it will get moved if this isn't the right place. I got a job today! This is a real significant step for me since I haven't worked in almost 3 years. With moving to Texas from Washington State, my husband spending a year working in Iraq, my finding out I have lupus and two OHS in a year, I haven't been able to focus on a job. Fortunately my dear hubby has been able to support me, but now he's out of work and I really need to earn some money, not to mention self respect. Anyway, I'm afraid I won't be able to handle working. I'm going to start with part time, but there will be some lifting (30 lbs), bending, and stretching and being on my feet, but I sure want to try. I still get really tired after two weeks of walking and have to stop for several days.

I've read the posts of you who have returned to work after 3 or 4 weeks, and I feel so silly whining like this, but my dear body has always betrayed me and it really makes me angry! Since I know I have valve disease (isn't that what it's considered?) I do get scared when I get tired and my heart does seem to jump around.

Thanks for listening to my whining, or is it whinging down under?
Barbara

 

[sue943]

How wonderful, congratulations.

By coincidence I applied for a job ysterday, I don't know if I will even get an interview. I haven't worked since March 2005 (apart from the two weeks temping when I walked out after having a 'funny turn').

I will watch your progress with great interest.

 

[geebee]

Barbara,
Congratulations. I think starting out part-time makes a great deal of sense. I truly understand your concern about your body letting you down. I have had a few turns that way where my mind really wants the challenge but the body doesn't pan out. When I moved back to Ohio, I started working 3 days a week and continued that for about a year. Then I took a second part time job the other two days. I have been OK with it so far (almost a year). I don't work more than 6 or 7 hours each day and do not get bored since I work at a different place each day.
I hope your experience is good too and you are able to do all you want.
Good luck.

 

[gijanet]

Congratulations, Barbara!

Congratulations, Barbara!

I'm so glad that you found one, and I sure hope it works out for you. Like Gina said, I think it makes a lot of sense to start back part-time. Hugs. J.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Congratulations Barbara !

I think you will find that the people who return to work after only 3 or 4 weeks are VERY YOUNG and were in otherwise Excellent Condition prior to surgery.

The REST of Us take MUCH longer to recover. I didn't feel I had reached my full recovery potential until 18 months after my AVR (which was my second OHS). But then I'm also older than you.

Have you been exercising regularly (i.e. a good walking program)? It is important to build up your stamina gradually and steadily. Most of us find that we have good days and not-so-good days. Hopefully as you build yourself up, you will find more good days than not-so-good days.

Best wishes,

'AL Capshaw'

 

[OldManEmu]

Congratulations

Congratulations

Whinging is positively encouraged! Congratulations on the new job things should start to look better for you. I think it?s a smart move to start part time and if you find this all you can do you aren't under pressure to push yourself to put in full days and weeks. If you find you are coping with part time work there may be the option of going to full time in the future. By the way when do you start the new job? I am also impressed that you remembered the Aussie expression whinging, I have only ever seen it used here a couple of times by Aussigal.

 

[Barbara Stewart]

I got a job

I got a job

Thanks everyone for your kind words and support. I'm not sure exactly when I will start. Not this week because I committed to watching my grandson while my daughter is in class all week. I will probably start next week. If I can manage part time without being exhausted all the time, I will ultimately want full time and would like to move into management. Time will tell.

Emu, I had a friend who went over to Australia to work and he brought the term "whinging" back and it has such a nice ring to it so I use it. I would dearly love to visit Australia, but I'm not sure that will be in my future. I haven't traveled nearly as much as I wanted to in my life and there are still places in my own country I haven't visited.

Thanks again for the support. I love all you guys.

Barbara