finding "home"work

[loriz]

Hi all,
has anyone ever thought about or found for themselves, a home based job? I have been on temporary disablity since February with my IC and a serious hospitalization (horror story) and am not yet able to return to work. I am thinking that being able to work from home would be so great for me as stress (even just getting into the car makes me flare) is my worst enemy....I don't think I can return to my job and I don't think I can get permanent disablity...any ideas? anyone have any experience with working from home and how to find a job that way? I am computer literate and have all the resources available here at home to do some type of work but where and how would I begin to find something? just wondering if any of you guys have thought about this too...
all my best to all of you,
Lori

[Jilly]

Hi Lori,

I'm not really sure what you could do, you should try looking up on the internet, or learning how to make websites. I hope you have goodluck-I will probably be faced with the same problem pretty soon! You should let everyone know if you find anything!
Jill

[Larry]

Loriz: I'm very much in the same situation. When I was first dx I couldn't work for 3 months due to the pain. Now I'm out agin going on 5 weeks again due to the pain. Here are 3 suggestions: first: I suggest you don't give up on your current job. Bosses know that good people are hard to find these days. I am in the process of restructuring my job description, working mostly 80% from home and using, computer, phone,and fax to communicate, stay productive around my time schedule. But you've got to try. Assuming you are an excellent employee your employer will try to find a way to keep you. My experience is, management won't make the 1st move, you've got to do it. 2nd idea: if you do switch look into the area of medical billing. This is an area that is growing and in need of computer literate people. I can't remember exactly where I read about it, but I would pick up magazines such as Inc, and/or many of the home business magazines out there today. You've got to be a real "wiz" in this day and age to make a living creating websites. The technology has come so far. And thirdly, I wouldn't be so sure you couln't get disability. If you can't work, you can't work. You just need the ICA materials and a good lawyer to work with you. Good luck. I so understand where you are at.null

[loriz]

Hi Larry,
Thank you for your great and kind note. It really gave me the encouragement I so need right now. I am a good employee and I do believe my boss is sincerely hoping that I will get well and return to him. He has been very patient and understanding of my situatin. Unfortunately, my time is running out as my temporary disability benefits run out at the end of this month. Anyway, to make a long story short...I have thought of the medical billing idea as well...actually I used to work for 3 doctors so i am pretty well versed in medical transcription too but it's actually finding things where i live that is difficult...I am going to see if my current employer will give me a less stressful position possibly (they already filled my position but seem to still be waiting for me to return)....thank you for taking the time to write...i am happy for you that you are able to work at home but sorry to hear you are in such bad pain. My main problem is frequency but I started on detrol la and it seems to be helping that problem some....we shall see....
thanks again Larry...and you hang in there buddy!
Lori

[shell]

Lori,

From what you described it sounds like your employer doesn't want to lose you. Hopefully they will have a less stressful job for you.

I switched departments a few years ago to get into a less stressful job. My previous job required bringing work home nights and weekends, never being able to take time off (no one else knew how to do the work), and having to travel occasionally for meetings (usually at least a two-hour trip each way). I kept asking for a backup so that I could take time off, but management in that department never followed through on assigning someone. If I took any time off during the day, I'd then have to make up the time elsewhere to get the work done. It was a payroll department, so I couldn't just let things slide, people need to get paid.

My new job is much better, I only work 40 hours, almost never take work home, never have to travel, and have backup so that I can take time off. I'm also learning new things, which I really enjoy. The management is this department is so much better.

There is still stress in my new job (what job doesn't have stress?), but it at a much more normal level. And that has helped my IC. I always think that keeping busy and feeling productive can be great medicine.

I hope all goes well for you.

[Larry]

Loriz: Again unless I'm wrong, under the family leave act, unless you have a contract under the heading of "key employee" (which can give your employer an out) your company is required by law to give you your old job back with no changes after you've been out up to 13 weeks. It's possible they don't think you know about it or aren't up to challenging it, or they are very certain you are not coming back. But if you do go back , and can handle the job they HAVE to give it back to you. On the other hand, if you know you can't hack it and you work for pretty honest people, it's most likely time to restructure. Again, chances are they will fit you in somewhere. Remember they don't want things like wronguful termination or a discrimination (sp) suite brought against them. You may never be the type to do that, I no I'm not either, but the point is they don't know that, and at some point you have to start renegotiating. Here's what your employers do know; there are alot of lawyers out there who will sue anybody for anything. In this day and age you don't need a good reason to sue. I know I owned my own business with over 35 employees for 10 years before I got sick and my life fell apart from IC.

[loriz]

Hi Larry,
it is my understanding though that the FMLA applies to employers with 50 or more employees...in my state anyway (my company is less than 25 people)...thought that's what i had read...at any rate, after speaking with my employer this AM and explaining my situation, he did inform me that my position was filled. He has no other suitable position open for me so to me that means I can apply for unemployment benefits and attempt to find a suitable job for an IC patient..I do not want to pursue permanent disability..in my opinion, I have a bad bladder but a good brain and I want to use it somehow...I hope i can collect unemployment...I don't see why I can't. My job is no longer available and that's really ok..I understand that he couldn't wait any longer for me..hmmm...any thoughts?
Thanks Larry...hope you are feeling better.
Lori
p.s. i am not looking to sue or cause any trouble for him..he was very patient and understanding of my situation throughout and I owe him alot just for that alone.

[kimmi158]

HI EVERYBODY,I AM ALSO LOOKING FOR WORK AT HOME.IF ANYBODY FINDS ANYTHING NEW PLEASE LET ME KNOW I REALLY NEED THE MONEY.
THANKS EVERYBODY
GOD BLESS YOU,
KIM

[shell]

Lori,

I used to work in the Human Resources area. I think you're correct that FMLA only covers employers with more than 50 employees. And it requires that your employer allow you up to 12 weeks of leave, but they don't have to hold your same job, just be able to provide you with a comparable job (same level of responsibility, etc.).

I'm sorry it didn't work out with that employer. Good luck with your job hunt, I hope you're able to find something.

[Larry]

Lori: I agree, I don't see any reason why you can't get unemployment. In my state I think you can get it for up to 26 weeks. Can you keep paying for health insurance through your old company? And how long will that last for? Can you go back to school while your on unemeployment? It might be worth speaking to someone if you have a tech school nearby.Can you go back for a 4 year degree that certifies you to help others in need? I so know how you feel: you said it perfectly "good brain, bad bladder." Home health care is another idea. It simply involves helping older people stay in their homes. It is a booming business as people are living longer and longer. (And there's always a bathroom nearby.) You could work through an agency or even start out on your own. It's a way to give back and help other people who are also in need. I always think, because IC has changed my life so much, If I can't continue in the business world I would definately do something to help others. I'd be glad to keep throwing ideas out with you, who knows, one may stick.

Larry

[loriz]

Hi Larry,
I have decided to nickname you "the idea man"..like it? I think your ideas are great and I also really appreciate them. Well, I am fairly certain that I will qualify for unemployment....it's not my fault that my job was given away. My boss told me today he has one other position open (sort of) but it's more stressful than the one I had and my doctor said he would put it in writing for me if need be that I must have a less stressful job...anyway, the boss said he really doesn't even want to fill that position due to the economy so it seems to me that I have a good case for unemployment. It's the same here in NJ..26 weeks and at least I will have time to not only get better physically but also look for a good situation work-wise for myself...although admittedly, I find it stressful to be job searching...but you have to do what you have to do! I really like your idea of home health care...I loved the medical field when i worked in it but it got too stressful for me..I worked for 3 busy, busy urologists of all things...ended up with IC and had to resign..one of the 3 is now my personal uro and friend. Anyway, my degree is in business but I do have an interest in healthcare so I think your idea is good....what else can you come up with "idea man"? Good to hear from you again....hope you are feeling better..what exactly do you do for a living..you said you are doing alot of your work from home...if you would rather not tell me that's ok..I was just curious...take care and talk to you again soon...
lori
p.s. I like the idea of college recruiting/admissions but am not sure how to go about it..I am a real "people person" and like when a job gets me interacting with people....
later!!!

[Larry]

Lori: here's the thing, a degree in business is great. I've been in business for many years. But you know business is business and what you once thought was meaninful sometimes changes dramatically. Unless you really love what your doing in business it's strictly a game of beating last years numbers and hopefully picking up a hefty check. Pick up a copy of any Business Week read it, you'll know what I mean. However, combine your business skills with your health care background. Really help improve peoples lives and I think you've got something. Plus if you end up working for caring, compationate(sp)people they will also direct those feelings towards you and the IC you are coping with. It could mean a big difference in how you feel when you come home at night. Working with people who understand you and at the same time helping others, has the potential to make you feel real good, even as you fight IC. As for your question as to what I do. I run the sales departments for 3 different radio stations and a website. I'm communicating with the sales people out of my home, phone, computer, fax. I try to do from a distance, what I always used do in person, which is talk them thru the sales call for the outcome they want. Fortunetly the people I work with are super smart which gives me a good part of the day to try to rest. I have decided to go for a surgerical pain pump inplant to try to finally put an end to this pain. If I can ever get rid of this pain I will have such an appreciation for life like nothing before.

[loriz]

Hi Larry,
Your job sounds interesting and it's great you can deal with smart people....
I am sorry for you that the pain is so severe...I hope you can find a way that works for you...sound like you have alot to offer this world....
sending you pain free thoughts & also prayers for a good weekend...
Lori