Not sure what to do....

[vwradar]

Well I am going to be out of a job due to the company I work for is moving half way across the country. So I am in the process of looking for a new job or what I would like to do.

I have found a few things that I would like to do but am unsure if they are good ideas since my MS is so new still. I'm just not sure how things would go if I have another flare up like I did when I was dx.

Am I just worrying to much or what? Should I just go for what I want to do and see what happens? I know that I am really the only one that can answer these questions but am just looking for a little advice. Thanks.

[Keepin_on]

vwradar,

Don't let MS stop you from finding a new job! You can't worry about the "what if's" (I know it is hard not to, I do it myself from time to time ), because there is a chance the "what if's" may not happen or may not happen for a long time.

If we worry about those things, we will never make plans for anything we want to do or enjoy doing, like vacation or starting a new career path.

MS can take a lot away from you, but don't make yourself feel worse by planning on the "what if's" the MS may or may not do. I say if you feel ok enough to work, go for it. You don't want to go through life thinking, "shoula, coulda, woulda"

Also, remember you don't have to disclose your condition right away. Make sure to take a look at the Nat'l MS Society website regarding your employment rights...they have a great section about employment.

[justacowgirl]

Do you ever listen to Dave Ramsey the financial adviser on radio? You should. He has some wonderful thoughts on employment.

I quit a lucrative (for me) job for alot of reasons not knowing I had MS. Now I am SO glad I did..I have a great job because I am the boss..I make less money but am so happy and my business is prospering.

You can do anything. Maybe now is the time hunt down your dream career. Or, make a dream career. Not just a job.

Don't let MS stand in your way.

j

[Windwalker]

Also, remember you don't have to disclose your condition right away. Make sure to take a look at the Nat'l MS Society website regarding your employment rights...they have a great section about employment.

Good advice...the whole post.

[hope32]

I agree with Keepin' On. Those are the same conclusions I came to when I was first diagnosed. It's such an unpredictable disease, I think you have to work with what you know rather than the unknowns. Keep those in the back of your mind but don't limit yourself based on what *might* happen.

[empirerecs]

Don't give up! Try something new! I wish I had had the chance to go for a new career, it wouldn't have even mattered if it was a lower salary, just as long as it was something I enjoyed! You could try a temp agency and see what kinds of things interest you.

And, no, you don't have to disclose your illness up front. And take a look at the laws and disclosure rules for your state so you have that information should you ever need it.

I hope you find something awesome!!! I always wanted to be a florest!

[vwradar]

Thanks for the kind words everyone. Yes I know I should not let it decide what I do and don't do and for the most part I do not. Like I went on a big crabbing trip just last weekend and did some white water rafting this summer. Fun stuff!

But my concern is that I go back to school to do a career and I end up not being able to do it. Then I will have spent all that money for nothing. I am just so new to this, I just have no clue how this will progress, but hen again who does. I am only 6 months into this and have already had 4 pretty good flare ups. Including foot drop which was scary as hell.

But right now feel best I have since March and right now you would never know anything is wrong with me. Which is a long way from how I was in July.

Thanks again everyone, this site is a blessing for everyone with MS. I know that I just need to not worry about my MS but it is hard not to let it control parts of my life and life decisions like this.

[Jules A]

But my concern is that I go back to school to do a career and I end up not being able to do it. Then I will have spent all that money for nothing.

I think this is a valid concern and that you are very smart for planning ahead. Almost immediately after diagnosis I went back to school for a kinder physical career with good opportunites and an excellent health benefits package. I'm not saying do something you hate but imo definitely gear your life toward the possibility that MS will have an impact before it is too late.

I'm still in decent health but the relief I get just from knowing that I could still make a good income if/when my mobility becomes an issue is a huge comfort to me now and will be a Godsend down the road should my health hit the crapper.

It is not a sign of weakness or defeat to make intelligent, proactive adjustments to our lives with the concern that our MS will progress which is very likely to be the case sooner or later for every one of us.