When do you know the time is right to give up work

jdonaldson

I have both osteo arthritis in my cervical spine and RA in my knees. I have managed to work part-time for a number of years, but now with the addition of difficulty walking I am struggline. I'm in a new job and not yet getting any modifications. My GP has asked me to consider giving up work due to the aggravation of both types of arthritis. I would appreciate some advice. Jan

barbara12

Hi jdonaldson
Sorry I cant help with your question, but i can appreciate what an hard decision it must be, have you looked in on working matters, I know there are quite a few people in your position.
I do wish you well
Love
Barbara x

dreamdaisy

Only you can decide what to do and when. I am stopping soon (probably by the summer of 2011), I have been struggling with work since 1997 when my arthritis began (I am self-employed) and it is all getting too much now: that's my decision, no-one elses. No one knows how I feel, or what I can cope with, better than me. Listen to your body, learn your tolerances, hopefully your employer may be able to make some modifications/adaptions/provide equipment to help. I wish you well. DD

Poppyg1rl

Hi Jan,

Totally understand your dilemma! I'm self employed (Reg Childminder) and as my PA is deteriorating ive had to 'take stock' as it were. I've reduced my hours 7.30 - 3 and two days a week now thanks in no small part to fantastically understanding parents who've made it clear they want me and no one else. I think you will come to the right decision for you, after all as DD says no one knows your illness and capabilities as well as you. Listen to your body and do what you feel you can manage, I do understand the financial aspect though and it's a bit of a juggling act! Be kind to yourself all the best Poppy X

cythna

It's a very hard decision to make. I worked part time for two years before I finally gave up, and must have bored everyone to death by talking about what to do. Howerver, the moment I made the decision I knew it was the right one, and the relief was tremendous. I don't think I stopped smiling for six months.

If your GP thinks you should stop perhaps you should listen to him. My doctor said to me that most people carry on working long after they should have given up. Part of the problem is society's attitude that people who are not working are skiving. Also I was very say to loose the social aspect of work, but on the bright side I suddenly had enough energy to have a social life, and go to the cinema again!

Good Luck
Susan x

speedalong

Hi Jan and welcome,

this is a dilemma, but I would say if work is the only thing you are managing to do and you have no reserves for anything else - then you should consider stopping. When did you last have a holiday from work? If it has been awhile, take one soon and see how different you feel being off work - for a comparison.

Speedy

chris7

Hi Jan

Oh you do have my sincere sympathy on that question. I guess your doc is giving good advise but it is so hard a decision to make I am sure. Lots of variables to consider which only you know re your circumstances, family and sad to say finances. I have reduced my hours but am grimly hanging onto my part time work for as long as I can, as for me living on my own the alternative is unbearable. But like Susan says for others it is a blessed relief to say enough is enough knowing it is the right thing to do. I hope you do soon find what is right for you and in the meantime can hopefully get your employer to make any adjustments that may help.
Keep in touch
take care
Chris

lavenderlady

hi as the others have said its up to what you think you can do with arther some days are ok but most days are disabling, I'm lucky in that I stayed at home to bring up 5 kids 3 of which had ADHD and my daughter sever asthma now they are grown up and can manage things better I was thinking about going back to work, but with my arther amongst other illnesses and diseases ( SMS spondelothesis in my spine diabetes stomach ulcers to name a few) I cannot see how I can go back to work I cannot lift or hold anything in my right arm/hand my back causes me not to be able to stand sit or lie for long in one position I cannot walk far so after I sat thinking what can I do rather then what I cannot do I came to the conclusion I wont do anything to make my life more difficult then it already is and as I take a lot longer to do many things I would rather it be in my home then work, sometimes its boredom that gets me but with so many hospital and Drs appointments it doesnt get boring for too long, give it some thought and make the choice for your benefit, good luck on what you choose to do

Airwave!

Work gave me up, about ten years ago now, I had no choice. I have tried part-time but it is very difficult to find suitable work, well it is just about impossible now. I have tried to run a small business but that has proved harder to keep going.

I did get fed up trying to explain how I was feeling and having to be at work when I was feeling uncomfortable, it's very consuming, being in pain at work.

A very big question, you ask and a wide variance in how we answer, at the end of the day you must be happy with what you decide, I doubt if you will be able to go back on your decision.

x:)) Its a xmas grin, honest!