Arthritis in the Workplace : Am I Crazy Going Back to Work?!
Posted on September 9th, 2008 by Aud under Family, Osteo Arthritis, Rheumatoid ArthritisTha last time I officially worked outside my house, was in 1997. For the fist time in over 10 years, I went to work at the office yesterday, by 9:30 last night I was thinking I was nuts! I’m the mother of 2 busy girls, coordinator & cook of a bustling household, living with rheumatoid arthritis and now going to work.
I’ve been working from home off and on for the past few years and have found it to be a little hard to get a lot accomplished while in my house. The phone was ringing, laundry was calling me from the hamper, the dog wanted a walk, all the finicky, time consuming things seemed to be getting in the way and I was frustrated. I made the decision in August that I would move into my husband’s downtown office once the girls were back in school.
The office is a pretty relaxed atmosphere, casual and maybe a little too much fun; some of our johncow.com commercials are a little out there! We’re having a good time.
I’m hoping that it will be a good decision, my husband’s office is separate and we’re not on each other’s nerves, and I’m able to have 5 hours where I can focus on work and not have the phone ringing, doors knocking, cat and dog clamoring for attention and housework making me feel guilty! Being the procrastinator that I am, I’ll deal with it later!
The blessing of it is that when arthritis comes creeping I’m able to take the time that I need to rest and recuperate. Not a lot of arthritis people in the workplace can do that, either they need to grin and deal with it, or they need to find another job.
At the moment my RA isn’t in the way of my job, but how is it with you? Is your arthritis getting in the way of your career? How have you adapted? I’m all ears!
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Tags: arthritis in workplace, Rheumatoid Arthritis, working with arthritis
Loading ...
RA has definitely affected my work. In the past, when I was still in corporate america, thank goodness I was covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act so that I could take time off (un-paid) when needed because my boss was not happy with the time I was taking off.
Now I am in university administration. For the most part, I have had understanding bosses when I need to come in late or take the day off. I do wish I had my own business or be able to work from home. Because, on some days, just the process of getting to work can wipe me out. Plus. some mornings are rough but I am almost always feeling better in the afternoon.
I am not sure if can handle anymore the stress of a high demanding job or working long hours. At least, I am still able to support myself (which is good since I am single). Some days are harder than others — but I am still able to make it work.
Good luck with going back to work. I am sure everything will work itself out.
Courtney
Courtney,
Thank you for your comment. I understand about the mornings, I get up extra early just so that I can get the stiffness and aches out before the actual day begins at 7 for everyone else in the house. I’m glad to hear that you’ve had some compassionate bosses, but it’s still frustrating especially when you really want to work but you just physically can’t.
I hope the days will turn around and get easier for you!
Thanks again, best of luck~
Audrey
I always read your blog in high spirits. Thanks