There has been a lot of positive stuff recently about returning to work.
Some because 'How would I survive without, financially'?
Some 'It's getting back to normal'
I'm confused about what to do.
I'm a teacher--have specialised in Special Needs for umpteen years (Noah's son was afraid of drowning!)
and after my dad's death in 2005, decided I'd had enough of it all and it was 'time for me', albeit on a reduced income.
I applied for, and took, early retirement--then was begged to go back 2 days a week in the dedicated Autistic Provision of the school. I decided I would try it for a year (giving it my all, as have done in every job)
Got first symptoms of my jaw cancer in January this year, in spite of increasing pain and swelling whilst waiting for appointments, carried on working until the day was called from school to have my biopsy at end of May.
The rest of diagnosis, further diagnosis, incurable status is history.
Now, as I look, and sometimes feel, okay, people have started asking me if/when I'm going back to work.
Most of me wants to enjoy whatever/whenever time I have left--but one little part says that 'officially' saying I'm not going back means I'm totally accepting the 'death' diagnosis. You know the 'Do what you need to whilst you still can' bit?
Finance isn't much of an issue--plus I rally WANT to come to CA and see my daughter, but don't feel well enough right now and can't get insurance anyway!
Anyone got any thoughts on this one for me??

Brenda

Brenda, If you love your job with a passion, perhaps going back to it is the right thing to do. If not, and if you don't need to go back for financial reasons, do what you DO love with a passion. Don't look at it as "accepting the death diagnosis" (except in the sense that we all have a death diagnosis hanging over us), look at it as being more aware of the value of your life.

My "2 cents" as they say on this side of the pond.

Nelie

I did love it with a passion Nelie--I SOOOOOOOOOO love the kids! But the paperwork, the 'new and uncommitted' colleagues, the physical demands as well as the emotional and mental ones--just don't feel 'up to them' any more---but then feel a wuss/wimp for feeling like that!
Bren

Bren, step back love aand smell the coffee.If you can find enough things to do to fill your day then why put yourself through the aggro of all that beurocracy paperwork and stress.

Why not go back as a volunteer,work when you feel like it and when you dont then dont.Let someone else have the responsibility and you have the fun part.
Come and visit me lol or i will come and visit you.Do things that make you happy Bren thats what is all about.


You could always do a Jane Tomlinson and start training for next years Great North Run..


liz xxx

Hi Brenda-

I agree with Liz, maybe you could do some volunteer work in the classroom, or tutor some kids individually, on your own timeframe?

I quit my job when I found out about my new diagnoses, although I was an office manager and there wasn't much personal fufillment in it anyway. But my life these days is about enjoying every moment and making things easy on my family. I struggled a lot at first with that whole "what should I do with the time I have left". For me it's really about the little everyday pleasures rather than big things like climbing Mount Everest or going on a cruise round the world. I enjoy spending lots of time with my son, but I also have daycare(since I spend a ton of time getting treatments). Since I have the daycare available I can also do things like see a movie in the middle of the day, have lunch with a friend, cook up an elaborate dinner, or spend a few hours bargain hunting.
So if you can find a way to work a little on your terms, and that makes you feel good, you should go for it. Otherwise, I recommend a life of leisure!
Melissa

Brenda-
One more thing, about coming to CA to see your daughter - have you thought about just coming anyway, without the insurance? If you started feeling bad you could just get a flight home, right?
I'm thinking about a trip to Prague to visit a friend in a few months, and if I can't get travel coverage, I might just wing it.

Brenda


MY advice ... Follow your heart , but listen to your body . I know you LOVE those kids and I know the impact that they have on your life , as I too work with Autistic children.

So we both know as well the physical strain it takes on you and the mental and emotional. For me I needed it I felt it was best for me and finacially it was needed. BUt now I am out for 8 weeks AGAIN ! UGHHHHH

You need to reach deep and decide, Maybe you can go very limited part time or even volunteer so that you have that contact but not nessacarilly the responsibilty. I know I am not staying away for 8 weeks I can't . And I know you understand why ..I had just gotten instructional control, I cant stay away for 8 weeks and go back in or I am at square one and it will be sooo physical when I go back .

So I am going to go in every now and then to visit and sit in so that they see me there and still know that I am there .BUT I wont be dealing with behaviors. SO I hope you can search your heart and do what is best for you ... CA sounds awful nice too !!


Shar