This is my very 1st post so I hope I'm doing this right...
So it has been 2 years since my AVM rupture. I spent 1 year in therapy, another year volunteering at a hospital. Currently I am attending community collage. My doctor says "Do not take more then 1 class." stupid me took 2 and I was unable to keep-up. I want to return to the workforce however my doctor says "Only for 2 or 3 times a week"
So that brings me to my inquiry.
"Where can AVM survivors find employment?"
Some of us have extreme fatigue, paralysis, others have memory issues, vision loss, etc, etc.
Where in the world can we find work? or is it overly optimistic to think that 2 or 3 years is enough time to go back to work?
There is so much I don't know and so much the doctors can not risk.
Hi Shogo. I have one word of advice...PERSEVERENCE! I copied this from another webpage...
The story goes that "Thomas Edison failed more than 1,000 times when trying to create the light bulb". When asked about it, Edison allegedly said, "I have not failed 1,000 times. I have successfully discovered 1,000 ways to NOT make a light bulb."
The idea is that -- even if you try and fail, it doesn't mean that you didn't learn something.
Now Shogo it just might take you longer to reach your goal but NEVER GIVE UP.
I've been trying several stratigies to get employment.
One place I sent out my resume is to Physical Therapy clinics. Apparently you don't need any prier experience to begin working as a PT-aide. Who better then a former patient to help new patients. Plan B is to go to employment offices/temp agencies to find openings for the handicapped/disabled. I dropped my resume off at retirement homes but I was told they have enough workers and rather have volunteers instead (because they don't need to pay for them)
Any one else out there that has this kind of dilemma?
Barbara H. said:
Hi Shogo. I have one word of advice...PERSEVERENCE! I copied this from another webpage...
The story goes that "Thomas Edison failed more than 1,000 times when trying to create the light bulb". When asked about it, Edison allegedly said, "I have not failed 1,000 times. I have successfully discovered 1,000 ways to NOT make a light bulb."
The idea is that -- even if you try and fail, it doesn't mean that you didn't learn something.
Now Shogo it just might take you longer to reach your goal but NEVER GIVE UP.
The therapist aide sounds like a very viable job (& sellable point you made - as your insight would be valuable). Instead of wondering what ‘any ole job’ you can get, perhaps think about what really interests you & think of ways to make that happen. Even though our ‘circumstances’ aren’t the best during this AVM ordeal (& yes, we would be happy to just have our old lives & routine(s) back), it is a ‘fresh start’… a ‘refresh button’ to finally be able to go in the direction that will allow us to do what we truly want to do or what really matters to us. Hope you will be able to find a way to be able to do what you truly want to do. Good luck in your endeavor… I wish you all the best!
I am a full time home tutor with spinal avm, yes it is a fresh start, but quite workable for me. I get to exercise from all the walking(to the kids' homes, on average about 1.5 hrs a day) and being self-employed saved me from being discriminated by bosses. Maybe some web-based business is a good idea, depending on one's talents, abilities and interests? One important thing is to have a Never-say-die atitude.
Kind of late to the party but at the time of your writing, we are in the same boat. I too, am looking for a job. Can't do my old one due to the AVM. Any luck?
Basically the same hurdles here. Released from employer because deemed unable to perform the duties. Very hard to find meaningful work with this glaring flag. Ideas of worth that fits with the disabilities is tricky, at best.
I will start school at a community collage in a week, and have been putting out applications for two weeks. I have been having a hard time even getting an interview. I meet with career services at the community collage, and they helped me reformat my resume' to reduce the emphasis of my work gap. They also did a interview with me, and gave me tips on how to handle the question "What was the reason you left your last employment?" They told me not to tell them of my current risk until after I'm hired_ which I have a hard time with. They even have a job board for current students. I would suggest finding out what is available to you at the school. I hope this helps. I know it is hard trying to get back into action! I wish you the best of luck!
Shogo, every AVM recovery is different. You have a very smart doctor. It takes time for our brains to heal. For me, I no longer work, but I watch my Grandaugter at times and I can only handle 3 hours at a time, then I get brain tired. As your doctor said, if you can find a part time job, start slowley, but as Barbara said, NEVER GIVE UP! I wish you the best!
Maybe this is a good time to go back to school...that's what my son did. He's 29 and on the reccommendation of his Neurologist and Speech Therapist entered college. He was able to get a Pell Grant and although he only taking 3 courses is doing well. He has plans to get an Associates Degree to pursue writing. Disability Services at the local university were a God send. Employers are impressed with someone who has a disability but turns it into an Ability.
hi all. I was an electrician enginner, but after a year out, i went back to colooege, tried my skills as a graphic webdesigner. Which i have been, for over 11 years now. But itsvery stresful - my aphasia is pretty steep, and my communication skills put me on edge all the time. So im happy i got a nice job and its something i wanted, but working in an office as aAVM survivor, its tough. Im going to have abreak this year - i might try and be a postman or something.......
Hi, there is no rush on the employment front, only you are the best judge of your boundaries and limitations, but this doesn't mean that you cannot extend the boundaries in time, For me I've been off work for a year, and I am ver excited to return to work in March this year hopefully in a part time capacity :o)
Hi - I read this from a White Paper on LinkedIn and thought that it was worth sharing. In essence, it talks about 9 questions that are asked internally before hiring.
In addition to knowing what your strengths are, knowing your limitations, wondering if discrimination is taking place or not even though there are laws to protect against this, etc., it is also important to see how you’re filling a need by what is going on in the company you apply to.
Some of the questions that professionals are thinking about include:
-What types of jobs are we hiring?
-How many will we need to hire and when?
-What attributes and skills do candidates need to succeed here?
-How will we select candidates?
It helps to also see another perspective…and it’s easier if a rejection happens, to realize why it wasn’t a good fit anyway, and you can feel confident with the next opportunity.
Shogo N, hi! What I did- went back to the job I was comfortable with, and told them of my health history and just be honest. I told them I would do my best and trust God that He will pull me through. I applied to the places with people I used to work with. That's when the saying - "don't burn any bridges because you will never know when you have to ask for help." My neurosurgeon told me to go back to work as soon as possible. And that's what I did. Of course, it was very hard, both physically and mentally. As what the Barbara said below_ perseverance.... be patient with yourself. Seek support from family or close friends and most of all- from the Lord our God and church. (I don't know if you are religious or not but my faith played a very big role in my recovery.) Good luck and don't lose hope.....if you don't succeed, try and try again!
There are several jobs survivors can do in my opinion...it all depends on individual cases and what things may affect some in areas of work...Im sure you will find something that suits your needs you just need to stay positive and strong...God bless!