Finally feel like i've met my 'own'!!

[TanyaG]

Hello Everyone! Just found this site yesterday! I had a family doctor who had no clue what was wrong with me, now I feel cheated out of two years of my life!! I'm really interested in finding out about people who work. Two years ago I opened a high volume, busy, resteraunt on a daily basis....now I can't remember what I did yesterday!~ Are there any services for finding people with epilepsy employment? I want to work, I want to contribute, but I'm embarassed, and I cry a lot as to what I should do!!!


Thanks, TanyaG

 

[epileric]

Welcome T.G.

There are a lot of organizations built to help people with various hardships but I've found that I often am not "disabled" enough to qualify but I do have trouble getting a job as well.

I used to have my own small business and it was easier in some ways to be self-employed.

I will by applying for the March of Dimes soon and see if they can help me, assuming they accept my application. I know they're in the US as well (I'm in Canada).

There are a lot of people here that are a great source of info. Just give it a day or 2 for people to answer you. In the meantime make yourself at home & check the place out.

 

[alivenwell]

In PA, they have a Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation. They assess numerous interests, skills and abilities to place somebody into a workforce. And, they may contribute to training for the career of interest.

 

[TanyaG]

Thanks for writing back so quick! Yea, my Dr. told me I could work, just NOT the work I was doing in 2009!! That's what I'm afraid of: not being disabled 'enough'. It's like a maze of locked doors! Trying to find a job has been a joke at best!!! I'm sure you know too!

Thanks!
TanyaG

 

[alivenwell]

It's just a little trickier than most people go through in their lives. A constant use of our brains to break the system whenever possible. It beats boredom. I work full time and the most challenging part of employment is getting up early for me. Otherwise, I'm fine.

 

[huskymom]

I work full time as well. I have an awesome boss and support system. There is never an issue when I have to leave early or can't come in the next day due to a seizure. I hope you can find the same situation.

 

[Nakamova]

I have an awesome boss too! I work for myself. Okay,to be honest, my boss can be cranky and less-than-helpful... Being self-employed does have advantages in terms of flexibility, and since I work at home, zero commute.

If you're not sure what you want to do or can do, you might want to start out volunteering for an organization. Non-profits tend to be understanding and flexible, and you can meet folks who can help you network to find employment.

Best,
Nakamova

 

[Bernard]

Hi TanyaG, welcome to the forum. :hello:

When my wife found her first job in industry after college, she was up front with them about her epilepsy and it didn't matter to them as long as she had a note from her doctor saying that it was being treated and she was able to do the job she was seeking. YMMV.

 

[TanyaG]

See, I dont know if my Dr. was just greedy or what, I had been hired for a part time job, I was honest with the boss and yes he asked for a Dr.'s note, So I called my Dr. and I said: i need a note saying i can work, well they wanted me to make an apt. 125.00 dollars mind you, i dont have insurance, nor did i have that money floating in my pocket. Well it didnt matter, it was like the old resteraunt work I had to quit from the first time, 'black outs galore'. I just couldnt get my head around that at all! AND he's the one who told me I could work!