Work Woes, 21st Century Addition
Full disclosure I'm dictating this to a word processor in my computer. Because if I type it with my fingers, I'll make so many mistakes it takes 4 times longer than just saying it and having the computer transcribe it.
I'm 54 years old. I would diagnosed with MS at the age of 31. I am fortunate that I have had no relapses for about 18 years, and a pretty clean MRI, despite old lesions. But my challenge now is that my workplace, where I have been an admin assistant for 14 years, is changing, and becoming much more ‘data-driven’. Because my hands are clumsy, and my eyes are slow, and I get dizzy, and my bladder freaks out all the time, etc., etc.; I'm having a very hard time keeping up with this change.
My boss is fully aware of my MS condition, but doesn't seem to care. She's very gung ho about making sure that I work just as hard as everybody else. I suppose she's entitled to demand that people keep up with their jobs, but this job has changed from what I took it originally. And I'm not sure I can keep up with it anymore. I may have to start looking for something simpler and easier come up but does that still exist?
I've read about this phenomenon of progression without evidence on an MRI, but I'm not sure that applies to me. I suspect that what is really happening is that I'm simply getting older, and the negative effects of the exacerbations I had in the past are now coming home to roost so to speak.
Next month I'm going to train to learn more computers or things. I'm hoping to get away from where I work, but I suspect that things won't be any better at a new workplace, and that I may not even be employable because of these reasons.
For years and years I acted like nothing was wrong. I pretended I could overcome the disease. But the truth is that I did not. And now in the brave new world, I feel useless and frankly, unemployable.
Hi there. I'm 55 years old and feel exactly the same way. I've been lucky to be able to work as a freelancer, part-time from home, but I feel/am less marketable every single day and more frustrated with how the MS (like you, no relapses in many years) is increasingly affecting me.
Just a couple weeks ago I asked my neuro why I feel like my symptoms are getting worse when my MRIs are clean and she said that as we get older, it's harder for the body to accommodate (I think that was the word) for the lesions. Essentially, the MS isn't getting worse, but our bodies are. So...exactly what you're saying.
You are working full-time though, so you must be employable. Look around for something else - it can't hurt - and it may help you feel better about your options.
I feel for you. I'm sorry...
Thank you for this reply. It means a lot to me to hear from someone in the same boat.
Hi
. Please don't let this situation and this supervisor make you feel you are less than worthy of full-time work. You might have clumsy fingers and slow eyes, but you have decades of experience that I am sure are quite valuable. I can't help but wonder whether she might be trying to push you out by challenging you more than necessary and making you feel uncomfortable. If that is the case, you might want to talk with a lawyer about whether your rights are being violated under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you feel this is the natural progression of the company's workforce and that it is too much for you, then go ahead and look for work that relies on your nontechnical skills more than this one. There are many, many employers who will value your loyalty and your work ethic over your speed with technology. Keep in mind that it can take the average person a good year to find a new job,. So don't get discouraged if it takes you a while as well. Your MS is not likely the problem. It's this whole online world of applying for and interviewing for jobs. It's great in that it gives both employers and potential employees more reach and in that it's more convenient. But it also means tons of people are applying for each opening. You have to connect with the right job and the right person. That can take some patience. You've got this and we are here to support you as you go through the process. Thinking of you and wishing you the very best. - Lori (Team Member) Thank you, Lori, for this very encouraging reply. I appreciate your thoughtful words.
