About Employment

The pursuit of a career is something I’ll talk more about in Section 16 "Prepare for Your Future." However, I wanted to take a moment here to share some things with you about employment. The severity of your illness may or may not make holding down a job difficult for you. In time, you’ll learn for yourself what your limits are. If you find you are unable to work, please know you have nothing to be ashamed about. The Government has programs that can help you. I’m talking about this because I know how difficult it can be to say, “No, I’m not employed.” When I was in my twenties, I found this to be especially challenging to have to admit.

When you’re older and meet somebody new, the common get to know you question is, “What do you do for a living?” When going to college, I didn’t feel quite as bad about myself when I told people I didn’t have a job. After college, however, there was a time when I felt a hint of shame in having to say I wasn’t employed. Thankfully I got over that.

Maturing a little—after all, I do collect Yoda’s—I finally realized there is no shame in having to confess, “I’m permanently disabled.” However, because I work at keeping myself busy, I’m able to tell people, “I spend much of my time reading, I’m somewhat of an artist, and I enjoy writing. In fact, I’ve been working on a book I hope to have published.” Just because my illness prevents me from having a full-time job—and that may not be so for you—that doesn’t mean I don’t work at something.

I recently received a wonderful compliment from a friend. He mentioned to me at church one day how impressed he is by people who work when they don’t have to. “You for example,” he commented. “You can’t work. But you always keep yourself busy with your artwork and various projects. I’ve always admired that about you.” I have to say, it felt good to have somebody I respect, recognize that I work to at being productive.

If your situation proves to be similar to mine—which it may not—try to apply these same principals to your life. Learn to feel comfortable telling people the truth. Try not to be embarrassed about your condition. Build your self-confidence by actively keeping yourself busy with a variety of activities. Be productive. This will be a valuable tool in maintaining your self-esteem.

Remember, your life has value. You are a person of importance. You have talents, skills, strengths, and qualities that make you a unique person of great worth. There is much you can contribute to the lives and the world around you. You have the ability to achieve many wonderful things. All you have to do is believe in yourself and work to make it happen.