Looking for suggestions. Good paying jobs that don't require a great deal of manual dexterity, writing, or psychological stress?
My current job is getting harder to do. I am a tech in a cardiac catheterization lab where i assist physicians with image guided diagnostic and interventional procedures.I have to be fast. Putting the micro catheters on the guidewires is like threading needles as fast as possible, in a poorly lit procedure room. And everything is life or death urgency. This is too stressful. Im about ready to get the heck out of this business after almost 20 years! My base pay is about 67,000 a year but with on call and overtime it can be low 80,000s. Looking for ideas. Going back to school might be too much for me too.
Thanks for your input!
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bassofspades
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I am in the United States and I absolutely have thought about that. Discussed it with my wife but i think I need to work. A few reasons, if i dont have to work i might just wither away and get worse. It would also be more pressure on my wife to try to earn more to make up the difference. Disability doesn't pay very much .
Yes. Im trying to arrange cross training in ct or mri imaging. Still welcoming suggestions from outside the box
Hi bassofspades. Information Technology is the right place to be. You will make more than what you are currently making at your very first successful job after retraining!!
You can start with remote/online training at no cost. Look up hackreactor. Their next class starts in a couple of weeks. They will however take a percentage of your paycheck once you get a job. BTW, this is coding.
I’m not sure how your mobility and energy is at the moment or where you live but would a job that involved walking around outside be feasible? That would combine therapy with work although the pay may not be what you’re used to. I would worry that sitting still at a computer may not be good for you. I have found my husband is always worse when he sits at a computer for long stretches.
Not sure what it could involve but maybe postie, deliveries, or even checking bait traps for conservation department for example. There must be many active jobs but I’m not sure what your physical disabilities would allow.
Maybe if you can do malayappans suggestion parttime and something physical part time too it would be good. His sounds like good pay, challenging and using your brain. But don’t get sucked into sitting at a PC for hours on end or it may be counterproductive for your health.
Work doesn’t have to be for pay . There are lots of volunteers required for all sorts eg delivering meals to elderly, sports coaching for kids.. it’s endless. If you can earn enough in the other job part time you might be able to find something in your interests and hobbies you can do a few hours of physical work and interacting with people which I would count as therapy.
The advantage with volunteer work is if you don’t feel up to it it’s easier to withdraw.
Unfortunately, the very presence of the “ anxiousness” which you describe is the basis of human success. The ability to go forward in life despite all odds, all obstacles and all negativity is the “thing” that differentiates success from failure.
I had been a lifelong procrastinator with several novels and books in the “oven” so to speak and the excuse I present and have presented is similar to yours. I claim that I have no time, but I do have time to lay back and watch TV. Bless my wife for letting me do that for all these years. I have had and still do have a comfortable IT job that has kept my family comfortable for all these years. Unfortunately, I did not manage my money well, so I am still having to work with this cursed condition that leaves me extremely exhausted despite lack of physical effort needed for the job.
It does not help that our condition also manifests lack of motivation, which is the reason that I present these days for not continuing to work on my books. Deep down inside, I know that it is somehow not really true.
Yes, I understand that. I am not meaning to sound condescending. Sorry if I came across that way!
I am just worried you will end up damaging yourself if you take up sedentary job in front of a computer for too many hours a day. Unfortunately that kind of role pays well but if means it makes you worse and you can’t work at all sooner then it may be false economy.
My friend has a great job working for the dept of conservation in nz. She does a bit of visiting parks and checking bait in pest traps. She also does a bit of guiding visitors around the parks and answering questions. Visiting schools and talking to kids about conservation. She gets paid averagely well. Keeps her fit! This may not be your cup of tea or expertise but there may be something in your line of work or interests that would achieve the same ends.
I think even if you didn’t need the money your wife is right, you need to work or you can go down that deep hole of apathy and depression. That’s why I suggested volunteering if nothing else comes up. Sounds like you do already, so that’s great. It stops the apathy, may keep you fit, gives you purpose and contact with people. Then if the dream job comes along you will still be active and able. Trouble is once you wind down it’s hard to wind back up again, even for people without apathy from PD. I always found if you take a holiday of 6 weeks or more it’s so hard to get motivated to go back to work.
Hi LAJ12345. I wanted to dispel some myths about the IT lifestyle that you may have gleaned from the popular opinion. It could be less sedentary if you are committed to making it so. Great examples are available options for standing and typing using special tables for this popular option. Sometimes you can also get a mobile station on a treadmill. Employers will accommodate if you ask for them and if you are persistent enough. I find that for Parkinson’s patients, the most difficult thing to deal with is lethargic attitude that is the hallmark of the disease and this is fueled by the apathy that is absolutely pervasive. I hate the lack of motivation and have to do everything in my power to overcome the dull emotional pain that accompanies it.
Money is not the only reason for working, but it is a good reason. Going to the doctor and getting good treatment and medicine requires a lot of money and for me that is absolutely necessary in the USA. Without money, I would have been dead years ago from diabetes. Of course, in retrospect, I may have been better off dead rather than dealing with the Parkinson’s, which appears to be a consequence of diabetes, based on evolve research.
I should strongly agree with you that social interaction is vital for survival of Parkinson’s patients. I used to scoff at my wife’s suggestion that perhaps my speech issues are due to lack of social contact. I have gone for days and sometimes weeks without talking to others. I could hardly put two sentences together without the rest of my speech becoming unintelligible. I was on comfortable short term disability for barely 6 months and the effects were devastating. I never understood why prisoners needed interaction with other prisoners. Now after coming out of my self made prison, I know why. Communication with others might cease with as little as a few months of no talking or little talking to other people. Now I am back in the work force and I am recovering. I am amazed.
For the record, I think that IT folks are overcompensated. But I think one should ride the IT bus if possible. If you don’t do it, someone else will be happy to do it. I am amazed at how much I have been compensated compared to other professionals with a similar amount of training. The only other professionals who earn more than the IT professionals are doctors and lawyers. They have to do more work and sacrifice more. IT is a great spot for Parkinson’s patients who want a job where they won’t be judged by other people.
Life is good, hard or short depending on the person. I have a different perspective on life after my dad passed away in July and I had to cremate him. It was an intense experience - up close and personal at a Hindu crematorium. I push my dad’s dead body into the gas furnace while reciting Sanskrit mantras. I am still processing the surge of emotions that I experienced with that action and the enormous pain I felt from the realization that after 82 years of vibrant life on this planet, my dad was reduced to ashes in a mere half hour. I have seen western Christian burials and the whole process is so sanitized and aloof that one never gets the enormity of the thing.
I now appreciate the fact that when people feel the need to commit suicide, they do so by making a similar rationale. Why wait until tomorrow to encounter the fate that we can face today? What do we get from living if it all ends tomorrow?
I believe that we should make the best of what we have and Parkinson’s has become a limitation that we need to overcome one way or the other without hesitation. I have no time for volunteering and other selfless service. I would rather help myself and not be a burden to others.
Thanks for your reply. My husband was in IT. Maybe that’s why he now feels comfortable sitting in front of the P C for hours. I know options are available to make it more active but he just wouldn’t. I try to get him to take a break every 30 minutes- hour and do stretches or hand exercises etc but he won’t. Apathy again.
The best thing I’ve done is get a Labrador puppy and now a job is to walk it. Fortunately he has taken to this with gusto and it something he can still do. He talks to it and laughs at it and it won’t let him be if it wants a walk with it’s ball! It curls up to him on the couch to watch football. It could have been a disaster but it has been brilliant! Ticks all the boxes!
If you have experience of working in cath lab then surely you would know the tools and can work as sales agent between manufactures and hospitals , clinics in different countries.You can work from anywhere in the world.
Thanks kia. Clinical reps and sales reps usually require a bachelor's plus i think the stress of that profession would be a trigger for my symptoms, if i had to do face to face representation. I thought about that, i just think it would be too much pressure for me.
Bass, steer clear of computers, MRIs and CTs. EMF is hazardous not just to PwP, but everyone! My husband retired last August after sitting in front of computers most of his career as CYBER SECURITY Manager. He might be paying dearly his career field. . . Away from EMF emission!
I also hope you don't get the flu shots every year. Hard to have a job without having to stare in front of a computer or smart phones. Technology is killing humanity.
Wellllllll....my job requires me to get a flu shot or else I have to wear a mask all day. Im thinking parking lot attendant, fresh air and no stress, just collect money! I just need to buy meself a parking lot in st Augustine !
Hi there. I understand about the stress and wanting to get out . I was looking at trying to medically retire and get my pension and SSdisability retirement . I’m in California , have been with the school district for 23 years . However , met with my pension no problem with them but SS said I make too much money a month , I don’t qualify . WTH? I have to be on disability for at least a year before I can apply for SS medical retirement . I was so defeated . I had all my paper work, my medical file ect . They want you to be destitute I guess before your can get SS medical retirement or work until you can’t move anymore. Good luck out there. I may be going out with a hamstring surgery, not the graceful way I wanted but oh well. Karen
There is a difference between SSI and SSDI. SSI is for low income people & SSDI is for people that have paid into SS & make over a certain amount (I believe $1200/month).
I receive SSDI, a pension and LTD (long term disability from my employer, it's paid until I'm 65). California may be different, but I don't believe there is an upper limit on how much your income is for you to be able to get paid SSDI. Because I no longer have certain deductions (401K, charities, etc), and don't spend as much on lunches gas and clothes, I actually have a bit more money.
My sister-in-law said she didn't think I should go on disability either. She thought I would get worse if I quit & just sit around & get worse. But now, I got rid of the stress from work, I can workout more & I get more done around the house and with friends, etc. I also do more research on PD, etc. I keep moving.
Here are some websites that will answer some of your questions. Let me know if you have any questions for me.
Tips:. When completing the paperwork have someone help you and when describing your symptoms, think of your worst day. Also, tell them it's a progressive disease. Believe it or not, some people don't know much about PD.
Thanks . Yes I was applying for SSDI but was told I don’t qualify I make too much money . The school district I work for does not pay into state disability , but I’ve always paid into a private company disability , cancer Ins , heart ect. I will have to go that route for at least a year before I can apply for SSDI. 😔. I had all my paperwork , my medical file, my job discriptions ect. I was very prepared. I sat down and she asked how much I grossed per month and I responded , she said you don’t qualify . You make too much money . This system is messed up!!!! Thank you and when I apply again , I may call on you for advice. Karen
I worked in a large group cardiologist office. We had a few people that worked in the cath lab come run the pacemaker clinic. Just a though, good luck to you.
My ideal job was in Security. I was able to pace myself better, concerning the physical ailments that I have to deal with every day. Retail store security would be way too stressful. Armed guard security also would be way too stressful. Patrolling a business, hotel security, and hospital security were good job fits for me, when I was working. Just an idea! Sorry to hear that you feel you have to give up your current job. As rewarding as it may make you feel, a fast paced job, where you have to have good manual dexterity, like putting micro catheters, on guide wires is not good at all, for people who have lost fine motor skill ability. Many years ago, I worked an assembly line job, and, as my fine motor skills became slower, and stiffer, due to Ataxia, and PD, I would never be able to do any work, that requires fine motor skills, now. I would think that playing a stringed instrument would be a problem for me now. Actually, I can’t even handle screwing in a screw, with a screwdriver anymore, and it takes me several minutes to just button a shirt up. I’m in my mid 70’s and retired now, so I can deal better with loss of fine motor skills, than I could during my working years. So, finding a job where fine motor skills are required, will not be in your best interests, as you know. Good luck, and I sincerely hope you will find the type of job that suits your abilities the best! Keep us informed!
I'm also in healthcare. My first suggestion would be to move to another job in healthcare that is not so stressful. Although it is not thinking outside the box, it may give you time to explore other options under less stress. You don't need to jump off a cliff, you can climb down. My second suggestion would be to look in education. School bus driver, crossing guard, custodian, school office. They have good benefits and socialization opportunities. Short distance truck driver is another option. I would definitely stay away from sales....too much stress. IT may be ok but my typing is my main issue, so think about the manual dexterity to type. Anything working with people can add stress and be energy draining, but it can also give you energy through socialization. It has to have the right balance. I've always wanted to own a campground, so the trailer park doesn't sound bad. Parking garage will put you with lots of car fumes. My friend with quite advanced PD is having to leave his job due to balance and speech issues. He is looking into warehouse work operating a fork lift. He plans to do that and collect disability (you can work some on disability). I'm starting to look into options of alternate work myself to relieve stress and provide more physical ease. You aren't alone.
Owning storage rental units can be lucrative. I have an older friend who is a courier for a large reference lab - he loves it. Give bass lessons, but charge for them? Maybe get serious about down-sizing, cutting expenses to help lessen stress. Good luck!
I have the absolute perfect career for me. I started a pet sitting business abiut 7 years ago, before I identified my PD, and it has grown into something incredible.
Here are the reasons it's perfect for PD:
- active. I can accept dog walking jobs which keep me on my feet, fast walking, with beautiful dogs by my side keeping me from giving in the the pain
- I set the pace. I can cut back on clients when I need more rest or advertise when I need more money.
- manual dexterity not required. I can't type, write, or handle money because my fingers get all stupid on me.
- built-in stress reducing technology. Dogs who want belly rubs. Cat who purr and make biscuits on my lap as long as I will sit still for it.
- can't get fired. Even if I get too sick for dog walks, which is coming, I can give up those clients and keep the easy ones. As long as I can drive, I can show up to a house and let the dogs out to pee and sit in the patio with them and fill food and water bowls. $20 a pop really adds up when you're sipping coffe or enjoying sunsets in the company of dozens of pets.
- other reasons I can't think of right now and I have to run take my son to work.
I believe God set me up with this perfect job situation because I never would've had the foresight to plan this perfectly.
And when did you decide that? Yes, because we're talking about your decision.
Come on ..... when did you decide that?
From then on it was like this and it will be like this: too stressful.
Solution: find out when you decided, change your decision and you'll see that that "too much stress" will be a little "less too much" and you can go back to doing your job well.
synthesis: I, in your shoes, would not abandon a job that you know how to do well and you are well paid. (maybe)
Hey guess what! I ran into my director this morning and she said that she spoke with the head of the CT Scan department. She said she told him my whole story about how i have Parkinson's and the Cath Lab is eventually going to be more pressure than I can handle, but that I would like to cross train in CT, and she said he was very excited to get me when the time comes! So i have an option and a future opportunity! And one of the greatest things in life is to have options !
Meanwhile, today turned out to be one of the good days. I had a patient come in through the emergency department having a heart attack , it was my turn to scrub, and it was with a doctor i never worked with before. Well, i rocked it, we saved her life, and the doc was happy too. Actually, he turned out to be a really great guy, and all through the procedure he was telling me how he was having such a good time. I had to share that.
bass, it sounds like it was like one of your best days recently and you were definitely rockin' it!
Aren't great options the best! Congrats bass, everybody could use days like that and judging by your recent posts, it sounds like you definitely needed one and helping to save a life along the way today, priceless!
I am very happy for you. One word of advice. Get the training and option to move now. I had a great boss and he protected me for two years until the entire team was laid off. Including him!
Unfortunately, the rules of this job game does not change just because you and I have this disease. It only becomes worse and then the ruthless ones in the work place wait for an opportunity to take you out.
Sometimes I wonder what I get by being nice to people.
Every little victory counts so I'm adding this - the new doctor did another heart cath with me the next day and afterwards went to my boss and told her all these great things about me!! This is important because I get a lot of complaints from doctors because of my bradykinesia and shaking hands which understandably makes me appear less confident and competent than I really am.
I don’t understand. Why would your doctor colleagues complain? Of all people, one would expect them to know about Parkinson’s and be more compassionate and helpful.
Unfortunately though, I believe that once you get a visibly observable disease like Parkinson’s, you lose all credibility at work.
I work with more than 40 doctors. Very few of them know I have pd. Some are cool and some are assholios. Most, fortunately, are cool, though.
I guess I try to hide it . I don't want to be known as the guy with Parkinson's disease . Its a psychological thing i don't fully understand myself. My excuse is i have a neurotransmitter imbalance . Which is true, I just hate to call it Parkinson's disease . I hate having this disease, as we all do! I don't want any sympathy from these people . I want to try to overcome.
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