Anyone moved to self employment because of Endo?

[TravelBug83]

Hi All,

I had to leave my last job a year ago due to my Endo symptoms becoming so bad at work and I was vomiting and passing out too often. Such a shame as it was a great job in student education support at a university.

Having had two surgeries in the last year (most recently 2 weeks ago, so I'm a while off healing) I thought I'd now use this time to contemplate possibilities of self employment. A bit scary as I've always had that back up of an employer but as things stand I'm having to accept it's just not realistic to be travelling to work each day or even part time and then having to call in sick so much.

My question is: Has anyone else taken this leap of faith into self employment? And if so, what is it you do and any advice on opportunities to look into?

Thank you so much!

[EndoJaz]

I am self employed and it’s not great having endo and trying to run a business. No sick pay, having to pay and find staff for the cover for ops. Some days just haven’t been able to open my shop due to illness. I am only currently able to work a few days a week but am lucky enough for the business to have picked up, it took around 3 years so lots of patience needed. I can now pay staff a few days a week. It’s rewarding but so hard when you are not a healthy person full of energy. Good luck in what you decide x

[Moonglo]

I asked to go part time because of my endo. Not an easy decision but hubby and I sat down and worked out our finances to see if we could afford it. That was 6 years ago and the best decision, allowing me to go to Dr/hospital appointments on my days off, plus rest and feel crap. I’ve had 2 days off sick since going part time. Xx

[AllthatGlitters]

Hi I work self employed. I decided on this after my employer treated me appallingly due to being off sick and found a way to get me out of the door. I went back into hairdressing which I qualified in many years ago. I have high street premises, it’s hard though as last month I was in hospital for 2 days and had to cancel people. I don’t get sick pay, holiday pay, still have to pay the shop rent regardless of being ill. I would say if you want to work self employed try and do it from home. I am thinking of giving up my shop, its too much to cope with when I am ill, it’s stressful and you never know your earnings.

Sorry if it sounds negative but people think self employment must be great and that you earn heaps of money. It’s not true x

[Afrohair]

I wouldn’t recommend it ive considered it and it’s not worth it cause you don’t get sick pay I’ve had months of work I wouldn’t make nothing self employed currently of now after having a misscarrige seen to be more off than on

[Lejay]

I'm seriously considering going self employed as well since being unemployed for awhile as my endo pain and symptoms have become quite debilitating. I'm waiting on another specialist appointment and further treatment which may involve more surgery and recovery time. I'm studying part time online at the moment working towards working as a virtual assistant and/or do some contract and freelance work so I can work from home. Im still looking into how to get that up and running.

I'm curious to know how others have gone with working from home as a self employed person with Endo.

[Afrohair]

I think we all have these feelings endo takes over our lives we need to get some control back easier said than done.i even feel like quitting this moment as I had a misscarrige and I’m sure it’s endo related just don’t want to go back to work now as I feel my job makes it worse I have to heavy lift and move cages about

[Sophtoots]

I moved into freelance work about two years ago after having very similar issues of fainting at work and feeling like death 24/7. I used to work in public libraries, and I was on my feet all day, constantly interacting with people and doing manual work. I really enjoyed the job, but I realised that my health was the most important thing.

I decided to train as a proofreader/copy editor through a reputable company and started working on small projects on Upwork to build up my experience. I now have a steady stream of work and repeat clients, and I get to work from home! I have to say that it was a hard slog for the first year, and I was extremely lucky to have the support of my partner while I was building my business. There are still days/weeks where I struggle and don't feel like enough work it coming in--if you go freelance, you have to be careful with money and learn how to market yourself/your services. Overall though, it has been the best decision for both my physical and mental health. I hope this helps, and if you have any questions, feel free to message me!

[Stacey85]

I've set up on my own now. Trained to be a nail tech. But as soon as I'm busy I'm hoping I can employ some girls and do the business side of it xx