Change of job because of Fibro?

[ecgm33]

I was diagnosed late last year with fibro. It’s been causing a lot of sick days or me being sent home from work because of the pain and exhaustion.

I work as a teaching assistant in a behavioural needs school and often feel like I have to be on the ball all the time otherwise it’s picked up on.

I really don’t want to give up work and can’t afford to. I don’t want to quit and have to find another job as I’ll feel like a failure, but I’m struggling with the confidence knocks each time I can’t cope and how it affects my mental health.

I’m still in my probation period as started the job not long before I was diagnosed. The stress of being in probation whilst fighting the symptoms is hard work alone.

Has anyone else had to change their job or career because of struggling with symptoms and consequently job role?

[Gigiruth]

Hi ecgm33I was diagnosed in 2010 after years of pain.

I had an Occupational Health Assessment.

They were very helpful and I had advice from my trade union.

My employer allowed me to work alternate days to help with fatigue. I could also go home at short notice if I needed as when fatigue strikes I must get home quick or will have to leave my car.

I did not finish this job until 2022. Having the reasonable adjustments lowered my stress a bit.

They also extended the number of days sick before action taken.

Have you asked for an OHS or talked to your union?

You can find details of reasonable adjustment on gov.uk.

I trained in those years for another career that I do now by telephone from home self employed so I decide how many hours I do.

I wish you well on your journey

Hugs

Gigi

[ecgm33 in reply to Gigiruth]

thank you, I will chase up the OCH assessment as they said they are going to organise it for me.

In terms of reducing my days or hours, I can’t afford to which is a problem otherwise I would… this is why I’ve been questioning whether it’s something I can maintain!

[smiile]

Hi. I feel your pain.

Everyone is different. For me in the same job as yourself l find it so rewarding and challenging but to manage I had to reduce my hours and space my days apart. So now it is a low paid but rewarding job that keeps me active in a paced way. I couldn’t do it full time though.

Good luck xx

[ecgm33 in reply to smiile]

it’s a very rewarding job on the good days and I do want to stay, I’m just worried I can’t give as much as is needed!

Wish I could afford to reduce my days or hours but unfortunately that’s not an option for me financially!

Going to try to apply for PIP, which would enable me to reduce my hours if accepted but I hear of so many people being declined and I’m worrie this will just knock my confidence further!

Thank you again xx

[PixieDix]

Hi ecgm33, Have a look at Access to work

gov.uk/access-to-work

Help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability.

I wish you well..