Lupus vs teaching

[Celina93]

Hi every one, I suffer from lupus and I'm struggling to keep up with the demands of a teacher. I'm realising it's not for me and I want to change career paths. I don't want to go back uni so I'm just wondering what other career paths I can go down without my salary dropping too much? Any ideas?

Celina x

[sarahalice]

Hi Celina

Very interested in your post, I'm in the exact same position.

Hopefully you will get some replies. As a teacher it is not a 9-5 job it's a 24/7 job and it does get too much. Has your school let you drop days to help you in your situation? I have dropped FT to 3 days and it has helped a bit.

Take care.

[Ellieb123]

Hi Selina, I'm also a teacher who is finding it tough at the moment after a flare up.

I really want to work but I find the demands and stress that accompany teaching are really impacting on my health. Add to the fact that school is a hotbed for every virus and bug and my weakened immune system is feeling the strain.

Any suggestions would be very welcome, but if not, at least be reassured that you are not alone!

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Celina93,

It may be worth speaking to a Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at your local Jobcentre Plus. They can advise you about retraining, seeking appropriate work and any practical support that is available.

You may also find our booklet, 'I Want to Work - A self help guide for people with lupus' helpful. You can read and download it at lupusuk.org.uk/working-with...

[zimmie]

Hi, Regarding the comment about DEA's these are being fazed out by JCP and to be perfectly honest they wasn't much good.

National Careers advice is a great resource to look at.

As for career change i was forced to re think after becoming less able so i went into supporting the disabled and unemployed amongst other things.

Unfortunately for me the present government came into power so almost all of the funding was cut.

Hope it helps

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to zimmie]

Thanks for the tip zimmie

[zimmie in reply to Paul_Howard]

I wasn't in any way being demeaning about your post Paul

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to zimmie]

I didn't feel that you were It's great to have more tips from people who have experience.

[LReed]

I recently gave up teaching as I wasn't coping, without giving the required notice - I did feel guilty! I then was diagnosed with MCTD. This has happened within the last couple of weeks so the hydroxychloroquine is still kicking in. I too have spoken to my Disability Employment Adviser, his initial suggestions for me were working with the disabled or a placement with prospects. It might be worth your while talking to your DEA, they will have contacts and help you think more about transferable skills. I would advise you to always be open to more training. I'm trying to see this as a possibility for positive change, perhaps a whole new direction. Check the job sites, the job centre advises too to look for vacancies on facebook and LinkedIn these days. See what changes you can make to take a pay cut. Good luck!

[Celina93]

Thanks everyone all of your comments have been very useful. I'm going to look into national careers advice first and then speak to my boss about working less days. Thanks every one! X

[zimmie]

Have you thought about access to work?

They are supposed to be there to help people stay in work, part funded by your employer.