At last......................

[PJ68]

Hi everyone!

I wanted to share with you my news!!

Many of you may remember my horrendous ordeal in May 2012 when I had to face a Dismissal Hearing at work. This was due to me having to Cimzia injections and give up part of my role as main first aider. It was a stressful and very painful time - and I decided to take a reduction in my hours, and then concentrate on finding another job.

Well......... I started applying for jobs in December 2011, I applied for over 150 and even went to night school and took two courses in book keeping - Oh and I passed with flying colours!!!!

I applied for a job on the 27th September, along with 6 other jobs, and like all of the ones I had previously applied for just put it out of my mind. The following Thursday I had a Dexascan (not good news!) and after many tears saw that I had a missed call, and drove home from work feeling quite scared and down. I had another message on my home phone and upon listening two both messages it appeared that I was invited for an interview. I really didn't not feel like attending, but put on brave voice and rang them back.

I went for the interview on the Friday, I instanly took to the two ladies interviewing me, I felt relaxed and confident - until the question of hours came up and I explained why my hours had been reduced. I told them about my RA and thought, being honest, that I probably didn't stand a chance.

At 4.30, less than 2 hours after my interview I was told that the job was mine!!! I was overcome with emotion and so happy!

So on Monday 7th October, I had great delight in handing my notice. I am going to be a Fincance Assistant, in a school, working 30 hours a week. But the best thing is that the staff get RA, understood the condition and can not do enough to make sure I am happy and confortable in my new role!

I am sharing this with you, as it has been such a long journey for me, but I never gave up! I knew if I kept strong, I would be given the break I needed in a role that I could excel in but that I would be respected for my condition and who I am. Don't get me wrong - I have had days upon days where I felt like giving up, that no one would employ me with so many things wrong with me. So please, if you are a similar position - don't give up - something better will be waiting for you, like me something that will help my RA and also build my confidence.

I have started my new job already - just in the afternoons - and I can honestly say I love it!!

Take care all

love Pen xx

[Hidden]

Bob here

Congratulations

[PJ68 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!!

[mattcass]

Hi Pen Very well done and congratulations on your new job hope it all goes well for you, I myself have just started back 4 weeks ago and will decide if I want to continue or retire on ill health. Matt

[PJ68 in reply to mattcass]

Thank you Matt! I hope what ever happens that you are happy - its hard but sometimes our health has to come first! Good luck and take care xx

[Dotty7]

Hi Pen

That is brilliant news. Very well done indeed for all your hard work and determination - so pleased for you.

Dotty xx

[PJ68 in reply to Dotty7]

Thank you Dotty!

[Rosie_rabbit]

Pen that is amazing news congratulations and really well done to you.

Being happy at work has made an incredible difference to me and coping with my RA.

Take care Pen and enjoy, you really deserve it.

It's just so lovely to hear some really good news and success On here in spite of RA

Rx

[PJ68 in reply to Rosie_rabbit]

Thank you - I didn't want to rub it in - but I have had a really hard 3 years, and just never gave up - I just wanted to give other hope !

[francherry]

This is wonderful - thank you for sharing the news. It's also reassuring because I'm in a similar situation at the moment. I had to finish work in May when my fixed-term contract ended and also because I really needed a career break until my RA gets controlled. I'm doing voluntary work and hopeful that after starting Humira I'll be able to go back to work soon. Well done and I agree with Rosie it's wonderful to hear positive news.

[PJ68 in reply to francherry]

Oh Bless you x I hope things work our for you and that your RA settles down soon

[Kittykatxxxxx]

Congratulations hun:)This is amazing and gives me hope when I try to get a job.

[PJ68 in reply to Kittykatxxxxx]

Hi KittyKat - good luck with finding the right job for you x

[allanah]

Oh that is such a lovely conclusion to the job search. Thanks for telling us and enjoy the job.

[PJ68 in reply to allanah]

Thank you x

[sciqueen]

Hi Pen

Well done for persevering. Being in an environment where they understand, makes such a difference to our well being.

I'm facing similar to what you have, but as a teacher. Union's are involved and I have decided not to go back to that school. I'm still looking for another teaching/non teaching role that will accommodate my ra, but in a more understanding environment - so wish me luck.

Once again congrats & I hope your happier in your new school

Joanne x

[PJ68 in reply to sciqueen]

Oh Joanne - I wish you so much luck, it wasn't easy, but I knew I wasn't going to let the horrible school win, Ra has taken a lot away from me and I wasn't going to give them anymore.

Stay strong, I know its hard, but when the right job finds you - you will know!

Good luck n take care x

[sylvi]

Pen i am so pleased for you as i too have followed the ups and downs of your career and watched you studying to do book-keeping and i enjoyed it when you passed with flying colours. Now your in a job where you are apreciated and they care about your health which is a big plus in my book. Well done and congratulations. Love sylvia.xxxx

[PJ68 in reply to sylvi]

Thank you Sylvi - I am going to send you a specail message on FB, as I still seem to have problems getting on here - But you have been amazing, giving me hope and advice - I know you have had my back for the last 2 years and I thank you for that x lots of love xx

[jenwight]

That's just fantastic news well done x

[PJ68 in reply to jenwight]

Thank you

[susie59]

very pleased for you, good luck in your new job, x

[PJ68 in reply to susie59]

Thank you!

[cris1728]

Great news it is nice to hear that there are people out there who understand your condition and can see past the difficulties to the person and skills you have. your determination has paid off.

good luck in your new role

crisxx

[PJ68 in reply to cris1728]

Thanks Cris!

[SunnyHeirreborn3]

Brilliant - never give up is the message - well done you

[PJ68 in reply to SunnyHeirreborn3]

Thank you! I know how hard it is to keep going - but yes, to anyone else in the same situation - Don't give up!

[mitzymoo]

Hi angel

CONGRATULATIONS! !

That's fantastic news, your angels have been watching over you and now you're in the right place.

Take care and angel blessings xx

[PJ68 in reply to mitzymoo]

Thank you! I do feel very blessed and very happy!

[Neverwell]

Well done you hope all goes well in your new job x

[PJ68 in reply to Neverwell]

Thank you x

[Hidden]

Oh that's great news Pen, I had been wondering where you were and how you were getting on. It makes such a difference to be met with empathy in the workplace. I'm sure that this new job will be really good for you it sounds like your self-esteem has already had a massive boost. Well done for persisting:-}

Cece x

[PJ68 in reply to Hidden]

Hi x I did loose my way and didn't feel that I had much to contribute on here - daft I know, but when you are so low its hard to find anything constructive to say, plus I had so much trouble getting on here at times!

Still Im here and will keep checking in!!

Thank you!! Take care

[nottsexsportfanatic]

Such an inspirational story. Thanks for sharing. I am wanting to switch jobs as the one I currently do is very stressful. U have just given me the kick up the backside I needed to stop moaning about it and start looking and applying for something else.

Hope the job continues to go well for u.

[PJ68 in reply to nottsexsportfanatic]

Well good luck with your search! I was registered with several agencies and just keep applying, I even sat with someone who gave me advice on my CV, that was brilliant!

Just shout if you want some help!!

Thank you for reply!!

[Hidden]

Well done you!! This will certainly give a boost to both new comers and old timers a like. The key ingredient here was never give up on your dreams. xxx

[PJ68 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! Nope I just knew something was waiting for me!!

[Trulyfedup]

Well done you! I'm pleased to hear that it sounds like you have landed in a lovely work place I wish you well....just to make you laugh, I'm on DLA but wanted to do something ,so I went to the charity shop at the top of my road,,,it is a Christian run shop. The lady in charge who interviewed me was as cold as ice...she said she couldn't hire me, when I got to the door just before I went out I turned and said."Jesus would have hired me". There was silence! I felt stupid after saying it...it just sort of slipped out. I'm really am pleased for you. Maryx

[Hidden in reply to Trulyfedup]

You just gave me a proper 'belly laugh' Mary - what a great come-back! x

[Trulyfedup in reply to Hidden]

Glad to be of help...humour is the best medicine ...(at times)!!!! Marx. Just on a positive note for some reason I'm having a really good day...so no MTX or infliximub! I've been put on slow release morphine so I wonder if that is it...the hosp phoned me this morning I'm back there Thursday morning to discuss what to do next...a wee bit nervous as I quite like it off meds with just the morphine but I doubt they will allow that...shall let you know. Maryx

[allanah in reply to Trulyfedup]

Brilliant story Mary xx

[PJ68 in reply to Trulyfedup]

Oh Mary - it still amazes me how nasty people can be!

I love your come back - you found the strength and good for you!

I wish you luck with your search too - take care x

[Trulyfedup in reply to PJ68]

Thank you for reply...yes it shocks me too how unkind people can be. I put on make up and really felt like I was going to be usefull again...miserable old woman, perhaps there was something wrong in her life you never know. I've started my Eng Lit degree with the OU now so hopefully it will wake me up from this mental and physical fog I find myself in...and am I terrified of doing it??? YES I AM. Take care and I send you a smile pass it on to someone else it's free and they travel so well. Maryx

[Trulyfedup]

Thank you. I felt really stupid after I.d said it. The shop was full of people they just stopped and stared at me too but I did have a naughty chuckle on the way home. The next time I went in there, the day serving said it had all around the church!!!!!! Maryx

[Ronnie63 in reply to Trulyfedup]

Lashings if catholic guilt all round, I bet the confessionals were busy xx

[Trulyfedup in reply to Ronnie63]

Yes, and it's me normally in them and I'm not even a Catholic!!!!! Maryx

[Trulyfedup in reply to Ronnie63]

Just thought I.d say hello and to see how you are.

I'm at hosp tomorrow to review my next step.

And Paul Merton is coming along a treat.

Hope you are faring ok today. Maryx

[Ronnie63 in reply to Trulyfedup]

Hi Mary

I've been a bit grim of late with back pain and headaches, plus yesterday was vomitting a lot for some reason. Working at home for the time being until I feel a bit better

Did I read on one of your reples yesterday that you live in Ireland? Was wondering what part, I lived in Shannon as a child

Glad to hear Paul is coming along and hope you get on well at the hospital tomorrow xx

[Trulyfedup in reply to Ronnie63]

Thank you Ronnie for replying. No I live in Essex right by the sea. I went to Cork a few times and was taken aback by its beauty....lovely lovely place. One shop seven pubs !! I went in one of the pubs with in-laws and a wedding was going on..some old boys were playing dominoes, local lads on all instruments you.d expect from Ireland...we were invited to join the wedding party and it was one of the best days I,ve ever had...it was splendid. When we walked in I didn't know anyone when I left I,d made some friends for life.

I'm not sure how I feel about tomorrow as feeling better without meds but the pain.

I'm really really sorry you have a vomiting day, it's awful isn't it...I truly feel for you have you got something sweet to suck...these days are horrendous...I'm not sure I want to go back on meds as these days become quite common.

I hope it improves for you Ronnie I really do.

I,ll let you know how I get on tomorrow. I hope they are approachable (the consultants) as I find it so intimidating when they're not..take care. Maryx

[Trulyfedup in reply to Ronnie63]

Sorry, just re-read your post and I see it was yesterday you had a vomiting day....I hope today is much better...I've been put on something called Macrodantin due to a urinary infection...never had them before and they are making me feel quite ill..why do you think you have headache now are you prone to them? Luckily I'm not. However, I will have one if my pillows are in the wrong position and I hate them...I hope yours do not continue too long Ronnie. Maryx

[Hidden]

I would have been along the street before I'd thought of it! x

[Hidden]

Congratulations Pen! Brilliant news x

[PJ68 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[Hidden]

Congratulations and enjoy your new job. I like the fact you went to night school too to get the qualifications, shows real determination.

[PJ68 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!

[missmopp]

well done to you xx

[PJ68 in reply to missmopp]

Thank you!

[chemar]

well done pen michelle x

[PJ68 in reply to chemar]

Thank you!

[PJ68]

Oh thank you! It feel so good!!!

[watson3]

Well done on your long hard journey......... you certainty came out on top...... a break you most certainly deserve.

Carole