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
Written by
PJ68
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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
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.
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
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!
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
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
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.
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:-}
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!
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.
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!!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
I would have been along the street before I'd thought of it! x
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What careers do you do with RA ? 
Escapee at last.
Anyone else have this problem?
PIP - justice at last...
At last! Something that works
