I used to work in a shop/store, and it involved a lot of standing, walking, climbing stairs, carrying boxes, etc. When I started having knee troubles I had to modify what I could do at work, which was obviously a nuisance for the owner and other staff (small place, only about 4 of us in total). I had a few days off here and there but nothing too bad until I had my 'minor knee op' (oh the irony of that word ). Of course in the end it wasn't minor at all, and started off a whole heap of trouble.

We knew I would be taking at least a couple of weeks off work after my op for recovery time, so that was all planned. Well that timescale was a joke. Horrendous pain, blah blah, uncontrollable, doctors didn't understand what was going on etc, I must be faking it to try and get something... Two months later - oh, sorry, you have CRPS

I was off too long. In the end the owner asked me to resign so he could replace me, and I couldn't reasonably say no. I was gutted because I enjoyed and was good at what I did. I was pretty down about it all for a few weeks, but being the restless soul I am lol, I started thinking of what I could do and asked for suggestions from friends and family.

So I started up a very small educational thing, which I have gradually grown to suit me and what I can do. I set my own hours and am responsible only to myself and my clients. It's been a complete lifesaver, and I've never regretted it. Setting up a business can be really stressful, but it all depends what it is!! Mine has given me something to do when I am able, people to meet and talk to, a sense of pride and achievement, and regular but manageable commitments that I strive to keep unless I absolutely can't do it. I very rarely cancel a session, because most of the time even if I'm feeling crap, my work makes me concentrate on something other than the pain, and can actually be a really good painkiller!

All you can do is work with what you can do, and be creative about it. Ask people too, because sometimes something you might not feel brave enough to do off your own bat can actually turn out to be great, once you have been given the confidence of others opinions... Also I'd say to make sure you check everything you should be doing in terms of taxes, laws, regulations, etc beforehand as part of the planning process - that way you won't have to deal with the stressful stuff like a tax return as a horrific surprise lol!

I'd always advise someone to go for something self-employed as long as you follow a few simple rules:

- PLAN, plan, and then plan a bit more. Don't jump into anything rashly.
- do your research - is there a market for what you are offering? Are your prices competitive? Etc etc lol.
- check rules and regulations around what you're thinking about. The web is a great resource here, as are local government.
- be organised - it saves on stress later, which lets face it, is a bad idea for us.
- be confident in yourself. If you go for it, trust your judgement and have faith in your abilities. Make sure you listen if someone you trust gives you a bit of feedback though!
- never EVER invest more money than you can afford to lose. The economy is ropey at the moment and who knows what will be affected next...
- keep proper accounts. As much as anything, you can proudly look at how much you are contributing every month. Every little bit of cash that comes in is so fab

Even if nothing comes of your planning, or things just don't work out, at least you know that you gave it a go. It's a massive boost to your self-esteem at a time when you feel worthless and, let's be honest, a bit of a burden.

Good luck.

Bram.