Well, after 16 months of being unemployed, I'm going back to work. It's a temporary job located 1+ hour's drive away, much of it on twisty, hilly roads that I will soon be driving in the dark both ways in wintry weather. And they hired two other people a week ahead of me, so I'm guessing that they (the two other people) have had plenty of time to carve up the project so I 'm the butt monkey and get the dregs. And will be the first laid off. (that last part may be the only plus.)

I'm really worried that driving that much will put my PN over the edge, and this job is bad in so many more ways that I won't enumerate here since it's boring shop talk. I just knew that after all the hopeful resumes I sent out, after all the grueling interviews I've been through, this stinker of a place would be The One that wants me.

Oh well, the economy's bad, and I should be grateful, right?

Sorry for the self-pity party. And thanks for listening.

Well, yes and no.

If you've been searching for a job and finally one has opened up, that is great! It may not be the ideal job, but better than none.

However, if you think that it is going to cause your symptoms to get much worse, is it worth it?

I am 24 and the week after I graduated college, I was bedridden... that was 6 months ago. I would -love- to have a job.. but I am totally unable to function and take care of myself as is... so getting a job would be pointless. I wouldn't even make it through one hour let alone one day.

But it sounds like you are in a slightly different situation and have been wanting to get back to work. So, I am glad that you were able to find a job.

But I'm not sure that anything is worth the risk of making the symptoms flare up... at least in my experience, doing things that hurt me have made the PN much worse all the time--it's not as if I push myself and overdo it and then two days later I'm back to "normal". Anytime I do things that hurt me, it has a long lasting effect. If that isn't the case with you, then maybe the job will be a blessing.

Either way... I didn't think your post was a pity party. This is what the forum is here for--to talk to others in similar situations and get advice and support. Nothing wrong with that.

I truly wish you the best, and hope that the job works out well and that it is not too much for you to handle. However, if you find that it is, please consider quitting or searching for a job that doesn't require such a long drive. It may take time, but there's gotta be a better fit for you out there... don't hurt yourself permanently for the sake of wanting a job. (I know it's not always that easy and that financial problems usually make it so people have to work even if they don't want to or don't feel that they can... believe me, I'm not saying it's easy by any means.)

Aside from the long commute, is the job a good situation? Are you able to sit when you need to, etc?

Take care of yourself.. and good luck.

Hi Joan
Well done on getting the job, I am in full time employment and have long summer holidays but actually felt relief going back to work this year as the pain was so much worst being at home each day, too much time to think about it.
Being back at work is exhausting, it is the middle of the night here and I need to be up for work in around 5 hrs and wont sleep for another two hrs. I still get some relief during the day as I get absorbed in my work.
Hope this works out for you, good luck.

A job and pay are what we need, if we still can work.
I hope that the drive isn't in Va. Stay away from Va twisty roads.
A driving mistake there will get you a reckless driving charge, no matter what you did. (from experience).

Well, see how it goes. It could be good....ya never know.

Congratulations on getting a job, regardless. Hope it works out better than you might expect - maybe the Pittsburgh area won't get hit too hard by snow/ice this winter. Be sure you car, tires, defroster/heater and wipers are in good shape! I live in a Cleveland suburb on Lake Erie so know all about nasty winters.

Good Luck JoanB,
Hope everything works out in your favor, just be aware and be able to handle any stress situations that might arise.

Congrats. I can understand your anxiety but hopefully it will be a good experience. Try to take one day at a time. Sometimes the worry before is worse then the actual. Even people without health problems starting a new job is stressful.

Just a little side-note for you, you do have a job. It doesn't pay in dollars, but your job is here. Your job is lifting peoples spirits and helping them along through a difficult road. Pity your job doesn't pay in dollars, but it still must have a great many rewards! Best of luck to all of us.

Thanks to all for the encouragement. The job is turning out to be hectic and stressful, but I made it through three days. They hired two other temps for the same job description, and I was right about the sharp elbows and backbiting. I hate that stuff--just want to do my job, and my first impulse is to help others, but that will get you voted off the island in this kind of situation.

Anyway, I'll try tosuck it up and hang in there. Won't have time to keep up here much, but I'll try to check in when I can.

Thanks again for your words of support.