Okay - let's use this as a place to post possible career choices for those with TOS along with any feedback anyone has as to why or why not (in their opinion) this career choice would be suitable.

Close your eyes...imagine yourself on your best day...what would you WANT to be doing? Doesn't have to be f/t, can be p/t or even volunteer work! Let's just share our ideas, get our minds rolling! Even if this is not helpful to us today, it may be helpful to someone in the future!

These might not work for everyone but might be a jumping off point for other ideas.
I can't wait to see more - lets get a huge list going.

Artist
Photographer
Voice actor/voice over work
Landscape design
Receptionist/ clerk/ office assistant in small office setting
copy reading or editing
Baker/cook for small restaurant
secret shopper LOL
in home computer lessons or repairs
basic care giving/companionship

I would never want to tell anyone why I think their career aspirations may not be suitable or compatible with TOS - mostly because again we have so many different levels of disability, causes of TOS, etc. I have all of my own fears and beliefs that neurogenic TOS is CAUSED by computer use, (previous overuse), and that any career in that area (if one's TOS was caused in any part by computer use) would be a big mistake. I am shocked to see some of the careers listed that not only include a lot of computer work, and the "gargoyle" stance that we are to avoid, but then a lot of these careers listed require "fine finger or hand manipulation" which again I understand from my reading and my own body we are to avoid and may cause additional nerve damage. But it is NOT for ME, to say. And I really mean that - it's up to individuals to really know their body and go with their gut instinct.

ANY movement of my body causes inflammation which in turn causes pain to my right extremity which then causes me to be out of commission for a period of time...so ANY career suggestions are out for me right now. I'm totally disabled. I've accepted it. For those who have to accept this, it can be extremely difficult, and a real problem for depression. Most of the neurogenic TOSers "got it" by overwork to begin with, so we are real "Type A's", and this whole concept of never working again can be so hard...

But again, if one of my TOSer buddies dreams of going back to school, or doing this or that, I am going to be 100% supportive unless and until they tell me otherwise.

Voc Rehab counselors make their living from taking what abilities one does have, and testing for any natural inclinations and matching them to a career. If anyone can tolerate a VR program, I'd really suggest that they investigate that avenue for a "good fit" possiblity.

Again - I want to stress that everyone is so different, that I just want to be supportive of TOSers efforts' to try to get back any bit of life they can.

God bless you all in your endeavors, and God comfort those (like me) who are (for now anyways) stuck with no career hopes whatsoever.

Careers that are NOT an option for me now:

Jackhammer operator
Supermodel (Victorias Secret models dont have scars! oh yeah, and Im not 19years old or 99 pounds)
Professional baseball pitcher
Violin player

the list could go on and on...

To me one of the most important things I get out of my whole ordeal is my medical knowladge and how to work the system. i would love to share this with others. As a nurse I did it for my patients, but now being on the other side I feel it is even more important so if I could volunteer and not get hurt I'd do it....but I can't do that with WSIB on my back!!!! Also the pain and the driving thing...hmmmm perhpas this is not something I can do, but want to....

I would teach in a second if there was no paperwork and I could get my degree without pain at school.....it would take 7 years slowly and it would be painful due to in class work as well as paperwork and patient care and assessment...but my assessments would rock now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was going to school for my degree when my injury happened so I was working to become a teacher....that is my dream job!!

thanks for the thread Jamy!!
love and hugs,
Victoira

Been away a few days...but I plan to add to this in the next couple days... Thanx everyone!

Lotto winner!!!!!

That and a nice beach in Hawaii to live on after.

Nice thread JAMy!

After all I learned maybe a nutritionist or homepathic pharmacist. If i only had the strength for PT I would love that. Or perhaps a pilates teacher to the stars (not Britney though)

I wish that there could be some sort of retraining for a new career but I have exhausted this. The next best thing will be a job that I am able to do safely, and work at part time and I think it may be trial and error, meaning trying a few different jobs out. Oh, if I had my wish I would definately like some sort of medical job, or advise and support injured worker's.

I know for a lot of us Careers seem like something that is a far off dream...the reality of TOS really sucks sometimes, but I know for some there has to be SOMETHING out there that we can do...

I love photography!!! I would love to take courses, become a documentation photographer or something. Or simply sell my photography.

I would love to teach courses...I have a lot of useful knowledge it is just getting the chance to teach it.

Freelance work for me seems like a good way to 'jump back in' and not get my feet totally wet. Work at my own pace.

There is lots to look into...I know there are many jobs that are out of the question (retail, desk jobs, jobs demanding high levels of physical activity) but there must be ways to share our knowledge...I'd really like to see what a voc. rehab specialist would recommend. I am also curious to see what my doc says when I see him this week...

I've been thinking about some kind of medical advocacy like GibbRN mentioned (I'm an RN too). Really, I think that could be something many of us could be great at (and no license necessary). Imagine being able to go pick up a patient at their house, accompany them to their doctor's appointment, explain to the doc why the current tx is/isn't working, and making follow up phone calls to the patient's family/lawyer, etc. Fighting for other pain patients ! Help an elderly patient who's kids are too busy to bring them to the doctor !

Someone please just wave their magic wand so I can get dressed, get my laundry done, and drive so that I can do this !