Do chronic illness symptoms – -multiple sclerosis, colitis, fibromylagia or cancer, fill in the blank — crop up when you least expect them? Doesn’t it always seem to happen when there’s that big presentation at work or a major meeting requiring a plane flight and overnight stay? Or maybe it’s a regular day at work but you’ve already been out a few days this month?
I came back from a trip to San Francisco late last night. Before we left, my back was very painful, allergies were acting up and I had a stye in my eye. And the 6 hour plane flight with the 3 hour time difference always leaves me exhausted.
Good news is that the flying went smoothly and no delays either way. Although I have intensive work week, I”m pacing myself today. Didn’t schedule early client calls and could sleep later. So far, I feel fine. Whew
Even though I work for myself, there are meetings and events and client coaching calls that I’m scheduled to “show up” for. And just like an “employed” person, I can get sick. But just like any employed person, I think carefully about canceling or not meeting deadlines. Not only do I lose money for lost “billable” hours. More importantly, people who hire me need to know that I’m reliable.
Which leads me to wonder: How do I make decisions about when to work or not when my health is concerned? Although self employment was discussed in my book, Women Work and Autoimmune Disease: Keep Working, Girlfriend!, I didn’t address this issue.
But reading Kristine Kathryn Rusch’s blog post, How Do You Know When You’re Too Sick To Work: The Freelancer’s Guide To Illness, I realized that I treat myself as my toughest and fairest supervisor would have – had I been fortunate to have such a being!
Shauna says
Hi Rosalind!!
Come on by and pick up an award I have given you!!
Hope you are well…
Shauna
Diana Brice says
Rosalind,
Thank you for introducing me to Kathryn Rusch’s blog. The information was right on time and even more important to me, I discovered a new author to read. I am planning to set up a blog for myself as soon as I can get help doing it, to share my thoughts on Lupus and other things of interest to a 64 year old librarian. Keep up the good work.
Diana
Rosalind Joffe aka cicoach.com says
I’m delighted to hear that you’re going to start to blog, Diana. I’m sure that you have much to offer based on what you write here. Good luck with getting it going!
Nancy Wechsler says
I’ve been away from reading this blog for a while and glad to be plugged back in. Reading it is a hit of support that is much needed. I’ve started my own blog and had expected to write about disability as part of what’s going on in my life and I’ve found it to be one of the hardest things to write about. I’m a lesbian and I can write about coming out and lesbian and gay issues…but I’ve found it very hard to “come out” about disabilities. Maybe if I can keep reading yours, it will inspire me to write more in mine. Keep up the good work. Nancy
Rosalind Joffe aka cicoach.com says
Hi Nancy- Welcome back. So interesting what we find difficult & what is harder.
Look for my discussion board in facebook (will be starting next week) for more topics like this. MIght help give you the push to start your own blog.