51 replies to this topic

[crash]

I'm curious as to what people do for work. Have many of you chosen to have your work related to your injury or not? I'm going back to school and I'm deciding on a major. I know that for me having this injury makes me think more about my financial future and what I can do. In the past I did alot of physical jobs, those are not really an option anymore. What did you all decide to do?

[Lucydog]

Im access officer for my local council. This means I get to deal with all kinds of disability related issues as well as physical access. I didnt particularly choose it, but I saw the add and thought I could bring personal experience to it, and it would be very interesting. I did and it is.

[Valo]

I work for a Business IT support company. I worked for them before my injury and they held my job for me while I was in hospital. I think I’m lucky compared to some people.

I was in sales before my accident, but I’ve retrained and now work in support.

[xMaddiex]

im only 16, so im studying most of the time, but i also work in a clothes shop in the local town part-time. jason is also studying mostly, but he works at a bar, and at the HMV store in town. when im all done with my studies i wanna be an occupational therapist, and once jasons finished university, he wants to be a neurosurgeon (eww, brains!)

[Tarkus]

I was in Venture Cap, made money, got hurt now spend my time and money as a Mobility Advocate.

Alan

[mrsE]

Hi, after my accident I went back to college, did a couple of years there before I did an Access course to get into UNI. Graduated in Medical Microbiology and spent years trying to find the right job (wanted part-time research but NOT working with animals). Spent 4 years reception and admin for physio department and now on a '0' hours contract with them (they call me in when there is a back-log). This suits me fine as when I am not working I have more time for my hobbies - mainly gardening and card making. I wish I had used my degree though - I toyed with the idea of proof-reading for a while but my spelling isn't good enough.

[Gary Anderson]

As most know, 18 years ago at time of accident, I was a junior surgeon. I could not continue as a surgeon due to my injury so became an anaesthetist. I enjoy my work, however, there is still a part of me that wishes I could have continued my surgery career.

[jules]

I had my accident at 15, at the time I was a gymnast, and was planning to go into coaching when I retired from competitions. After my accident I went to Uni and I am now a scientist.

[milosh]

i'm a graphic designer.

[4estGimp]

I work for a contract tech support company and I'm presently on 2 accounts. One is for a Petroluem shipping/Pipeline company. Issues can range from any simple computer desktop issue up to Oil/Gas tankers unable to load at Petroluem terminals. The other account is STRICTLY helping people establish/maintain a secure connection to a Banking company's network. It scare me that many of the mortgage people do not comprehend "left" and "right".

Before that I worked in the electronics industry as a receiving inspector/in-process inspector/engineering technician. I miss the electronics industry.

[benok]

I used to be a teacher prior to my injury. I only found work again ealy this year of March. I am into writing text books for high school students. Much of the work is done at home and I go to the office at least once a week.

[russ1]

I work as an estimator pricing up prospective contracts for a construction company 3 days a week - same job I had pre injury.

[Jayne]

I have a bachelors degree in elementary education and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction. I teach fifth and sixth grade. I've been teaching for 12 years. I took one year medical leave after my injury in 2002 and went back to my same position with a few modifications the following school year. An automatic door opener on my classroom and building exit, projector and laptop with voice-activated software, and a few other things were some of the modifications. The students, staff, and community are very supportive and encouraging! If I hadn't already been educated and certified in this area before my injury, I would definitely go back to school and major in education.

[Carly/Kevin]

before kevin was going to do cutting and all with horses professionally.. but now he cant do that.. but he still can ride and loves it no matter what, so now he is back up on a horse.. but he teaches kids how to ride.. he gets up on a horse so he can be eye level when they are up there and then his friend is on the ground helping.. cause he cant help the kids get up and down and stuff like that.. he teaches them all the tricks to it and everything.. its pretty cool and i love to go out there and watch.. and actually a lot of parents want kevin to teach their kids and he has so many students that there is a list now waiting to get on.. (did i mention that this started ohh, only about a month ago! i guess word gets out fast in these little communities out here) but he is pretty picky.. which i tell him he shouldn't be.. but oh well.. lol that's his choice.. and they even have grown-ups that come to learn or just to learn those little tricks he knows so that's what he now does and loves it!

Edited by Carly/Kevin, 04 August 2006 - 12:23 AM.

[dancin' johnny]

Wow, I wanna come and try that, do us sci's get to jump the Q.


Erm, I am currently still dealing with it all in my little front room in a terraced house. I get out a fair bit but my bladder sometimes sends me home again, so I am not quite ready to start back at work.

I have been busy this summer putting on a one day music festival with a mate called "The Summer Picnic" and I run a once weekly Sunday beach party in the backyard of a local pub. I'd put links for you but I'm too tired and dont wanna spam you all. If anyone wants to view the myspace profiles of these two ventures then ask and I will post a link.

I was self-employed before my accident as a property renovation expert/builder, but now I seem to be a local music promoter and general racounter.

Thats all going on hold for two weeks in two weeks because I'm off to L.A., San Diego and Mexico to visit some friends.

"Fun, pain and bloody hard work combined with music and doobie" is what I'm into at the moment, if I had a boss to tell that to they'd probably sack me.

I think it is really important to work if you want to, and love it when I read that some people go virtually straight back to their old jobs or start a new career. I'm using this time to really think about what I want to do for the rest of my life, I was never 100% sure before my injury so to make any rash decisions now would be a bit stupid. I am hoping that I make loads of rash decisions on holiday because that's what holidays are all about for me, and I have been exiled from spontaneity for too long.

Oh yeah, I'm rubbish at getting up in the morning too!

Would like to hear what any other 'transitional period' people are up to.

Edited by dancin' johnny, 04 August 2006 - 01:07 AM.

[jane]

I am a Youth Worker at the local community centre. Its a good job and the young people are great. The were a bit warey of me when i went back to work after i had been in hospital, but now i get treated the same as i was (well except the impromtu trips round the hall when they push me!!)

[Dancingdolphin]

Hi all! I'm lucky enough to have been able to slot bback into my old job, though now just for 3 days a week (26hrs).

I work as an advanced nurse practitioner in women's health. I finished all my training and just had my dissertation for my master's to write as my exams were the week before my accident......

I was wondering how patients would react to me as the work (examinations and minor surgery I perform) are usually done by doctors never mind a nurse ...and a nurse in a wheelchair!!.....

Been back 9 months now and everybody has been wonderful........ not one 'bad' reaction...so far...lots of positive encouraging comments.......i'm still female.. and that seems to the thing that matters most....

I work in a big hospital and there are 2 other staff ( 1 pharmacist and 1 telephonist) zippin around in chairs also.


I love my job and feel soo lucky to be able to continue it...

Sometimes I think relate better now.....1 'patient to another' stuff.........

Edited by Dancingdolphin, 17 September 2006 - 10:35 PM.

[Okie Rick]

Pre-SCI I was attending Oklahoma State U. majoring in Architectural Design with an Engineering minor. My goal was to design residentual housing. I crashed on the night of Dec. 18, 1973 and embarked on the process of living. Now I contribute info & ideas to anyone building a home, in particular those building or rebuilding for w/c access.

I also spend a lot of time on Fatwallet - http://ww.fatwallet.com - trying to save money on 'stuff' I buy.


Okie

[livewriter]

I'm an IT Specialist and EDR Team Lead at the National Agricultural Statistics Service. I've been there 9 years and spent 1 year detailed to NASA working on International Space Negotiations with Japan, Australia, and other countries. Currently I'm interviewing at other agencies for a more senior position. Hopefully will have my own company up and running by March........

Was high school dropout on drugs before injury. Now 1AA, 1 BS, 2MS, 1 Cert of Proff in Exec Management.

[ruth]

17 when had accident, so:

Finished A levels
Went to Uni to study Maths
Got job in insurance when graduated
changed to full time Uni lecturer in maths 3 years ago (and studying PhD part time)

[geoffrey]

Before my accident July 29/2005 I was the chief pilot for and aerial mapping company. Flying turbo prop aircraft and a lear jet. No longer. My boss (company owner) stood by me completely and even had me working in the hospital. I came out of hospital Dec 15/2005 and by Jan was working full time again. I am now the Director of Flight Operations for the company. It is tough dealing with all the pilots, air traffic control people, planes and other issues not being able to fly. But I am thankful that I am working full time again.

[Tinbasher]

Lucydog, on Jul 31 2006, 09:46 PM, said:

Im access officer for my local council. This means I get to deal with all kinds of disability related issues as well as physical access. I didnt particularly choose it, but I saw the add and thought I could bring personal experience to it, and it would be very interesting. I did and it is.

I work for Social Services and by coincidence recently met Lucydog at a training course.

I didnt particularly choose a career related to my disability. In fact I wrestled for a long time about it but in the end I dont regret my descision.

Tin

[ericck]

i was in pestcontrol . i cant do this anymore so i go to reabilitation job class no sucess

Edited by ericck, 20 August 2006 - 10:58 PM.

[coolparaguy]

I'm a senior majoring in Molecular Biology at California State University, Hayward. I'm in the process of applying to pharmacy school. If I get accepted, I'm going to be a pharmacist.

[dom]

piano teacher

[chimneygirl]

Hi,

I was a travel Consultant (Long Haul) Australasia from 16yrs to 27yrs, then i had my motorbike accident...
I was begining to hate the shifts and it was all so easy, not a challenge anymore.

Having my accident allowed time to decide what i wanted from my life, i had travelled the world and lived in many differant countries and at 27 was ready to move on...

In the spinal unit i was to shy to ask about having sex as on weekend leave i had an indwelling cath. in, it got me thinking.... where were all the sex therapist? the psychiatrist was good but an able bodied male... wheres the empathy....

I went back to travel for a short time and that confirmed i was sick and tired of it...

Then i contacted Relate, I have since qualified as a CoupleCounsellor and am in training to become a Psychosexual therapist, will take me about 2 years its hard going but i love the work it is so interesting.

So my acciodent lead me to better things, had i not had it i would still have been in travel trying to make ends meet, my accident gave me the oppertunity to Think - re train - and qualify.....

Im a happy chick

[Ironside]

Professional cripple and bloody good at it :-)

[Salimacatwoman]

English Teacher and translator.