I went back to work 14 years ago. I started working at a TJ Maxx part time. A job with not much purpose or a bright future. Now I work as a Peer Support Specialist. This is a great job for those of us hit by the schizophrenia spectrum disorder. We turn all the stuff that happen to us that are so troubling and help others. We model recovery and share insights and resources about the recovery process. For the longest time due to the fact that they had me on some terrible meds I didn’t believe I could recover. But once I got on the right meds I could go back to work and I made a quantum leap in my recovery. I started feeling like I was doing something worth while. Now along with being a peer support specialist I help my peers get jobs. Yes! LIfe is good! Would you like to go back to work?
I got diagnosed at age 19 in 1980. For the next 2 1/2 years I was in and out of hospitals and group homes. I got a job when I was 22 and have been working almost steadily ever since and I’m 64 now. When I first got sick I knew nothing about schizophrenia; there was no Internet so I couldn’t learn about it and that probably worked in my favor. Those first 2 1/2 years working was out of the question but after I got better no one told me I couldn’t work so I got a job and worked there four years. Now, I’ve researched schizophrenia a lot and read books on it and I know I beat the odds by working for so long. I’ve also got my AA degree.
Now I’m sick of working and would like to retire but if I retired I wouldn’t know what to do with myself.
I hear you Nick! If I was rich I probably wouldn’t work either. Three is a stress factor but I do enjoy having something to do each day. I also enjoy helping people with their recovery process and finding worth in themselves.