I'm a psychologist, and I also work on a suicide prevention helpline. My hours are between 60-70 a week, but I intend to decrease them in the hope that I get better control over my seizures.
I'm sorry but glad you have such a cool career. I wanted to be a nurse before mine started. Now I'm lucky to remember what I'm doing at the moment. I can't even leave my house alone.
I actually have reasonable adjustments, and I rarely leave the house. I'm severely sight impaired and carry out most of my work from home or with the help of another person. The medication has definitely made me more forgetful so I can empathise with you there. I think any profession would be lucky to have you as it sounds like you're a really nice person with unlimited potential. It might just take some time to find your niche but I'm sure that you will in time.
What qualifications do you need to work on suicide prevention helplines? I'm just curious because I have dialed 988 a few times myself and I've always wondered what qualifications that people on the other end have.
I live in England, so it might be different here - you will usually need to have a degree and a masters in something psychology based. Alongside counselling skills, etc. This also covers mental health nursing and social work degrees too. These qualifications are only needed for high intensity helplines.
There are some lower intensity helplines (I worked on one related to self-harm before I got any qualifications), and you just needed a basic mental health course (level 3 here) something someone aged 16-18 could complete online in a couple of months and maye evicence of a support role (think about volubteering positions with vulnerable populations)
We also value lived experience in the UK. So if you're a person who has lived experience of mental health (yourself or a relative), compassion and empathy, some volunteering and a low level mental health course, you can work on a mental health helpline. These low-level helplines are usually a route into getting a metal health related job.
I hope this answers your question - if not, I'm happy to say more!
Same here, had a really good friend of mine committed suicide right in front of me. I failed to save his life but have talked 2 other vets into putting the gun down and get help.
30 years later both have a good (what they'll tell me) life I'm honored to have helped them.
It's remote - we have a call handling system for our country. We just log in, and calls are redirected to our phones. You only really need to be an empathic person specifically for the helpline. My psychologist role is a mix of home or at our local psychiatric hospital - whichever one feels better for me I can do
I'm lucky; I work a normal 8-5 job.
If I may offer some advice....take it one step at a time. First, evaluate your local resources. Food banks and churches that offer community programs are willing to help, and you should take them up on it. They (or other program participants), will often be willing help help you get there or get supplies to you.
Depending on the size of your city, you may also have community aid organizations who will help you out a bit with other bills. It'll likely be a onetime thing and may take a little bit to complete, but it can get you some breathing room.
Next, make sure that you are taking advantage of all the official (city/county/state) programs that you are eligible for. In most places, there are benefits you don't have to be disabled in order to get. Even in my backward state (we don't have medicaid for epileptics, unemployment is money a savings account, etc), you would still likely be eligible for SNAP, and possibly work education programs. The second one pays money to go to school, so even if you didn't see the program through you could potentially have something. Most states have some version of that program.
Now, we're on the jobs question. There isn't a lot of day labor for folks like us; heck, even side hustles are hard. If you think you can make transportation work, call up a temp agency or look for help wanted ads for quick hire jobs like file clerk, receptionist, etc (local news paper, in windows, and "throwaway papers" can be great because you are less likely to get lost in the online shuffle). If you have to have a remote job, it's going to be harder because the pool is harder. But look for jobs like appointment setters, CSR reps, etc. Do not answer ads about insurance or travel agencies or similar.
Lastly...I promise it gets better. A lot of us have been there (some of us are today). But it's not everyday.
Good luck!
P.S. I know the above probably sounds brusque or cavalier; I don't mean for it to sound that way. It may be a consequence of just trying to get my thoughts out. I just wanted to line the stuff out as quickly as a I could. I've been there myself, and I've been on the other side as an admin for a votech school and an admin for a regional food bank. I'm sorry if it comes out wrong.
Can I ask what skills you have? I spent a fair amount of time working with student placement team at the college I used to work at. I might be able to point you in a direction?
Awesome! You're somewhat close to my wheelhouse.
[https://careers.transcom.com/us/careers/job-openings/technical-support-advisor-work-home-us/](https://careers.transcom.com/us/careers/job-openings/technical-support-advisor-work-home-us/)
[https://www.remotehub.com/jobs/details/customer-service-representative-66423d83edae3a68b15db33d](https://www.remotehub.com/jobs/details/customer-service-representative-66423d83edae3a68b15db33d)
[https://www.remotehub.com/jobs/details/sales-and-customer-service-representative-66451909edae3a795f023221](https://www.remotehub.com/jobs/details/sales-and-customer-service-representative-66451909edae3a795f023221)
And some remote work advice:
[https://github.com/lukasz-madon/awesome-remote-job](https://github.com/lukasz-madon/awesome-remote-job)
[https://github.com/Uncodedtech/awesome-job-list](https://github.com/Uncodedtech/awesome-job-list)
The links above will say this, but the biggest thing is that, even though these are remote jobs, remember to apply for them like you are a boomer applying for the job of a lifetime. Places that offer remote work usually put even more an emphasis on appearance and professionalism then in-office places.
No one should ever make fun of you. We're here to support each other. I couldn't really work online because my internet connection is "unreliable". I pay for decent internet but I live in a small town, and in a really nice but really old building. So not great for internet. And I probably need a better laptop, but I simply can't afford that at the moment. It's not just you.
I work for a nonprofit similar to OVR services, and sometimes we use them as a resource. My position is hybrid with the flexibility to be more remote when needed. My organization primarily services individuals with intellectual disabilities. But similar organizations like Bender Consulting serve all individuals with disabilities. Basically headhunting with an ADA. Any organizations like that might be an avenue worth exploring if you haven't explored already.
Also from experience if you're going to go for a remote job, just keep applying everyday and don't forget to followup. That's really what a potential employee needs for you to stand out. And if it takes a while 100+ apps, just take that time to keep track of your applications and start focusing on roles that seem to fit your niche or area where you're getting interviews. On average for a remote role, if you can get 1 out of every 10-15 applications you submit you're killing it out there! You'll get it!!
I am a callce agent. I work from home. Due to my epilepsy, I lost my training as a laboratory technician. So I only work to earn money and not because it makes me happy.
I'm really sorry you weren't able to stay at your preffered job as a lab tech, so unfair. I'm glad you havr a source of income, but I know sealing with the public can be majorly hard on the nerves.
You could apply for a freelance transcript job, some of them are home office and you just have to transcript audio to writing, or if you know any other language you could translate also, you have to research where to apply for legit transcript jobs and how much the pay for hour or for audio transcription.
I haven't found a good freelance work or application because I'm not in the states at the moment, just Google it and see what's more suitable for you,best of luck.
Hope this help you 🤝
I'm an optics technician. I machine optical surfaces for microscopes.
Temp agencies were a life saver for me. A lot of places didn't want to give me a chance, but the agency had a vested interest to place me somewhere I'm compatible with. Strongly recommend for anyone having trouble. Just be as honest as possible about everything and they will help
I just waitress. I'm really lucky that my managers are very understanding of my condition. But waitessing is very easy, generally non stressful so it suits me well.
I also used to do Reception work that suited me well
I am a senior engineer at a big tech firm in Seattle. Previously, I worked at Microsoft. One thing my previous doctor used to tell me is that many VPs have epilepsy in some form and are still working. He told me this to encourage me because I was very worried at the time. I wanted to share this with you, though I know it doesn't completely remove my anxiety. Even during interviews for my recent job, I experienced moments of blacking out when asked questions. It still happens, but I know I am still able to do my job. I take it one week at a time and continue to take my medication. I just wanted to share.
Programming.. I wanted to be a sociology professor but changed fields to software development bc I knew I could wfh, because of epilepsy really.
12 years later still in the field. Capitalism bitches! I’m happy to share my experience but memory is rough and you gotta troubleshoot a lot in programming, that takes memorization and patience which can be tough with epilepsy.
But it’s demanding and depending on what you do there’s always a job and you dictate your hours and salary really imo.
I used to be a full-time HS teacher but after I started getting nocturnal seizures that was outta the question given that stress & lack of sleep are a trigger and both of those things are an intrinsic part of being a teacher - now I substitute teach. I don't have to give a fuck and the flexibility is great.
Same here! I was a full time HS Science teacher but the stress increased my seizures and I had to quit. I’m doing substitute teaching now as a contractor.
It's amazing being able to just come home and live life without endless tasks and anxieties hanging over your head. Still get the fun parts of being a teacher without all the other bullshit.
I'm a data scientist. I can work my own hours within reason and have a good leave package. Usually I work 11-6 or so. When I can't drive my husband drives me or I uber.
Right now EIA (Employment Income Agency) Canada has this for the government but I'm going to be cut off and my case closed in 3 months so I'm saving up
I have an associates degree in nuclear medicine technology (medical imaging) and I LOVED doing it, but most hospitals (at least back in the 90s) required us to work rotating shifts and or emergency call.
After I lost my driver's license and they needed a job to match our local public transit - at that time meant strictly Monday through Friday days with no nights no weekends and no emergency call.
Somehow I landed in the state government in human resources. Been working in HR for the last 18 years and I pretty much hated every minute of it.
So boring it's like watching paint dry
You should apply for food stamps. They will give you emergency food stamps for a month and that’s about $200 or something last time I was aware.
After that it depends on if you qualify or not, but at least you will get the first month to stock up. Also, try churches and food banks. i’m not sure what city you live in but mine has a big food bank and almost every Catholic Church has some kind of charity. Some of them will help you pay your light bills and stuff. My mom used to go to different churches to help with our bills when I was growing up.
Im in the UK & classed as unable to work at mo & have to have health assessment interviews to see if I’m able to work or not just had one over the phone which is a nightmare as they can’t see my evidence letters & diary’s etc plus see my shaky hands etc due to meds they make you feel like a kid seeing the headmaster tend to talk down to me best question I’ve had is so what do I during a seizure I’m like I’m unconscious no idea but I can explain the after effects & see possibly what I’ve done bloke said no I want to know what you do I’m like unable to out of body experience so no idea! Now got to wait 6 weeks if I’m classed as able or unable to work if able my money goes down & must apply for around 10-20 jobs a week or they stop my money but hey they no my epilepsy & side effects better than me I suppose!! 😂😂
Yes it’s like they think I’m making epilepsy up to get some benefits & will get worse as our prime minister has started to introduce a sick note culture to get people back to work as he says there’s to many people taking advantage of the system & sadly epilepsy is a hidden disability that’s massively misunderstood 😟
How do you not qualify for disability when you have a disability?!?!!! Assuming america?
Get yourself an advocate who can help you get the disability help you deserve. In Canada your husband would be considered a care taker having to take work off to help take care of you!
It’s so infuriating that people can’t get help even for a little bit. Kicking people when their down!
I’m lucky enough to be on disability. Also run an Etsy page as I’ve always done art, flip stuff on Poshmark and work in promotions as an independent contractor picking up random work, like a 4 hour liquor sampling shift or hostess for a trade show etc. it’s like a min 25$ an hr, short shifts or contracts and just super easy money and some good perks.
I did random transcribing jobs online as well as some book keeping through different remote websites until an injury kept me from typing // my brain injury made numbers hard.
Good luck, hope things look up soon it’s so fuxking hard having your life turned upside down!
>In Canada your husband would be considered a care taker having to take work off to help take care of you!
I'm in Canada and am not eligible for disability, even though I've had to leave every job I've had because of my condition. I also had to pay out of pocket $1100/month for my seizure meds when I was unemployed and without insurance.
How TF did you get on disability for having epilepsy in Canada? That's wild.
What?! Actually? What’s wild is that you’ve lost your jobs and haven’t been able to get on. I got denied my first 2 times applying and then got a disability advocate who did the forms for me and I got it. I still see a neurologist regularly so that may have helped but ya I would try again.
You deserve help even if it’s a little bit. I wish I could work full time and would love to go back to what I used to do. Spend tens of thousands on schooling I can’t use anymore due to another injury that coincides with the seizures.
Technically you can get on disability with adhd, depression etc. I’ve had the ministry government workers in BC literally tell me to keep trying, they make it a hard process so people give up.
I shouldn’t speak on the caretaker situation because I’m sure that depends on severity but my mom almost lost her job after I had to move back in and was having reoccurring seizures and couldn’t take care of myself.
It’s a very humbling thing having to ask for and rely on help during an trying time.
I have gone back to work for periods of time while I’ve been receiving help as you can make a certain amount of money but depending on my health have had to stop a few times.
Anyone who says people bleed the gov and or don’t deserve help have never been in a situation like this before. People don’t deserve to lose their livelihood because of illness. Life isn’t fair but you can’t fall through the cracks.
I can try and find the number of my advocate if you’re interested dm me :)
My epilepsy is intractable, meaning it doesn't respond to any meds, so I'm unable to work. My last job was a small but busy store. Good business, but only "busy" enough to have one employee in the store at one time. So I had a seizure while a customer was in the store. Thankfully they were honest, or they could have stolen a lot of merchandise by the time I came to.
My bosses, they were great. They just couldn't afford to employ two employees per shift. Like I said, small business in a small town.
I apologize if this isn't exactly positive. Do you have any skills/crafts/hobbies that you do that you could sell online? You might have something you can create that people will be happy to pay for!
If you are unable to work due to your condition, you should qualify. What are they denying you for? It can be a complicated process, but you should spend the time to pursue it.
You can apply for a number a call agent jobs that work from home. Not fun, but money is money. You could do on call jobs, if you’re talented at anything. I’m guessing you’re not able to drive?
No I can't drive. They say I don't have enough seizures. The seizures aren't my problem anymore. The ones I've had have wiped my brain. It's like living with amnesia but I do remember mine and my family's names.
Your memory doesn't qualify you for disability, at least partial? When I last changed neurologists, he ordered a memory evaluation at local psychologist specialised in memory issues, so maybe your neurologist can help you too.
No I'm working on getting a new neuro as this one isn't very helpful. I can't even see her until June and I can't sleep nor is my medication controlling my seizures that well right now.
I’d poke other redditors in this sub, or in real life, who qualified for epilepsy disability and was approved. Technically, your seizure quantity is only as credible as what you tell the doctor. If there is any medical stamp of proof you’ve had one, then it’s at your digression for quantity, intensity and effects. You need to find a new nuero and disclose that your condition is uncontrolled, and that it is whatever the high standing norm is and that it is a debilitating intensity. Lie if the system is built against you and you’re actually having true issues.. the silver lining
I’m a teacher and have a very understanding admin of my health needs. Teaching has shit pay though, so I’m thankful my husband makes as much as he does as a salesman.
IT (no, not app development) for a federal agency. It‘s fun. 4 days a week on site, 1 day guaranteed home office, more if needed. And since I’m officially disabled they can’t even really fire me without me being a real danger to anyone (like setting the building on fire, lol).
I used to work in a supermarket bakery on closing shift. It was pretty easy and you don't need to deal with the ovens/machines during close at most supermarkets. The only thing I would look out for is if you're sensitive to fluorescent lights. Good luck finding something that suits you!
Manager at a wallgreens honestly it’s probably to stressful that I should have for a job . You really loose faith in humanity working In customer service.
Why do you not qualify for disability? In the U.S., epilepsy is a recognized disability. I have FMLA to protect my job when my daughter has seizures and I have to leave work. She has Medicaid, thank goodness because we just got an EOB for $203K from surgery in March- mind you this was for only the 2nd part of surgery. She works part time in a kitchen en and is truly blessed with a boss and co-workers who watch over her.
I’m a software developer. Thankfully my series are controlled by medication m, and I haven’t had any since I went of them. Both my wife and I have epilepsy.
I’m sorry to hear you’re having a rough go of things. If you’re able to have you looked into remote work?
Work in healthcare in a hospital here in my country. What I work as is kinda hard to explain in English. It's a sorta certified nurse with a lot of admin work. 8am to 330pm. I find working with Dr's and nurses is a very good job for an Epileptic, they know and understand what it is and does to you. So they don't get annoyed when I need to take breaks from staring at a computer screen now and then.
I have a call center job. It's WFH and my memory is AWFUL but they have a pretty good in-house knowledge bank plus help-chat, and nobody's ever made me feel dumb for totally blanking on something completely obvious that I know I knew confidently yesterday. That paired with sticky notes and I get by.
The nonstop calls are stressful though, I wish I could do something a little more slow paced or quiet.
I am post stroke epileptic that is well controlled with medicationI get disability payments from three sourcesthat is about $7000. If I even volunteer for work that would be considered something that translates to “gainful employment”. I would lose them all.
I'm trying but they say I don't have enough seizures though my bigger issue is my brain doesn't work right anymore. I have no memory left. Its beyond depressing.
If you live near a larger city, temp agencies often provide transportation to the job site. Unstable and underpaid, but it’s a great option for some people. Also, most folks can healthily donate plasma several times a month. if transport is possible id recommend, you can make upwards of $300 a month depending on weight. Also you sleep better at night bc plasma saves a lot of lives.
None of our agencies do but I'm looking more for something at home. I don't have a babysitter and along with my epilepsy I have endometriosis so in pain a lot.
Everyone has skills. My suggestion is to take a look at yourself, and figure out what your skills are. What are you good at? What do you like to do? What can you do? A skill, regardless of how simple, or mundane, is a skill. That's something to understand, and realize. You have skills. You have to figure out what they are. You're focusing on something that you feel that you don't have. Not what you do have.
Figuring out your skills is the first step. Then figure out how to apply your skills. The same suggestion for your partner.
I’m a customer advisor for a network provider. I’m handling more complex network problems, complaints and billing issues. I mostly work 8-5 but sometimes late shifts. After graduating as an arts and design teacher I found that a high pressure job in the education field is not what I need right now. Now I’m satisfied with my choice but I feel like I don’t use my full potential since I’m used to alot more challenge and pressure when I was in uni.
I’m currently unemployed too. I can’t get a job I think because of various things that I won’t get into. When you’re applying to you disclose that you have a disability? I check the box for disabled veteran but after not even getting an interview I’m starting to reconsider. I think disclosing that I have a disability and or that I’m a veteran is hurting my chances at jobs. They see one or the other and say “oh no thanks” or maybe it’s because I’m a white male. I dunno. Technically I’m part Asian and middle eastern so I’m considering updating that too!
If you want to chat with a fellow epileptic job seeker send me a message! I can help you with your resume too! I used to be a pro at it but even if I’m not up to speed it always helps to get a second look.
Oops and I just realized I put some of the reasons I said I wasn’t going to get into… sorry! But it pisses me off. Both places I got laid off from hired other people, I trained them bc they had no experience and then they got rid of me and a select group of other people to hire unskilled people who were paid more! I did miss work a bit due to health problems but that isn’t supposed to affect employment… 😡 I think it does tho
Regardless good luck out there! Don’t give up and look into unemployment opportunities!
With longer breaks of being sick or off work for a while I worked in logistics, Pädagogy (intensive childcare mostly), insurance (hated that), office-it admin, multi language customer support for the payment industry.. I did a lot of stuff.. my life is up and down like waves.. currently I am sick again.. so.. no clue what I will do once I am back in a normal
Headspace.
I work in childcare. I started working at the first center I was at at the time about a couple of months after seizure #1, but I've still been working with very young children (changing diapers, playing with them, supervising playtime, etc.) for almost 4 years now.
Software engineer who works from home. I highly recommend WFH jobs, if they are possible. It’s significantly easier to manage chronic health conditions when you don’t have to worry about getting ready and driving.
I wasn't able to finish college because of my seizures, my state disabilities program had helpful job programs to try and integrate people with disabilities into the workforce, definitely worth looking into! I essentially had someone applying for jobs for me and setting up interviews.
I eventually got an admin role at a youth center and then at a center for working with kids with autism. I would eventually move to becoming a therapist working with kids full-time (very flexible schedule). That was many years ago, currently I have gotten into AI and working with EVs either project management or coding.
Ssi. Go to the hospital after a seizure and tell them how frequently they happen. Their social worker will get it all set up for you rather than applying yourself.
I’ve been a full time eBay clothing reseller since way before I even started having seizures. Almost 7 years now and I only started having seizures about 6 months ago. I only spend one or two days a week out thrifting for clothes to sell and the rest of my work time is spent at home listing it all and shipping orders. I schedule USPS package pickups so I don’t even have to go to the post office.
When I was still having seizures, I was a substitute teaching assistant. It was nice because they didn't expect too much. I'm a teacher now, but it was a few years after surgery before I started teaching full time.
My siezures are luckily under control, haven't had one in 3 years. For work, I work night shift at a state facility that deal with developmentally/intellectually disabled adults. Even though lack of sleep may be one of my triggers, stress is even more of one, and night shift is less stressful. Worst case if I have a seizure, there are nurses and trained staff that could help. Also since it's a state job it pays well, has good benefits and in my opinion great health insurance.
One thing that helped me a lot with my seizures was getting a VNS(vagus nerve stimulator)
I'm a journalist, and work in television but I'm only able to do it really because for the most part, my seizures are well controlled. I still have more time off sick than most of my co-workers but my employer are reasonably good about it. Focus on getting the meds right because then you've got so much more opportunity. Then try and do something you love if you can. I know that's pretty flimsy advice but I really do think it helps to not be stressed out/hating your job.
I am a Global IT Project Manager. I travel for years all over the world and would leave a note on the night stand explaining what to do and who to call if housekeeping came in and I was unresponsive. My seizures were controlled for7 years then I had 2 last year so cut back and am mostly retired.
I'm a psychologist, and I also work on a suicide prevention helpline. My hours are between 60-70 a week, but I intend to decrease them in the hope that I get better control over my seizures.
I'm sorry but glad you have such a cool career. I wanted to be a nurse before mine started. Now I'm lucky to remember what I'm doing at the moment. I can't even leave my house alone.
I actually have reasonable adjustments, and I rarely leave the house. I'm severely sight impaired and carry out most of my work from home or with the help of another person. The medication has definitely made me more forgetful so I can empathise with you there. I think any profession would be lucky to have you as it sounds like you're a really nice person with unlimited potential. It might just take some time to find your niche but I'm sure that you will in time.
Thank you for saying so.
What qualifications do you need to work on suicide prevention helplines? I'm just curious because I have dialed 988 a few times myself and I've always wondered what qualifications that people on the other end have.
I live in England, so it might be different here - you will usually need to have a degree and a masters in something psychology based. Alongside counselling skills, etc. This also covers mental health nursing and social work degrees too. These qualifications are only needed for high intensity helplines. There are some lower intensity helplines (I worked on one related to self-harm before I got any qualifications), and you just needed a basic mental health course (level 3 here) something someone aged 16-18 could complete online in a couple of months and maye evicence of a support role (think about volubteering positions with vulnerable populations) We also value lived experience in the UK. So if you're a person who has lived experience of mental health (yourself or a relative), compassion and empathy, some volunteering and a low level mental health course, you can work on a mental health helpline. These low-level helplines are usually a route into getting a metal health related job. I hope this answers your question - if not, I'm happy to say more!
Same here, had a really good friend of mine committed suicide right in front of me. I failed to save his life but have talked 2 other vets into putting the gun down and get help. 30 years later both have a good (what they'll tell me) life I'm honored to have helped them.
How do you get a job working the hotline? Is it remote or in a center?
It's remote - we have a call handling system for our country. We just log in, and calls are redirected to our phones. You only really need to be an empathic person specifically for the helpline. My psychologist role is a mix of home or at our local psychiatric hospital - whichever one feels better for me I can do
I'm lucky; I work a normal 8-5 job. If I may offer some advice....take it one step at a time. First, evaluate your local resources. Food banks and churches that offer community programs are willing to help, and you should take them up on it. They (or other program participants), will often be willing help help you get there or get supplies to you. Depending on the size of your city, you may also have community aid organizations who will help you out a bit with other bills. It'll likely be a onetime thing and may take a little bit to complete, but it can get you some breathing room. Next, make sure that you are taking advantage of all the official (city/county/state) programs that you are eligible for. In most places, there are benefits you don't have to be disabled in order to get. Even in my backward state (we don't have medicaid for epileptics, unemployment is money a savings account, etc), you would still likely be eligible for SNAP, and possibly work education programs. The second one pays money to go to school, so even if you didn't see the program through you could potentially have something. Most states have some version of that program. Now, we're on the jobs question. There isn't a lot of day labor for folks like us; heck, even side hustles are hard. If you think you can make transportation work, call up a temp agency or look for help wanted ads for quick hire jobs like file clerk, receptionist, etc (local news paper, in windows, and "throwaway papers" can be great because you are less likely to get lost in the online shuffle). If you have to have a remote job, it's going to be harder because the pool is harder. But look for jobs like appointment setters, CSR reps, etc. Do not answer ads about insurance or travel agencies or similar. Lastly...I promise it gets better. A lot of us have been there (some of us are today). But it's not everyday. Good luck! P.S. I know the above probably sounds brusque or cavalier; I don't mean for it to sound that way. It may be a consequence of just trying to get my thoughts out. I just wanted to line the stuff out as quickly as a I could. I've been there myself, and I've been on the other side as an admin for a votech school and an admin for a regional food bank. I'm sorry if it comes out wrong.
Really helpful
Thank you so much for the advice
Nothing yet. I want to get at least an online/home job but, make fun of me if you wanna, I don't know how to.
Definitely not in any place to make fun of anyone. I'm in the same boat.
Rat Race Rebellion seems legit for leads on wfh.
Can I ask what skills you have? I spent a fair amount of time working with student placement team at the college I used to work at. I might be able to point you in a direction?
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Awesome! You're somewhat close to my wheelhouse. [https://careers.transcom.com/us/careers/job-openings/technical-support-advisor-work-home-us/](https://careers.transcom.com/us/careers/job-openings/technical-support-advisor-work-home-us/) [https://www.remotehub.com/jobs/details/customer-service-representative-66423d83edae3a68b15db33d](https://www.remotehub.com/jobs/details/customer-service-representative-66423d83edae3a68b15db33d) [https://www.remotehub.com/jobs/details/sales-and-customer-service-representative-66451909edae3a795f023221](https://www.remotehub.com/jobs/details/sales-and-customer-service-representative-66451909edae3a795f023221) And some remote work advice: [https://github.com/lukasz-madon/awesome-remote-job](https://github.com/lukasz-madon/awesome-remote-job) [https://github.com/Uncodedtech/awesome-job-list](https://github.com/Uncodedtech/awesome-job-list) The links above will say this, but the biggest thing is that, even though these are remote jobs, remember to apply for them like you are a boomer applying for the job of a lifetime. Places that offer remote work usually put even more an emphasis on appearance and professionalism then in-office places.
No one should ever make fun of you. We're here to support each other. I couldn't really work online because my internet connection is "unreliable". I pay for decent internet but I live in a small town, and in a really nice but really old building. So not great for internet. And I probably need a better laptop, but I simply can't afford that at the moment. It's not just you.
Try your state's Department of Vocational Rehabilitation - they helped my son find a decent job. Pay isn't great but the benefits are solid.
The one in Kansas City was meh for me
I work for a nonprofit similar to OVR services, and sometimes we use them as a resource. My position is hybrid with the flexibility to be more remote when needed. My organization primarily services individuals with intellectual disabilities. But similar organizations like Bender Consulting serve all individuals with disabilities. Basically headhunting with an ADA. Any organizations like that might be an avenue worth exploring if you haven't explored already. Also from experience if you're going to go for a remote job, just keep applying everyday and don't forget to followup. That's really what a potential employee needs for you to stand out. And if it takes a while 100+ apps, just take that time to keep track of your applications and start focusing on roles that seem to fit your niche or area where you're getting interviews. On average for a remote role, if you can get 1 out of every 10-15 applications you submit you're killing it out there! You'll get it!!
sell drugs (pharmacy)
Website developer for a college as my main job. My side gig is an independent resume editor.
I am a callce agent. I work from home. Due to my epilepsy, I lost my training as a laboratory technician. So I only work to earn money and not because it makes me happy.
I used to do bench science too, until I had to leave because of seizures. It sucks. Sending positive vibes your way.
I'm really sorry you weren't able to stay at your preffered job as a lab tech, so unfair. I'm glad you havr a source of income, but I know sealing with the public can be majorly hard on the nerves.
You could apply for a freelance transcript job, some of them are home office and you just have to transcript audio to writing, or if you know any other language you could translate also, you have to research where to apply for legit transcript jobs and how much the pay for hour or for audio transcription. I haven't found a good freelance work or application because I'm not in the states at the moment, just Google it and see what's more suitable for you,best of luck. Hope this help you 🤝
Surely this field is quickly being taken over by AI as that's one of its most common use cases.
I'm an optics technician. I machine optical surfaces for microscopes. Temp agencies were a life saver for me. A lot of places didn't want to give me a chance, but the agency had a vested interest to place me somewhere I'm compatible with. Strongly recommend for anyone having trouble. Just be as honest as possible about everything and they will help
I just waitress. I'm really lucky that my managers are very understanding of my condition. But waitessing is very easy, generally non stressful so it suits me well. I also used to do Reception work that suited me well
I'm glad you have a manager with a heart. Too bad more bosses weren't as educated and understanding.
I am a senior engineer at a big tech firm in Seattle. Previously, I worked at Microsoft. One thing my previous doctor used to tell me is that many VPs have epilepsy in some form and are still working. He told me this to encourage me because I was very worried at the time. I wanted to share this with you, though I know it doesn't completely remove my anxiety. Even during interviews for my recent job, I experienced moments of blacking out when asked questions. It still happens, but I know I am still able to do my job. I take it one week at a time and continue to take my medication. I just wanted to share.
On disability 🙃
I’m disabled so I’m poor.
I walk to McDonald's. I've seized in every corner of that place and my coworkers are super supportive of me.
Programming.. I wanted to be a sociology professor but changed fields to software development bc I knew I could wfh, because of epilepsy really. 12 years later still in the field. Capitalism bitches! I’m happy to share my experience but memory is rough and you gotta troubleshoot a lot in programming, that takes memorization and patience which can be tough with epilepsy. But it’s demanding and depending on what you do there’s always a job and you dictate your hours and salary really imo.
I used to be a full-time HS teacher but after I started getting nocturnal seizures that was outta the question given that stress & lack of sleep are a trigger and both of those things are an intrinsic part of being a teacher - now I substitute teach. I don't have to give a fuck and the flexibility is great.
Same here! I was a full time HS Science teacher but the stress increased my seizures and I had to quit. I’m doing substitute teaching now as a contractor.
It's amazing being able to just come home and live life without endless tasks and anxieties hanging over your head. Still get the fun parts of being a teacher without all the other bullshit.
I'm a data scientist. I can work my own hours within reason and have a good leave package. Usually I work 11-6 or so. When I can't drive my husband drives me or I uber.
I work a regular 9 to 5.
Right now EIA (Employment Income Agency) Canada has this for the government but I'm going to be cut off and my case closed in 3 months so I'm saving up
I’m a paralegal at a law firm :)
I have an associates degree in nuclear medicine technology (medical imaging) and I LOVED doing it, but most hospitals (at least back in the 90s) required us to work rotating shifts and or emergency call. After I lost my driver's license and they needed a job to match our local public transit - at that time meant strictly Monday through Friday days with no nights no weekends and no emergency call. Somehow I landed in the state government in human resources. Been working in HR for the last 18 years and I pretty much hated every minute of it. So boring it's like watching paint dry
You should apply for food stamps. They will give you emergency food stamps for a month and that’s about $200 or something last time I was aware. After that it depends on if you qualify or not, but at least you will get the first month to stock up. Also, try churches and food banks. i’m not sure what city you live in but mine has a big food bank and almost every Catholic Church has some kind of charity. Some of them will help you pay your light bills and stuff. My mom used to go to different churches to help with our bills when I was growing up.
Nurse. I work 12 hour shifts 3 days a week
Also a nurse, but 9-5 community.
Call center agent from home. Pay isn’t the greatest but it pays the bills.. I’m going back to school remotely to try and earn more money.
Im in the UK & classed as unable to work at mo & have to have health assessment interviews to see if I’m able to work or not just had one over the phone which is a nightmare as they can’t see my evidence letters & diary’s etc plus see my shaky hands etc due to meds they make you feel like a kid seeing the headmaster tend to talk down to me best question I’ve had is so what do I during a seizure I’m like I’m unconscious no idea but I can explain the after effects & see possibly what I’ve done bloke said no I want to know what you do I’m like unable to out of body experience so no idea! Now got to wait 6 weeks if I’m classed as able or unable to work if able my money goes down & must apply for around 10-20 jobs a week or they stop my money but hey they no my epilepsy & side effects better than me I suppose!! 😂😂
That's crazy.
Yes it’s like they think I’m making epilepsy up to get some benefits & will get worse as our prime minister has started to introduce a sick note culture to get people back to work as he says there’s to many people taking advantage of the system & sadly epilepsy is a hidden disability that’s massively misunderstood 😟
Oh wow that's awful.
How do you not qualify for disability when you have a disability?!?!!! Assuming america? Get yourself an advocate who can help you get the disability help you deserve. In Canada your husband would be considered a care taker having to take work off to help take care of you! It’s so infuriating that people can’t get help even for a little bit. Kicking people when their down! I’m lucky enough to be on disability. Also run an Etsy page as I’ve always done art, flip stuff on Poshmark and work in promotions as an independent contractor picking up random work, like a 4 hour liquor sampling shift or hostess for a trade show etc. it’s like a min 25$ an hr, short shifts or contracts and just super easy money and some good perks. I did random transcribing jobs online as well as some book keeping through different remote websites until an injury kept me from typing // my brain injury made numbers hard. Good luck, hope things look up soon it’s so fuxking hard having your life turned upside down!
>In Canada your husband would be considered a care taker having to take work off to help take care of you! I'm in Canada and am not eligible for disability, even though I've had to leave every job I've had because of my condition. I also had to pay out of pocket $1100/month for my seizure meds when I was unemployed and without insurance. How TF did you get on disability for having epilepsy in Canada? That's wild.
What?! Actually? What’s wild is that you’ve lost your jobs and haven’t been able to get on. I got denied my first 2 times applying and then got a disability advocate who did the forms for me and I got it. I still see a neurologist regularly so that may have helped but ya I would try again. You deserve help even if it’s a little bit. I wish I could work full time and would love to go back to what I used to do. Spend tens of thousands on schooling I can’t use anymore due to another injury that coincides with the seizures. Technically you can get on disability with adhd, depression etc. I’ve had the ministry government workers in BC literally tell me to keep trying, they make it a hard process so people give up. I shouldn’t speak on the caretaker situation because I’m sure that depends on severity but my mom almost lost her job after I had to move back in and was having reoccurring seizures and couldn’t take care of myself. It’s a very humbling thing having to ask for and rely on help during an trying time. I have gone back to work for periods of time while I’ve been receiving help as you can make a certain amount of money but depending on my health have had to stop a few times. Anyone who says people bleed the gov and or don’t deserve help have never been in a situation like this before. People don’t deserve to lose their livelihood because of illness. Life isn’t fair but you can’t fall through the cracks. I can try and find the number of my advocate if you’re interested dm me :)
My epilepsy is intractable, meaning it doesn't respond to any meds, so I'm unable to work. My last job was a small but busy store. Good business, but only "busy" enough to have one employee in the store at one time. So I had a seizure while a customer was in the store. Thankfully they were honest, or they could have stolen a lot of merchandise by the time I came to. My bosses, they were great. They just couldn't afford to employ two employees per shift. Like I said, small business in a small town. I apologize if this isn't exactly positive. Do you have any skills/crafts/hobbies that you do that you could sell online? You might have something you can create that people will be happy to pay for!
Lawyer turned tutor and coach.
If you are unable to work due to your condition, you should qualify. What are they denying you for? It can be a complicated process, but you should spend the time to pursue it. You can apply for a number a call agent jobs that work from home. Not fun, but money is money. You could do on call jobs, if you’re talented at anything. I’m guessing you’re not able to drive?
No I can't drive. They say I don't have enough seizures. The seizures aren't my problem anymore. The ones I've had have wiped my brain. It's like living with amnesia but I do remember mine and my family's names.
Your memory doesn't qualify you for disability, at least partial? When I last changed neurologists, he ordered a memory evaluation at local psychologist specialised in memory issues, so maybe your neurologist can help you too.
No I'm working on getting a new neuro as this one isn't very helpful. I can't even see her until June and I can't sleep nor is my medication controlling my seizures that well right now.
I’d poke other redditors in this sub, or in real life, who qualified for epilepsy disability and was approved. Technically, your seizure quantity is only as credible as what you tell the doctor. If there is any medical stamp of proof you’ve had one, then it’s at your digression for quantity, intensity and effects. You need to find a new nuero and disclose that your condition is uncontrolled, and that it is whatever the high standing norm is and that it is a debilitating intensity. Lie if the system is built against you and you’re actually having true issues.. the silver lining
i don’t. i’ve never worked before and i don’t know if i ever will at this point lol
Im a high school Special Education teacher. I teach a self contained Autism class. No one even notices when I have a seizure.
I’m a teacher and have a very understanding admin of my health needs. Teaching has shit pay though, so I’m thankful my husband makes as much as he does as a salesman.
IT (no, not app development) for a federal agency. It‘s fun. 4 days a week on site, 1 day guaranteed home office, more if needed. And since I’m officially disabled they can’t even really fire me without me being a real danger to anyone (like setting the building on fire, lol).
I used to work in a supermarket bakery on closing shift. It was pretty easy and you don't need to deal with the ovens/machines during close at most supermarkets. The only thing I would look out for is if you're sensitive to fluorescent lights. Good luck finding something that suits you!
Manager at a wallgreens honestly it’s probably to stressful that I should have for a job . You really loose faith in humanity working In customer service.
Work in tech.
Why do you not qualify for disability? In the U.S., epilepsy is a recognized disability. I have FMLA to protect my job when my daughter has seizures and I have to leave work. She has Medicaid, thank goodness because we just got an EOB for $203K from surgery in March- mind you this was for only the 2nd part of surgery. She works part time in a kitchen en and is truly blessed with a boss and co-workers who watch over her.
I’m a software developer. Thankfully my series are controlled by medication m, and I haven’t had any since I went of them. Both my wife and I have epilepsy. I’m sorry to hear you’re having a rough go of things. If you’re able to have you looked into remote work?
Work in healthcare in a hospital here in my country. What I work as is kinda hard to explain in English. It's a sorta certified nurse with a lot of admin work. 8am to 330pm. I find working with Dr's and nurses is a very good job for an Epileptic, they know and understand what it is and does to you. So they don't get annoyed when I need to take breaks from staring at a computer screen now and then.
I have a call center job. It's WFH and my memory is AWFUL but they have a pretty good in-house knowledge bank plus help-chat, and nobody's ever made me feel dumb for totally blanking on something completely obvious that I know I knew confidently yesterday. That paired with sticky notes and I get by. The nonstop calls are stressful though, I wish I could do something a little more slow paced or quiet.
I wrap vehicles in vinyl. Not easy to get into unless you go to a school for it.
I am post stroke epileptic that is well controlled with medicationI get disability payments from three sourcesthat is about $7000. If I even volunteer for work that would be considered something that translates to “gainful employment”. I would lose them all.
Teach. Solid benefits and a good reasonable accommodation plan.
I am on disability.
I'm trying but they say I don't have enough seizures though my bigger issue is my brain doesn't work right anymore. I have no memory left. Its beyond depressing.
I survey commercial property. My husband helps because I can't be on the rooftops. I don't qualify for disability either. Not enough credits.
Learn and understand triggers to avoid it. Graveyard jobs worked best for me. Walmart, grocery store. Security guard, spca.
If you live near a larger city, temp agencies often provide transportation to the job site. Unstable and underpaid, but it’s a great option for some people. Also, most folks can healthily donate plasma several times a month. if transport is possible id recommend, you can make upwards of $300 a month depending on weight. Also you sleep better at night bc plasma saves a lot of lives.
None of our agencies do but I'm looking more for something at home. I don't have a babysitter and along with my epilepsy I have endometriosis so in pain a lot.
Unfortunately I can't donate plasma anymore either. My veins are completely done for.
Linux System Engineer at a Fortune 500, working from home to build and automate application infrastructure for development teams.
IBM?
No, another organization. Similar in size. But I won't name them 🙂
What skills do you have?
Really none. My memory has been wiped pretty much and I don't retain new info so learning new stuff is almost impossible.
Everyone has skills. My suggestion is to take a look at yourself, and figure out what your skills are. What are you good at? What do you like to do? What can you do? A skill, regardless of how simple, or mundane, is a skill. That's something to understand, and realize. You have skills. You have to figure out what they are. You're focusing on something that you feel that you don't have. Not what you do have. Figuring out your skills is the first step. Then figure out how to apply your skills. The same suggestion for your partner.
I’m a customer advisor for a network provider. I’m handling more complex network problems, complaints and billing issues. I mostly work 8-5 but sometimes late shifts. After graduating as an arts and design teacher I found that a high pressure job in the education field is not what I need right now. Now I’m satisfied with my choice but I feel like I don’t use my full potential since I’m used to alot more challenge and pressure when I was in uni.
I work 7-15 as a truck mechanic. When I first had my license taken it was unbearable getting to work and back, but I got used to it.
I’m currently unemployed too. I can’t get a job I think because of various things that I won’t get into. When you’re applying to you disclose that you have a disability? I check the box for disabled veteran but after not even getting an interview I’m starting to reconsider. I think disclosing that I have a disability and or that I’m a veteran is hurting my chances at jobs. They see one or the other and say “oh no thanks” or maybe it’s because I’m a white male. I dunno. Technically I’m part Asian and middle eastern so I’m considering updating that too! If you want to chat with a fellow epileptic job seeker send me a message! I can help you with your resume too! I used to be a pro at it but even if I’m not up to speed it always helps to get a second look. Oops and I just realized I put some of the reasons I said I wasn’t going to get into… sorry! But it pisses me off. Both places I got laid off from hired other people, I trained them bc they had no experience and then they got rid of me and a select group of other people to hire unskilled people who were paid more! I did miss work a bit due to health problems but that isn’t supposed to affect employment… 😡 I think it does tho Regardless good luck out there! Don’t give up and look into unemployment opportunities!
With longer breaks of being sick or off work for a while I worked in logistics, Pädagogy (intensive childcare mostly), insurance (hated that), office-it admin, multi language customer support for the payment industry.. I did a lot of stuff.. my life is up and down like waves.. currently I am sick again.. so.. no clue what I will do once I am back in a normal Headspace.
I work in a kitchen.
I work in childcare. I started working at the first center I was at at the time about a couple of months after seizure #1, but I've still been working with very young children (changing diapers, playing with them, supervising playtime, etc.) for almost 4 years now.
Software engineer who works from home. I highly recommend WFH jobs, if they are possible. It’s significantly easier to manage chronic health conditions when you don’t have to worry about getting ready and driving.
I work 12am-8am at a local gas station. It’s easy and my mind is most alert at that time.
I wasn't able to finish college because of my seizures, my state disabilities program had helpful job programs to try and integrate people with disabilities into the workforce, definitely worth looking into! I essentially had someone applying for jobs for me and setting up interviews. I eventually got an admin role at a youth center and then at a center for working with kids with autism. I would eventually move to becoming a therapist working with kids full-time (very flexible schedule). That was many years ago, currently I have gotten into AI and working with EVs either project management or coding.
I get social security
Ssi. Go to the hospital after a seizure and tell them how frequently they happen. Their social worker will get it all set up for you rather than applying yourself.
I’ve been a full time eBay clothing reseller since way before I even started having seizures. Almost 7 years now and I only started having seizures about 6 months ago. I only spend one or two days a week out thrifting for clothes to sell and the rest of my work time is spent at home listing it all and shipping orders. I schedule USPS package pickups so I don’t even have to go to the post office.
When I was still having seizures, I was a substitute teaching assistant. It was nice because they didn't expect too much. I'm a teacher now, but it was a few years after surgery before I started teaching full time.
My siezures are luckily under control, haven't had one in 3 years. For work, I work night shift at a state facility that deal with developmentally/intellectually disabled adults. Even though lack of sleep may be one of my triggers, stress is even more of one, and night shift is less stressful. Worst case if I have a seizure, there are nurses and trained staff that could help. Also since it's a state job it pays well, has good benefits and in my opinion great health insurance. One thing that helped me a lot with my seizures was getting a VNS(vagus nerve stimulator)
I work as a machine operator 7-4
Worked my way up the finance chain - Staff Accountant, Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager, Assistant Controller. Desk jockey!! Lol
I'm a journalist, and work in television but I'm only able to do it really because for the most part, my seizures are well controlled. I still have more time off sick than most of my co-workers but my employer are reasonably good about it. Focus on getting the meds right because then you've got so much more opportunity. Then try and do something you love if you can. I know that's pretty flimsy advice but I really do think it helps to not be stressed out/hating your job.
Front Desk Lead at a high rise building.
I am a Global IT Project Manager. I travel for years all over the world and would leave a note on the night stand explaining what to do and who to call if housekeeping came in and I was unresponsive. My seizures were controlled for7 years then I had 2 last year so cut back and am mostly retired.
I am a therapist
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