# Working and Fibromylagia **URL:** \ **Category:** General\ **Created:** [September 3, 2016, 10:25pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/working-and-fibromylagia/8570 "2016-09-03T22:25:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![hopeful2](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/hopeful2/32/6820_2.png) [@hopeful2](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/hopeful2)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2016, 10:25pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/working-and-fibromylagia/8570/1 "2016-09-03T22:25:01Z")
I have been fortunate enough to be a stay at home mom so I do not have the worries of getting to work each day. However, my husband owns his own business and money is not consistently coming in. I feel guilty for not working but I also know that I would not be able to hold down a job. I am very day to day with this fibro. I would love to find something to do at home so that I can help out with the bills. How does everyone do it? Are some of you working from home? Are some of you collecting disability? I have done things where I help someone for a day and it takes me two days to recover. If anyone has any suggestions … Please send them my way!!! If you know of anything that I can do at home at my own pace…Please let me know. Thank you! ---
**Author:** ![Auburnm](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/auburnm/32/3045_2.png) [@Auburnm](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Auburnm)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2016, 1:29am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/working-and-fibromylagia/8570/2 "2016-09-05T01:29:55Z")
Hi hopeful, over the years of having Fibro, I have worked and also taken time off. In the beginning I continued my job but after a year or so I found it too challenging physically. I took about a year off and was able to draw on short term disability through the state I live in. After that, I had to decide if I was going to try and get long term disability or work. So I did something crazy; I moved out of state which forced me to have to work. I did this because I needed extra motivation and I wanted a change of scenery. I found a slow pace job and eased my way back into the workforce. Eventually I got bored and moved again and started the job I have now (13 years later and I am still here). There have been so many times I want to just throw it all away but I just keep moving on. I believe the activity of the job overall helps me stay distracted from the symptoms and I am in a better place than I would be if I didn’t work. This is how it is for me, anyway. I know I recall seeing some other members comment before about working from home and hopefully they will have good tips. The website just went through a major overhaul and it may take some time for everyone to get on here. Anyway, I hope you are having an awesome weekend. Hugs. ---
**Author:** ![hopeful2](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/hopeful2/32/6820_2.png) [@hopeful2](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/hopeful2)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2016, 5:30pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/working-and-fibromylagia/8570/3 "2016-09-05T17:30:02Z")
Thanks for sharing your story. I have thought about getting a job so many times but then I have bad day after bad day and it just looks hopeless. I love photography and started doing craft shows the last few years. One day of that wore me out! I normally ended up taking a nap in the car while my husband watched the stand. I am really hoping to find something that I can do at home. We shall see. ---
**Author:** ![Mandy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/mandy/32/3398_2.png) [@Mandy](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Mandy)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2016, 1:40am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/working-and-fibromylagia/8570/4 "2016-09-10T01:40:31Z")
I stopped working when i was 19 which was 9 years now.I was always sick with something and i think i have had fibromyalgia since i was a kid.There is no way i can work again unless it was working from home. ---
**Author:** ![Ahava31](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/ahava31/32/1628_2.png) [@Ahava31](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Ahava31)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2016, 1:40am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/working-and-fibromylagia/8570/5 "2016-09-12T01:40:36Z")
This is a difficult subject for sure. Personally, when I was working manual labor jobs (I was diagnosed with severe fibromyalgia at 18 but had it years earlier) my fibro was a million times worse and I was constantly sick. My best suggestion is to search different reliable job sites for work you can do at home, right now I currently have a job that is a little more flexible so this helps. If I am having a horrible fibro flare up day, I usually do not have to work unless there is a deadline. Hope this helps! Prayers and blessings ---
**Author:** ![hopeful2](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/hopeful2/32/6820_2.png) [@hopeful2](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/hopeful2)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2016, 3:44pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/working-and-fibromylagia/8570/6 "2016-09-19T15:44:28Z")
it is hard. i am the type of person who does not like to ask for help. however, i see my husband working really hard to pay the bills and i want to help. going by how i feel from day to day i really don’t see myself being able to hold down a job. i have tried looking online for jobs i can do at home but i am not sure which ones are “legit” jobs. i appreciate your thoughts and your prayers. ---
**Author:** ![Ahava31](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/ahava31/32/1628_2.png) [@Ahava31](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Ahava31)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2016, 6:18pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/working-and-fibromylagia/8570/7 "2016-09-25T18:18:25Z")
I understand, but please don’t blame yourself for something you cannot control. You have a very good heart and you care about your husband, and I am sure he loves you just as much. Hang in there, your fibro family is here for you! ---
**Author:** ![Justine2201](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9a140/32.png) [@Justine2201](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Justine2201)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2016, 12:29pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/working-and-fibromylagia/8570/8 "2016-09-26T12:29:57Z")
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in August. I lost my job that I had at that time because the dr took me from working 40-50 hours a week down to 30 hours a week and my employer did not like that so they let me go. My dr told me I could apply for disability but I refuse at this time. So I got a job where it is only 20\_25 hours a week, yes it is not much BUT it is better then what I would have. And yes I am in pain every day going to work, and completely worn out when I get home, but I look at it like as long as I can keep going, is the longer this illness is not going to take over my life. ---
**Author:** ![hopeful2](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/hopeful2/32/6820_2.png) [@hopeful2](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/hopeful2)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2016, 1:16pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/working-and-fibromylagia/8570/9 "2016-09-26T13:16:48Z")
Thanks so much for the encouragement. My husband is awesome. He is working and then coming home and doing some housework. This flare up is the worse one that i have had yet. He has been such a gem. i know i can’t control it and it’s not my fault but its hard to not feel quilty. ---
**Author:** ![hopeful2](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/hopeful2/32/6820_2.png) [@hopeful2](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/hopeful2)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2016, 1:19pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/working-and-fibromylagia/8570/10 "2016-09-26T13:19:52Z")
sorry that you lost your job. that’s not right. its true… i don’t want to let this control me. i am in a bad flare up so its kinda controlling me right now. i will keep that in mind though. its good to be reminded of that. ---
**Author:** ![Ahava31](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/ahava31/32/1628_2.png) [@Ahava31](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Ahava31)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2016, 4:58pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/working-and-fibromylagia/8570/11 "2016-09-26T16:58:12Z")
I understand. I am so thankful that you have a good support system. That is vital! Blessings, praying for you. ---
**Author:** ![Justine2201](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9a140/32.png) [@Justine2201](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Justine2201)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2016, 5:02pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/working-and-fibromylagia/8570/12 "2016-09-26T17:02:29Z")
Yes the flare ups do make it so much worse, I am in a flare up right now as well, but my new boss is understanding about my condition. It does make it harder, and I know it is easier said then done but if you can get in the right mind set, it helps a lot. ---
**Author:** ![ElaineVT49](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/2acd7d/32.png) [@ElaineVT49](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/ElaineVT49)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 6:48pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/working-and-fibromylagia/8570/13 "2016-10-05T18:48:47Z")
I too and working full time with Fibromyalgia that I have had for over 12 years. I am now 49 years old and feel like 100 some days! Some days it just takes all the effort I have to get out of bed and get ready for work. Lately it has been particularly rough as I have been flared up through out summer and I still am even now. My Dr has changed my med a bit to try and help and I am going to try physical therapy in a pool which is salt water and 91 degrees. My first apt is this Friday. I am hopeful it can help, I wish I had an answer for you as to what you could do at home. I just wanted to let you know you are not alone. Hang in there! ---
**Author:** ![AnneV](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/annev/32/3148_2.png) [@AnneV](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/AnneV)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2016, 9:39pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/working-and-fibromylagia/8570/14 "2016-10-07T21:39:22Z")
I so admire anyone who keeps on working with Fibro. I realise it is not a choice for some, tho’ I had to retire 5 years early because of Fibro, I had a small pension from teaching, but it was not enough. I had to take in a lodger, I don’t know if this an option for others looking to increase their income. Take care, Anne