In debt and lost
I feel so lost and scared right now. I feel like no one in my life understands so I really just need to write it out. For the past few years or so I’ve been going through something I’m not even sure the cause of yet. My hands/wrists go numb, stiff, burn and are in pain whenever I do any repetitive or physical activity with them. They get inflamed very easily and I’m constantly stretching, messaging, and icing them throughout the day. It only can relieve so much as it starts to get irritated with day-to-day activity. I’m still in the process of seeing doctors about it. I had to quit my last two jobs because the pain was unbearable and would result in my hands locking to the point I could barely move them. So I don’t have a job and don’t receive any income. I’m so behind on bills right now and I’m just piling up medical debt trying to figure out what’s wrong (I live in the US). I might have to stop seeing my therapist (I also have depression, gad, and social anxiety) because I have no way to pay her. My parents try to help out as much as they can but that can only go so far. I don’t have a proper diagnosis so I’m not sure if programs or any other financial assistance would look my way. Everyone keeps urging me to get a job already but I’m not even sure what kind of job would be appropriate since I don’t even know what’s going on. I don’t want to get a job and have to quit again when I find out it’s too much for my hands. I feel so physically and mentally helpless. Im not sure what to do to get money. I hate that I need money and can’t just think of myself in this situation.
That must be really frustrating to not know what's the problem and then financial struggles are a worry on top of that.
Do you have an estimated timeframe of when you may know what the issue is? I know depending on what a test finds it can alter things greatly, but is there at least a minimum timeframe, maybe when you know you have a imaging appointment booked or something like that?
If it's going to be over a month, perhaps getting something temporary is something to consider, there can be a fair bit of seasonal work. If driving doesn't seem to flare things up that opens up some job possibilities. There is also voice based customer service, whether in phone or in person although I understand that gets limited if there's computer/shuffling papers/handling payments involved.
It is pretty frustrating. I’ve been to multiple doctors that have lead to dead ends and starting over. But I am seeing an ortho in a couple days and a neurologist at the end of the month. I really hope this is the big break! :) Since they are first time visits I’m not sure if they are true timeframes as I learned that it sometimes takes multiple visits to discover something. But I do think it might be over a month.
I have considered a seasonal job or part-time job but it’s just hard to figure out what would be an okay fit. A lot of short-term jobs in my area require a lot of physical capabilities (I live around a lot of warehouses) and other calmer jobs deal with typing and handling. I have considered a call job but a lot of them are remote and I don’t have a good working environment at home. So you can understand why I’m in such a rut right now 😅😅
I am open to any other job ideas you may have. Maybe I let one slip? Or any other, other ideas that come to mind. It’s fine if not but thank you for commenting ☺️ @AffyAvo
@KariMay Feel free to start a job brainstorming thread to see if you get more suggestions!
If you can drive - food delivery (a bit of handling items, not as excessive as other delivery types of jobs), bus driver, kid drop off/pick up - some people want it for walking them too(self employed), uber.
Tutoring at an age where you can make them do all the writing, teaching any type of skill you have that doesn't require you to use hands.
Verbal translation service (easier to find in person).
Tour guide.
I have never worked in a restaurant- maaaybe hosting, not sure how much you need to use hands when things are quiet, you may be able to get accommodations.
Childcare, not babies. Sometimes people just want someone there overnight. Dog sitting/walker (use an over the shoulder or umbilical leash and a pooper scooper).
Thank you for the suggestions! I will look up some of these ideas. I never thought of like a tour guide or a translator. But making a brainstorming thread is also a good idea! I’ll definitely make one when I have the chance and wording down.