Different career?

[Neonatal RRT]

Would anyone else have also made a different career choice if they had been diagnosed earlier?

Depends upon how much earlier. I am thinking if I was a child when I was diagnosed there would have been adults in my life trying to manipulate and direct me in a certain direction based upon what they perceived were my deficits and strengths. Once I was in my 20's, I was already on a path that probably wouldn't have changed had I been diagnosed at that time. On the other hand, I would have been much more aware of myself and might have changed what I have said and done in my life that might have influenced my current situation and career status,...I don't know.

But,...if I had access to a time machine, knowing what I know now, I should have managed my money quite differently, and invested in all the new, innovative companies and products that are a part of our life now (cell phones, computers, internet, on-line shopping, Bitcoin,...a bunch of things). Then, I would be a "bazzionaire" and I wouldn't be working for anyone right now,...I'd be sipping drinks in my private floating Tiki hut in the Maldives.

 

[Richelle-H]

AH yes, life choices. Lacking any sense of self on which to build confidence in my years leading up to employment, I rather let my affinities and skills push or pull me toward a career.

My mother always knew I was different and deferred to me more than she probably should have, as her first born. She was a nurse fresh off WWII, but I could never be in a profession that dealt with people. I knew that at a very early age.

That being said, I sang and acted a bit in high school and again a bit later. Maybe I could have made a career out of that, but it certainly would have been more traumatic and possibly soul crushing.

I guess I would say that I am finally comfortable with myself, and the career I chose did have something to do with that. I think we learn lessons no matter our choices, we just take longer to live with the consequences that arise from some of them.

 

[Sarah S]

I have not ever and wouldn't ever let any of my diagnosis stand in my way from my then dream occupation (as long as it don't risk others life or well being or actually ability to function in said job of course ) . & regardless the poor odds i actually made it to the top of said job . Sadly i was later forced to step down (permanent disability ) and leave due to my body was starting to go down due to WAY to many work hoers 6 days week and stress thru the roof every day and poor eating.

I plan if possible tho to return to the work life (part time )in a completely different job more suitable for my diagnosis (actually on the list of suitable jobs for this diagnosis ) and problems. Is it my dream job nr 2 NO ! . But it is a chance for me to get some more money and get out of the home rather then spending what years i got left doing nothing at home.

So what i mean is DONT let you're diagnosis prevent you from utiliest trying to reach you're goals in life reg the dream jobs. All that can happen is you fail but then you have utliest tried . If you don't you don't know if you could make it not.

 

[clg114]

Would have like to know that 'self employment' is often recommended.

So true! I spent the last 14 years before I retired, working for myself. I worked less, made more and was happier working. And I was very happy before. The only real downside was insurance. I wish I would have done it years before.

 

[KimS]

I probably would have made different choices, but I don't think I would have ended up with a better life. I went through some hard times, but those experiences ended up being great learning experiences, and I feel like I'm a stronger person them because of them. I've had wonderful experiences and accomplishments that at least partially happened due to my cheerful naivety of the low probability of success. If I had been diagnosed in my youth, I fear I wouldn't have had the same innocence and would have been too afraid to try. So no regrets, just gratitude it all worked out.

 

[Ronald Zeeman]

I'm retired now and get to reflect on my choices that I made, no regrets.