Yes I'm alive/Stressed Out Beyond Belief/Kathy's Job Hunt/Novel Two

[paul_doyle]

Wow, I can’t believe it’s been so long since I updated this LiveJournal! I have been haunting Facebook almost to the exclusion of other websites, and since I can’t afford to get a new computer (or pretty much anything else, for that matter) I make do with what I have, slowness and viruses and all

Comments

Re: Disability?

[ddreslough]

You know, maybe Kathy would enjoy a trade? They don't require much in terms of academics, they're fantastic exercise (she can work up to long days) and the pay is good once you get established. Interior painting and drywall just jumped into my head (mostly because I was staring at my wall and it's pockmarked. :) ) But, plumbing is big $$$. Framing carpentry is good $$$. Heck, even mowing lawns and landscape can be good $$$. She could volunteer for Habitat for Humanity to work up her skills and stamina -- they'll demand less in terms of hours versus an apprenticeship.

If she's into art, the dexterity and control could translate into some kind of fine work. Does she like to knit? Handknit boutique sweaters can get good $$$ too. And, even if she doesnt end up selling them, hey -- making a sweater beats buying one. :) Does anything in Etsy inspire her? Lacemaking? Needlepoint? Sewing?

Has she had her depression looked into seriously, with a psychiatrist *and* a psychopharmacologist? I seriously would look for a good psychopharacologist who specializes in meds if she needs meds. Mine is great. Seriously saved my life (Dr. Calabrese in South Windsor) but she doesn't take insurance.

Re: Disability?

[paul_doyle]

News flash: Kathy got a job! It's housekeeping at a local non-casino hotel, which will be very hard work and not paying much, but it's a start.

While I do believe Kathy should get one-on-one counseling, she isn't comfortable with that yet, and resorts to group counseling which I'm not thrilled about (I think it's watered-down and they get sidetracked, and this costs me $25 copay, once a week) but it's better than the previous situation.

She is on anti-depressants, but I think her return to work is the best therapy of all. Hopefully, she'll be spurred to bigger and better things, to the benefit of her whole family.