Interesting.      For me I know that motivation was very big. I was content to live in poverty while I was sick because the illness was so consuming that employment was out of the question.

I think there comes a time where you realize that you have abilities or can acquire them and join the workforce.       Question is, how and when do you arrive at that point and once you're there how do you know you're there?            It would be nice if someone just said "OK patient Z you can work now".        

I can remember my cognitive testing years ago, and having it tested again this spring.There was a big difference and I think it's a pretty good indicator of where you stand in terms of skills in the workplace.         And of course, as you pointed out, work can be defined in many ways.      For example, a single person maintaining independent

living is hard work.       

Thanks for the tips and insight in your recent posts.

Sincerely,

Don Fraser

Robin Cunningham

8/18/08 7:46pm

 

Don:

 

Thank you very much!

 

Your insights and thoughtful responses have enabled me to rethink, in a very positive way, some of the things I've done and to move others along to further development.

 

You raise probably the most important and provacative question of all:  How does one know when they are ready to go to work in the first place?  This can be very difficult because schizophrenia affects our points of refernece.  At the very least, we often have a different perspective than others.

 

My blogs on employment have begun with the assumption that we have already decided to go to work.  I have unintentionally skipped the first question we should ask ourselves.

 

I'm going to give your question a lot of thought this week.

 

I hope to respond next week with some ideas about possible answers.

 

Again, your assistance is greatly appreciated.

 

Robin

 

 

dogface

8/26/08 2:52am