September 16, 2009

  • I believe I've neglected to mention that I will soon be employed.. Huzzah! I'll be working from home doing remote access tech support for a company here in town. This is an established company, owned by a married couple. However, this job is the result of a project they have thought up.

    They decided they wanted to try to create jobs for people with disabilities who are otherwise unemployable. They intend to have people work from home and accommodate their limitations in order to provide meaningful, well-paid work. This is perfect for me, as I have quite a lot of experience and technical knowledge, and love to tinker with computers and learn new things. When I get really stuck, I call Luc and pick his brain, and he says he enjoys trying to fix my problems because I only take interesting things to him. He teaches me a lot without even trying! Because of this, I used him as a reference, and I gather he gave a glowing report of my and my abilities. Thanks Luc!

    So I'm the first to be hired out of five expected hires.I've been told that although they're searching for others, I'm the only one who has applied that appears to have the technical ability to do the job. Another man, a quadriplegic, has been hired to demonstrate the process in order to sell the idea to clients. I hear he's really cool, and I look forward to meeting him.

    The employers seem awesome. I've spoken with them on the phone many times, and finally met them last week. They're straightforward people who value communication and the ability to learn without formal schooling. They were interested enough in helping me that they checked out my sleep site and read a bit about narcolepsy. They also asked if I needed special equipment (I don't) and what else I would need. I said I could work about 20 hours a week, and would like to stick to weekdays and on a fairly regular schedule. They were totally on board with that plan. What a rare find!

    In addition to that, they offered me some home learning materials, which I can study at my own pace and then take tests for certain kinds of certifications. That's very much of interest to me, because training sounds good but I'm always concerned about the idea of paying for courses I might just sleep through. If I can study the materials and then just pay for the tests, I think I could do really well. I do need to start out with swotting upon some things that I didn't quite pass on the trial with the boss, but it's nothing I won't pick up quickly with some notes and repetition. Once I'm doing it regularly, I won't have a problem recalling what I need to know.

    So my anxiety about starting this particular job is minimal. We have mutually decided to do a trial period where Scott (one of the owners) will be on the calls with me to make sure I know what I'm doing. This will also allow me to get a feel for my suitability for the job and my comfort level in dealing with clients. Even once the trial period is over, Scott will always be available if I get stuck on something. I have also requested keeping the lines of communication open so that we can problem-solve any shortcomings I may have or difficulties I might have with the owners so we can just say things honestly and constructively. I like to know exactly where I stand and what's expected of me, so I can strive to reach and exceed those expectations. I suspect we'll all work very well together, and I'm excited about the whole thing. I don't yet know when I'm going to start work, as there are still things Jamie and Scott need to figure out. However, they're keeping me informed of their process and I'm totally confident that the job will come through.

    I figure the very worst possible outcome from this is I try it out, it doesn't work out, and we can say we gave it an honest try and part with no hard feelings. I won't lose my disability pensions from trying it out. At the absolute best, I stand to improve my finances, get some training, and work in a flexible job that could even potentially turn into a career. There is nothing here to lose, and infinite possibilities for gain in so many aspects of my life. It's also good for the self-esteem, because of course the first thing people ask when they meet me is "What do you do?" I have two standard responses:

    "I don't!"

    "I'm a professional volunteer."

    People aren't sure what to say when I tell them I have a disability, although with a brief explanation they seem to relax. Still it would be very nice to be able to say I have a REAL job that doesn't involve a drive-through window or a hairnet. I could actually feel like an adult for a change! Yes, I'm 30, but there are still so many rites of passage I've missed out on. I've come a long way in the past year, and it's only getting better! (knock wood)