Thisa is a tough one!

[WishIKnew]

Current question:  I want a job!  What should I look into?

History:  I have an Bachelors in English with Comprehensive Communication 7-12 certification  (licensed), a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and 18 years of teaching experience.  I also ran/directed the theater program at the schools where I taught.  I had to stop teaching almost ten years ago because of a severe hearing loss which has worsened since I stopped teaching. I receive State Teacher Retirement Disability and would loose that if I was paid any amount to do anything education related including tutoring and online teaching.  My family survives financially (barely) on my disability check.  I have ESRD, as you know, and received a transplant just 3 months ago.  I have a history of breast cancer.  Because of the worsening hearing I have taken several American Sign Language classes.  I am not fluent but functional at ASL.

So, with that work history and those health issues, where do I go.  Any ideas?

[Whamo]

I have a similar educational background.  I suggest you look on Craigslist for something that interests you.  You could write a play or a book about being on dialysis and getting a transplant, and then you could self-publish it.   

[Willis]

I haven't been forced to look for a job on the open market since the days of paper resumes so I can't help with the technical job-seeking part.

However, with your job-skills and since tutoring is ruled out, I have one suggestion: free-lance copywriting or copy editing. I believe there is a reasonable demand for people with good editing skills. My company develops websites and online newsletters for major corporations and you'd be amazed at the BAD writing skills of many so-called professionals! I'm now a database programmer but years ago I had my own business doing editing and copywriting. It didn't pay much which is the reason I moved on to software development, but it was steady work. But like I said, that was at the dawn of the personal computer age so I'll leave researching that job market via the internet to you.

 

[jeannea]

Try flexjobs.com. You have to pay a small monthly fee to access full job listings and apply but that helps to make sure they're legitimate. They have bunches of work at home jobs, many in writing, proofing, or editing. You can get an idea of the jobs available before you pay. There are part time and full time. Good luck!

[kitkatz]

How about ASL translation services?

[malaka]

Translation, except make sure you start an LLC or like with separate tax i.d. number so some machine doesn't "match" your social security number and decide you aren't eligibile for disability.  With a good tax accountant, you can make your business profitable or unprofitable, and other people might be able to own other pieces of it so they some/most of the money.  Such as spouse, adult child, etc.  Hmm.........

[MomoMcSleepy]

I haven't been forced to look for a job on the open market since the days of paper resumes so I can't help with the technical job-seeking part.

However, with your job-skills and since tutoring is ruled out, I have one suggestion: free-lance copywriting or copy editing. I believe there is a reasonable demand for people with good editing skills. My company develops websites and online newsletters for major corporations and you'd be amazed at the BAD writing skills of many so-called professionals! I'm now a database programmer but years ago I had my own business doing editing and copywriting. It didn't pay much which is the reason I moved on to software development, but it was steady work. But like I said, that was at the dawn of the personal computer age so I'll leave researching that job market via the internet to you.

 

Exactly what I was going to suggest. I get emailed jobs from thiis website: http://www.freelancewriting.com/newsletters/morning-coffee-freelance-writing-jobs.PHP

I have never applied because I don't have a writing sample portfolio, but I need to get off my butt...I thought I could write while on dialysis...it's funny, we kind of had the same life, except I never got a full time job.  I coached drama, too!  But all for free....

I can't believe you can't teach at all....tutoring one kid for an hour is very different from a whole classroom.  Way to waste a good resource, union!

[WishIKnew]

Thanks all!

Translating is out - I can't hear well enough to interpret - soon I will need a translator myself.

Editing/freelance writing is interesting to me.  I will look into it further. 

Still hoping to find something that gets me dressed and out of the house and not alone on a regular basis.

I appreciate all of your ideas and input!

[smcd23]

How about a data entry type job? I am sure there have to be some local businesses that could use some sort of book keeping or data entry for a few hours a week. Something where you could just plug away at a desk and not have to worry about hearing anyone else?

I am not sure where you are from, but here we have a few agencies that specialize in working with people with disabilities, and helping those people find some sort of employment. I know of two deaf individuals who essentially job share at that agency, but the agency has also placed others in outside employment. They have contacts and liaisons with employers and are able to help people with disabilities get jobs they can do. Are there any agencies like that near you? The State Unemployment office or Vocational Rehabilitation office might be able to guide you if you don't know of any yourself.

[noahvale]

*

[smcd23]

The CDC has locations across the country.  Always looking for skilled writers for numerous positions

http://www.cdc.gov/employment/
http://www.cdc.gov/employment/recruitment/


Also includes a link for those with disabilities. - http://www.usajobs.gov/

I would be extremely careful before signing on with web sites requiring payment.  Too many free resources, especially for those with disabilities.

Working for a government agency, I know right now we cannot hire anyone EXCEPT people with disabilities or Veterans. So if you find a position on usajobs or through a government agency site directly, make sure you indicate that you have a disability   

[KarenInWA]

The CDC has locations across the country.  Always looking for skilled writers for numerous positions

http://www.cdc.gov/employment/
http://www.cdc.gov/employment/recruitment/


Also includes a link for those with disabilities. - http://www.usajobs.gov/

I would be extremely careful before signing on with web sites requiring payment.  Too many free resources, especially for those with disabilities.

Working for a government agency, I know right now we cannot hire anyone EXCEPT people with disabilities or Veterans. So if you find a position on usajobs or through a government agency site directly, make sure you indicate that you have a disability   

Does that include ESRD patients who have had a transplant? I am happily employed at a private company, but just want to know for future reference!