u/FlowerSweaty4070

Life is so tiring and has run me down lately. With adhd and chronic pain and illnesses, on too of working full time in a job i dont love and not having friends or family nearby...im just tired.

My foundations crumble so easily and then I get more depressed. I sometimes fantasize about having help. A personal nutritionist and chef to make every custom healthy meal and snack for me so I dont have to think about it at all. A personal trainer to help me get back to exercise and physical therapists to help with pain. Full treatment for my chronic conditions. Therapist and life coach. Sleep treatment to sleep better. Alternative medicine coaches. Massages and spa days and little things too.

If I had more money, I could pay to be taken care of in some of those ways and lift some of the burden and overwhelm off my plate. Just the food thing would be so major...its something I lost all motivation around but takes significant energy and affects my health.

Anyone else tired of taking care of themselves ? Alone , forever? I wish that person was me but its exhausting and I start slipping so easily. Things get messy, diet messed up, health worsens, exercise stops, hygeine slacks, sleep gets ruined. I feel like I try to stay on top of a few things but others will crumble and im constantly just on the verge of breaking and trying to hold back the mess.

This happened yesterday—I was boarding a cruise ship and making small talk with one of the staff.

He asked if we (my younger brother and I) live in this state or are visiting. I told him I moved here for work and said where I work/for how long.

Then he went, "First job after highschool?"

I went blank, genuinely confused hearing the word highschool in use in reference to me at all. I went, "what??"

He goes, "Were you in highschool before this?"

I blink again and go, "No, im 28. Highschool was over a decade ago."

He laughed and said i must be joking and I said Im not and then he said "well you have a youthful look".

I cant believe someone thought I could be 18. I know its a larger gap for some people on here, but im not short for a woman (5'8") and not super skinny, so its literally just my face and vibe. And I cant change my face. if I was any smaller im sure the guesses would be much lower.

I have a full silver streak from premature graying but I was wearing a hat. I think im gonna stop wearing hats and let the silver hair show in situations I want people to guess closer to my age. I would be fine with being thought of as early to mid 20s, but its just too weird being near 30, and being thought of as someone who just finished highschool by strangers.

Okay so I have several health conditions which I had no intent on telling an employer about. However after I accepted this new seasonal job, I got a work injury concussion and lasting neck pain, from an accident. I hoped it would heal on its own before this job began, but it didn’t and I wasn’t able to be seen by a specialist.

This job turned out to be a LOT more physically demanding than I imagined, which is on me for not knowing those details. But I had no idea how bad my pain might be. This place is also understaffed and we are doing a lot more work in unprecedented busy times. It is flaring my pain from the accident, and I am seriously struggling physically and mentally. It’s also giving me new pain (low back) on top of my work injury pain.

I feel I NEED to tell my employer asap to cover myself at least somewhat. A, I wanna be able to accommodate myself in small ways I haven’t been able to yet. I need serious hearing protection I can use all day because even smaller sounds have been messing up my inner ear/causing symptoms that last hour. And this job has a lot of noise happening. B, I wanna wear my cervical collar more without questions for my neck pain.

I think any normal person would struggle with this workload. But I especially am with chronic pain. If I am able to work at a bit slower steady pace, it would also help a lot. But it is likely I will get behind in tasks, especially as we only get busier, and I get flack for that.

I don’t know how the employer will react. I might be more discriminated and not hired again, which I am okay with not returning tbh. But this job is tied to my housing and I’ll be homeless without it, so I do hope to be able to make it to end of season.

I think asking for my minor accommodations might be okay, but what about mentioning pace/needing small breaks to minimize pain? Would that look bad? Is it better to minimize the pain/details about impact on work, and just try to do my best on my own?

Anyone have advice?

So idk what to do in this situation. I accepted a seasonal job in alaska months ago. I own a truck but I was in southern arizona, and realized it would be a lot to acquire the passport, gas would be ridiculously expensive to do the drive (i have a ram 2500), and i had chronic pain from a recent work injury that wouldve made it very rough and delayed my start date by a lot.

So over email I spoke about my plans...the employer said a vehicle is strongly preferred but I can get by without one. They said theres a company van and bicycles and the town itself is walkable. I remember confirming this twice. I did tell them that I planned to look for a beater car for a season then sell it though, as that would be cheaper for me.

However now that im here and only have 2.5 months left...buying a beater car just doesnt seem worth it. Im not making much money and groceries and gas in alaska are so expensive. The only cars I could afford are 25 year old marketplace beaters. So theres a major risk they could die on me and then id be down 3 to 4 grand with nothing...and this job sure isnt gonna pay me for that risk. Insurance can also be a lot. And it doesnt make sense with the short amount of time i have here.

They've been loaning me a company car for the commute here so far. I dont know why they cant let me continue just doing that... they have plenty of these cars. But the boss recently has pressed me on when im buying a car and says I may not have this one much longer. ​Says his boss is pressing him about it.

I dont work at a time theres any coworkers i could carpool with also.

I am worried theyre gonna just tell me I need to walk or bicycle to work. I dont know exact miles, but im guessing the walk would be over an hour and its not safe especially in the dark since I start shift at 6am, would need to wake up EVEN earlier for a 10 hour shift which im struggling with. I have chronic health issues and a recent work injury w lasting symptoms that would make the walk/bike very rough and I simply cant do it. Im not paid for it, it would absolutely drain my energy and flare my health on top of a job thats rough and long, and Its flat out dangerous for me with my condition and the factors of it.

I dont know. I am going to tell them about my condition soon so I can have some minor accomodations at work....do you think its possible the car can be a reasonable accomodation too? I dont know if its just some HR policy type thing.

But even if I was healthy, i ​dont think its fair to pressure an employee to buy a car when it was NOT made clear as an absolute requirement in the job description, interview and communications later. Right?? There are a lot of reasons why someone cant afford a car insurance gas and the risk for a few month seasonal job far from home. I dont think its fair of them to pressure that.

What do u think?

Really struggling. Im only on day 7 but I feel like everyone expected me to be better by now and im not and im so depressed.

The major fatigue and weakness is insane still. It feels like my muscles gave out. Too weak to hold a phone or shower. Still coughing like crazy, green mucus in my chest. Joints still achey, mild congestion. My heart is going crazy too.

I could deal ​with it all but the fatigue and weakness.

Im supposed to work 4 10 hour shifts starting tomorrow. Cleaning...sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, wiping, changing heavy trash cans, driving a company vehicle. Alone.

I have an underlying condition too. I pass out easily. I am extremely worried about my physical state plus stress/emptions making me pass out alone somewhere, no signal or help. I just had a concussion 2 months ago too. Im scared.

The boss asked if im good to go tomorrow. I dont know what to say. Sorry my body hasnt recovered to everyone's expectations.

Im scared about an even longer recovery. About isolation, missing out on everything. I was already struggling w my physical health daily before this. Now this. Why God :( im so depressed.

So i got a horrible go of Flu A recently. Literally every possible symptom, was pure misery. Im on day 7 and still have a hacking cough, joint aches, mild congestion, and just weakness and fatigue.

I had already called out twice this week. Got lucky right now with a holiday/plus changing schedules to have today and tomorrow off...but then I work 4 10 hour shifts at a very physical job. They are definitely expecting me to work and be back to normal by then....arent most people after all?

I am worried about working while im still recovering though. I would return only on day 9, which is fairly soon for how severe this flu is (not to mention i have POTS underneath it so I am hit harder often).

I would be working alone (its mostly cleaning) which i guess is good cause I am not hyper monitored in terms of how thorough i am or how fast. But its still rough to A.) Wake at 520 something so being sleep deprived during recovery and B.) 10 hour physical shift.

Yesterday I showed up to work out of some internal pressure to show I am pushing through and in 2 minutes of trying to clean i felt so sick. Whole body is super weak. Hut i got dizzy and vertigo too.

Anyways, what would you suggest if you have to work a physical job while clearly actively recovering? I dont wanna slow recovery further. :(

Been thinking about this and curious if others relate as well.

As a seasonal worker, I experience a lot more nostalgia in life than I believe i would if I had stayed in one location and job.

Its living a lot of lives in a short span of time. Completely new location, new characters, new job, and new home every 6ish months. While I enjoy the present, I am aware of how fleeting this time/current life is with the end date in mind. Most of these people i wont see again. Of course i could return, which gives some comfort, but it is like living a mini life with an expiration date.

Since ive lived a handful of these mini lives in different places, I get memories of those past seasons and locations a lot and feel nostalgic. It feels quickly distant, like a completely different world and era I was in. I feel that the major differences in locations i have been increases that. Whereas someone relocating to a job in the same city might not feel much nostalgia beyond missing the job...they are still in the same city with same friends around and maybe even same apartment/home.

Seems most people overall have far fewer transitions and major changes, preferring (or being used to) "stability" and familiarity. They might experience nostalgia more gradually.

I wonder what it says about us that we choose to live life with constant beginnings and endings, and "start over" so frequently. Curious if anyone else has reflected in this within themselves.

It is hard to imagine stopping this lifestyle and taking a permanent job somewhere, personally. I like living many lives and experiencing so much, even if it means constant endings and beginnings. Ive had to find stability and roots within myself, as my external world is constantly changing.

...you know you are around the same age as someone and they are talking to you as if you are seven to ten years younger and not their peer.

Anyone relate?

Had this happen recently with new people I met. I assumed we were around the same age (27/28) but they assumed im still in college. I could just tell from how they were talking with me that they thought I was much younger. Then later one asked if I was 20 too (like this other girl) and i had her keep guessing until she got to my actual age and she was shocked we were the same age.

I didnt think she was much older, but in comparison with me she has fine lines and just slightly more mature looking features. I think her being an extrovert/loud and confident speaker and her style made her come across as older too. I was more quiet and quite overstimulated and out of place (we were in a noisy bar). I also dont drink for health reasons.

I genuinely dont know if its possible for me to look/come across as my actual age. Just have a baby face and smooth skin. My hairs going Grey but people dont usually notice or piece together that its because im not 20 lol. Have had people ask if its dyed too (i have a silver streak).

How do you get people to realize they are talking with a peer and not someone much younger? Do you drop hints in the convo?

I want to see if anyone else struggles with health issues or disabilities while working a seasonal job and wants to talk about and share challenges of it. First of all, how are you doing with the new season?

I am definitely struggling. I am 27 and have multiple chronic conditions, and a recent concussion that exacerbated everything with lasting symptoms. Id accepted this job before it happened and hoped I was still healing....but now i am here and the work is a lot more than I thought and its a struggle physically and mentally.

Its hard being in a pretty place and wanting to do things, meet people, hang out, hike even...but the physical strain on my body severely limits all of that. Hard not to compare to able bodied people and their energy and abilities.

I am not even sure i can manage this job to be honest. I wish I knew even one person with disability or health issues here in person.

Its so exhausting having to mask my conditions and pain daily too and pretend I am fine.

I know there are struggles i would have with any job anywhere—but there are challenges specific to seasonal work too: being in a new state alone, trying to make new friends in the new place, make good impression to new employers and hide my conditions, not having health insurance and accesible care, and in a very outdoor activity/fitness loving ​culture where everyone's trying to enjoy the place to the fullest.

Anyone else have challenges in a similar situation?

Just curious—do you get these types of names by store clerks and cashiers and waiters often? At what age has that stopped if ever?

I get it a lot despite almost pushing 30 and feel like its gonna be weird when im 30 plus and still getting talked to like im an innocent or lost teenager.

Hey all. So ive been doing seasonal work for a bit and got my first NPS job, maintenance at a fairly busy national park in alaska . Just began this week.

Basically I have had preexisting chronic conditions ive dealt with for years, but got a bad concussion at work 2 months ago with lasting difficult symptoms on top of it. Its unpredictable.

It was my first day of work today...and I am realizing this is gonna be extremely rough if I can even do this. The work is verh physical, on my feet for 10 hours minus lunch break, and a lot of bending over and cleaning and stuff. Its much more than I imagined by the job description, with a faster paced due to how busy this place is.

I could have dealt with it for the season if I wasnt in constant physical pain. The work almost instantly flares my symptoms. I have aching and burning neck nerve pain, get nerve spasms in my inner ear, tmj and face muscles all aching, extreme noise sensitivity (loud noise physically hurts and flares other things cause my eardrum is distended and full of pressure), very frequent nauseating headaches, and can get vertigo and dizziness when the neck stuff gets bad. On top of having POTS (dysfunction of autonomic nervous system) and more.

So its a lot. I flew to this state alone and my housing is tied to this job. I only had one day and I wasnt even fully doing everything, but I am so drained and in pain. I did not foresee my symptoms being THIS bad, nor the workload THIS much. That is partly on me for assuming it was like my last position, and not knowing how busy this place gets.

Also...prior to the concussion I have passed out and fainted 7 times in the past year. I have big medical bills from passing out at past seasonal jobs. I am especially worried about it happening at this job because A.) Im recovering from a concussion and a second one could be absolutely crippling and B.) Its stressful, struggling emotionally and no one knows about my condition or how to help if I did pass out. So that worries me.

I dont know what to do. I am asking for any at all insight into medical issues while working NPS.

Can you be fired for having health issues and especially if it impedes work abilities?

Should I tell my boss about the concussion (medically documented) in hopes of any workarounds? What accomodations could I even get?. Or could they just say im not fit for this position?

Is it possible to change to less hours, or must one work 40 as a seasonal nps employee? Or change departments...though I am not sure if anything would be less strenuous for me.

Any thoughts or advice on this situation?? Pretty desperate so any thoughts appreciated.

I’m curious if anyone feels your appearance , specifically looking younger than their age, holds you back from anything. Is there anything you wish you could do or do more of? Or have you gotten past it.

I want to make YouTube videos sharing life advice/epiphanies. I recorded a few but I look soo young and I feel like people will be judging it, wondering why this person is giving advice/thinking I haven’t lived through anything. I’m in my late 20s but feel I could look 16-20.

I happen to not drink, but I also feel especially awkward in bars/clubs and looking younger gives more reason to not go. Worried people will think I’m too young to be there.

How about you?

This is kinda a desperate post, but im asking for advice or information on this situation cause I dont know what else to do.

So I got a seasonal job in alaska this summer and due to some circumstances, getting my passport renewed in time to attempt the drive up alone did not happen. This job would start June 1st.

Knowing the passport wasnt likely, I early on planned to leave my truck with my sister in law who was planning to move to Salt Lake city mid may for a temporary job. I got my ticket leaving from there.

This past week I find out she is not taking the job and moving there so I am trying to figure out what to do now.

I see these lots for rent on neighbor app, all over town for like 20 to 30 a month. But is it suspicious/not safe to leave a truck at one for several months? It looks unshaded/open. I have heard pack rats are bad here and i am worried wherever I leave it, they could be a problem. Also the heat and potential to get stolen in this area, and the fact no one's really watching out for it. I am not sure if those are a safe gamble.

I dont have many friends or connections in tucson. This feels like such a huge burden to ask someone, even though I would pay. I can ask 1 more person but I am not sure if they'll accept.

What can I do? Is there a way to find someone trusted to "truck sit" for 3 and a half months? Are those lots safe choices? Ive never had this situation before so any advice appreciated.

My coworker's son apparently tested positive for covid. The coworker isn't here today and is testing (not sure which one/how accurate). I am hoping he gets an accurate test or has symptoms so he stays home....but I can tell it won't be long enough to make sure the virus can't transfer.

I haven't been masking at this workplace because there's only 3-4 people, I am outside a lot and alone a lot so I felt okay with that risk. But I have POTS and have seriously been messed up by prior covid infections (my last one gave me vasovagal syncope and i've passed out 6 times this year). Im also recovering from a bad concussion/whiplash injury, AND I am moving to a new state next week for a new job and I need to be as well as I can (already struggling). I also don't have health insurance right now.

So I can't take chance of ANY risk of covid/viral infections. I would rather wear a mask and get comments/weird looks or have people think I'm paranoid than risk my health right now at this fragile time.

I have 6 workdays left excluding today. I can guarantee this coworker will be here next week...he might take 2 days off MAX unless for he's hit hard with symptoms.

Would you mask all the days left if it turns out he's positive? And would you mask even if he says it was negative (is there a chance its false/virus isn't active yet to test?) It is gonna be weird to mask next week cause no one believes covid is more than a cold, but I know it is.

Also i am certain my other few coworkers/boss won't touch a mask or take precautions around this guy if he comes back. So should i act as if they are ALL infected?

Sucks having to deal with an extra stress at this time :( My boss at least knows i have POTS so would understand if i am extra cautious. Coworkers dont know but i would tell them, i dont care now.

Curious how you all approach this. I dont have an official diagnosis in paper anymore so getting it protected as a disability isnt an option, which may affect advice.

Would you hide your health issues from a new employer (given you are able to work) and just play down symptoms, or would you tell them somehow so theyre prepared if something were to happen?

I had a concussion at work a month ago too that I am still affected by and thats all in paper , so i could actually mention that if i am seen or noticed struggling (and that covers/explains all symptoms, it did in fact worsen my Pots).

Just seeing if anyone relates.

I already am fairly lonely with no family or friends nearby. I make do at work and have been pushing myself to work since week 1.

At week 4 now and struggling with a lot of symptoms. I tried everything. Havent been able to get professional help yet and I may never be able to so just doing what I can.

Its hard. I feel so alone. I want to be good enough to do my hobbies and feel like myself and feel okay. But all I can do is scroll...ive been online WAY more to cope mentally and cause dont have energy for much else. And its made me feel worse but I desperately need some escape that is very low energy.

Just struggling feeling alone with ongoing symptoms and zero support.

Been struggling lately. I try to do my best to do some activities at home. But i got a concussion 4 weeks ago on top of chronkc health concussions and live alone with no friends or family. My vehicle hasnt worked either on top of that.

I guess the loneliness doesnt feel as bad during the work week. I talk to my boss and some small talk, and random people around. I have things to do. Then when I get home I rest and chill.

But weekends and nights it hits me how lonely I am. I start missing my ex even though its almost 2 years since breakup. I want to do hobbies but my physical health has struggled since the concussion. The major fatigue makes its hard to do anything besides scroll...which makes me feel scattered and worse.

Im gonna get a place with random, never met before, housemates. Ive had my fair share of bad roommate situations and the conflict is absolutely exhausting.

What would you do, talk about, get clear on when you meet new roommates to AVOID all these issues down the line?

Are there things that if you knew right away, would tell you that you need to switch roommates? I would way rather switch as soon as possible than have months of conflict and issues over some fundamental incompatibility (i personally cannot live with an ocd condescending control freak for example).

I just want my next housing situation to go smoother and want to avoid major conflicts and shitty situations.

I am definitely feeling the financial strain from the recession, gas prices, etc. and it seems that things are only going to get worse.

I already live pretty cheap and made cuts, yet buying my necessities feels like overspending cause of inflation.

I am wondering…how are we all surviving or planning to survive this? Because a lot of advice or comments from non POTS people say things like to start fasting, eat one meal a day, eat super cheap stuff, etc. But with POTS I HAVE to eat 3 meals and snacks on time or my BP is affected, get lightheaded, migraine, etc. I am also super carb sensitive and can’t just eat cheap pasta, rice, noodles unless it’s majority protein. My groceries are higher by default due to these health things.

I wish I could just eat cheap stuff or eat less often and feel fine but I can’t.

And then add in costs of electrolytes, salt tabs, medication, medical visits, etc.

How are we all doing and feeling financially? It’s already so bad and I am worried about it getting worse.