Am I the only person like this?

Question

I have a BS degree in Computer Science and Engineering and I've been in IT (programming) for almost 10 years. Since then I've become extremely unmotivated. My salary is still barely above 40K which is just not enough to pay the bills (trying to get out of debt). I have meniere's disease (in my case that means my hearing is pretty close to being gone) so my choices of jobs are very limited. (nobody wants people who can't talk, attend conferences, etc.) Doctors can't do much, and the fact is I can't afford it anyway. It seems to me like jobs that I would really enjoy don't pay enough for me to live on (I have 3 kids) and on the other extreme the jobs that pay well, I'm either not qualified enough or I just couldn't do them because they require people who can hear (I can talk, I just can't hear). I struggle with guilt of being unproductive at a job that doesn't pay enough for our needs and it doesn't help keep me up to date in this fast changing field.How can I get out of this rut?

Answer 1

I think a lot of people experience similar feelings under different circumstances. I don't have any disabilities; however, what's interesting is that something that's supposed to be beneficial to me is actually holding me back. I have a graduate degree, and it has prevented me from getting jobs.

I think you are suffering from situational depression, as in your situation seems hopeless, so you feel hopeless. I feel much the same way. I make enough to pay my bills, but not pay off my debt. I can't get a full-time teaching job at any colleges where I live because I don't have a doctorate. However, I can't afford any more loans nor can I take time off from working to get another degree.

I'm working in a job I hate part-time just so I can have benefits. It makes me extremely unhappy, and I'm totally unmotivated to do anything once I get home, including grade papers for my teaching job that I love.

Everything I do suffers, and I feel stuck.

But for me, I've learned that I have to find alternatives. I have to make time for what I want. And I have to do things, even if they are little, to work my way out of this rut.

You might want to consider looking into local organizations who help people with employment. I get the impression you don't view your disease as a disability, but you are being treated like you have one. So, why not seek assistance for it? If nothing else, those organizations can give you the names of companies that hire anyone regardless of disability. It sounds like you are perfectly capable of doing your job, and considering I barely ever talk to anyone at my crap job, there's no reason you can't communicate almost exclusively via e-mail.

Hang in there, friend. I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Im in the same situation. Add to that not only do i wear hearing aids, but also i"m over 50. Hard to find a job doing this type of work and pay the bills. My wife can't work beacuse of health and cannot get disability either.

What I suggest is finding a part time job 2-3 nights a week, or possibly finding something which you could sel on ebay on a regular basis. (Careful, many folks have lost their shirt trying too hard to sell on ebay. Sell only what you know! )

Good luck!

Oh and don't listen to the people whosuggest Govt jobs...I work for the State Supreme Court and I make less than YOU!

Answer 3

Wow, I'm really sorry but unfortunately now a days a degree is not a guarantee of a good job! Try to get a job in the government, working for the state... Log on to your state's website and look around, maybe work for the court house for the IT department, at least you will have a secure job with excellent benefits... (i work for the state)
If you are losing your hearing then maybe start looking for the future and enroll yourself in American Sign Language classes so later on you can communicate with at least the deaf population (which is pretty big once you are aware).. I am currently in an American Signed Language interpreting program.. its a beautiful language that takes years to become fluent but within a couple of semester you become good enough to have simple conversations... Good luck in your job search!

Answer 4

I feel sorry for you. But you done the right move, at less you ask.

I know one of my friend got the same problem as you. She got hearing problem, too. Did you consider to learn how to read ppl speak ( sorry - I don't know the English name of it) like you can look at ppl mouth while their speak to know what they talking about. Hopefully will over come your problem.

Not many ppl like their work! But I am sure you got some good or interesting part in your current work. Or do you have any interest? You may turn it into a career.

Your life may be change in next moment. Wish you good luck.

Answer 5

The stress of not being able to meet your bills is tough enough to deal with, but to add the stress you are dealing with regarding your hearing troubles only multiplies it. If I were you I would discuss this with the doctor who treats your meniere's disease, as it seems to me you may be clinically depressed. such meds nowadays as cymbalta and lexapro can help with feelings like that, and if your insurance doesn't handle meds, he may be able to provide you with samples to tide you over. The key is to GET HELP. don't mire in it any longer than you have to!

Answer 6

If you can prove you have to hear to be able to do your job, you might qualify for disability.

Answer 7

well, you said yourself that you are unmotivated! You can do what you're doing now but maybe with another company. My neighbor is blind and that doesnt hold him back!

Answer 8

Where are you?

Some areas pay much better.

Answer 9

don know
stay where u r n pass the beer !

Answer 10

you need Jesus go to the nearest Baptist church <>< :-)