Injured at work, now I need new career?

Question

I injured my shoulder on the job due to repetitive stress. I worked at a grocery store. They tell me that maybe I should find a new job, the doctor says it is unlikely I will be going back to work, and that even after surgery, which I should be having soon, this will affect me for life. I have been out for months now. Should I start looking into a new career? And if so, how? I pay rent, I take care of myself, and I can't afford to go to school without an income, and where could I work with one arm? Should I look into trade school? Or should I just go to our local junior college? I want to be able to support myself, and a family in the future, I want to set myself up nicely...but I am so lost and alone here lol, can anyone offer me some advice? I like computers, if that helps, I like a lot of different things...maybe I should go play guitar on the street corner with a bucket to collect tips.

Answer 1

I am going through the same thing right now. For me, the only thing I have left to figure out now is, "What do I want to do?"
I was going to school for nursing before I got injured in the US Army. You will find that if you have to struggle that much more in life, you want life to be worth the fight. Fist things first, DO NOT QUIT THE JOB YOU CURRENTLY HAVE!!!! If the injury is due to working for them, that is the worst thing you could do! You need to find out how much of the reasonability they are going to take for your injury. I know that sounds bad but when you are only able to work two weeks out of the month at your new job, you’ll wish you had looked into your former employer’s financial responsibility. Next sit down with your doctors AFTER the surgery (since that is coming up soon) and figure out what mobility you did get back. From there it will lead you to where I am at now. You’ll know what your limits are and you will know what you still have the ability to do. After all that, make a list of things you enjoy doing that won’t let your disability interfere with you achieving. There are message boards and support groups as well of other people just like you and me that can tell you what they did. Good luck to you!

Answer 2

First of all I agree with beatifl1982. Since you got injured at work does not mean you are a vegetable. Your mind is still sharp since you joined and asked for help. Right? I injured my leg and don't do physical jobs anymore. What I did was go see a community college and take a career assessment test to see what career that fits my personality. Also talk to a career counselor. Give it a try and maybe it work out successfully. Just don't give up and sit on a corner to collect tips for whatever you do.

Answer 3

capn,
I believe I can help you to find that light at the end of the tunnel. I realize your situation and it's obvious you need to get into something that will :
a) generate an income stream
b) be free
c)require no special training
d) have all the tools you need for success
and the big concern
e) be above board,reliable and a viable operation
Like many of the other postings ,I won't suggest sales, surveys or race car driving. I will recommend you follow the link in my profile. I know it will work for you !

Answer 4

My guess is that you will be entitled to some disability insurance, but that may be short term. You may be required by the insurance company to meet with an occupational therapist who can assess your ability to do certain jobs with assistive devices, and you will probably have to meet with an employment counsellor who will give you an interest and aptitude test.

Your doctor will be the one to determine your ability to return to some kind of work after the surgery. Once you have his blessing, you'll work with the employment counsellor and occupational therapist (and probably the insurance company) to find the right type of work for you.

Good luck

Answer 5

My wife and I have a home based business where we provide people who dont have insurance like contractors, service industry employees, small business employees, college students, and sales people a card that provides them with significantly discounted rates on dental, medical, chiropractic,perscriptions, and optical care. They can use it at several big names stores, like Target, Sears, JC Penny's, Lens Crafters, etc. There is also a list of doctors, dentists, etc all over the country who honor the card. I think they have over 22,000 card holders so far and the business is legitimate and the company has agreements and is accredited to sell them. They have been in business for over 15 years and its really easy to do.

The investment is next to nothing. We started with a computer, internet, and a really cool lady who helps us when we need it.

The pay is awesome. The business almost runs itself. And most important, we dont have to be embarrassed around our friends doing it.

If you are interested, drop us an email and we can give your more info....but it really is easy!

Take care

Jason

Answer 6

Workers comp might pay for your retraining, you may even be able to stay at the same company in a different job. Stocking shelves, cashier or boxing groceries might be wrong for you but they could have customer service, accounting, trainer or other jobs open you could train for.

Answer 7

If you were hurt you should be getting Workman's comp. If you are they might help you get into some course that might advance you in the career you are in. If not most college have aptitudes test that find our what your strength are and what classes or career path you should take.

Answer 8

Na!Dont ever give up.You should talk to a lawyer about what happened n how you should gob about compinsation.