Tell us about your symptoms and treatment experience. Take our survey here.

caret icon Back to all discussions

No Income - Disability or Freelance?

I lost my job due to migraine about a year and a half ago. I've applied for a few jobs since then, but haven't gotten any. (After I informed one company of my disability, they told me they hired someone with "experience" - I had 8 years experience doing exactly the same thing. If you're going to lie to me so as to not violate ADA, at least make it something believable. I digress.) I decided to go back to school instead of focus a job hunt. As a student, I don't know if I qualify for Disability since it would be difficult to prove that I can't work: "If you can go to school you can go to work." However, I'm registered with the Disability Resource Center at my college, which allows me to miss more days and get extensions on assignments. But with work it's different. If I miss half the days of the semester, that impacts only me and my GPA. If I miss half my days at work, that hurts my employer and my coworkers. But would Disability take that into consideration?

I'm fortunate enough to be in a position where my family can help me out financially, but not without added stress on their part. Which consequently makes me feel guilty and stresses me out which makes my migraines worse. I'm so lost and frustrated! I've reached my breaking point and need at least a little bit of my own income.

Does anybody have experience with a similar situation? Alternatively, does anyone have any experience with freelancing or other (legitimate) work-from-home employment? How does one get started doing that?

Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated!

  1. Hi AlyAdair,

    Thank you so much for your question and being part of the Migraine.com discussion forum - we're glad you're here. Let me see what information I can give you that may be helpful.

    Working with chronic migraine can be a challenge - I'm sorry you are having a rough time. IT sounds like you have a good support network, which is important when living with any chronic illness.

    I wonder if working part-time work would be a better option. Many patients I've spoken with work from home and are very happy doing so. I'm afraid I'm don't know any resources for this type of work. Have you had a chance to look online?

    I wish I could be more helpful. Hopefully others will be along shortly to share their experiences.

    Nancy

    Please read our rules before posting.