I'm not sure if this even should go here but it is to an extent a side effect of the surgery. For years I really couldnt work. I injured myself about four or so years ago and ended up becoming very sedentary and gained about 150 lbs or so.. just from not being able to walk.. and using food as a sort of unhealthy therapy.. I gained it all.

Longish story short I've since having the surgery on the 22nd of October lost just about 100 lbs so far.. also I've been using the gym very regularly about 5-6 times per week. This has given me back alot of my mobility.. which is great.. but it also puts me into a place where I'm pretty sure I could work again.. and I have quite alot of trepidation at that idea because I've been so focused on this one aspect of my life and I'm worried I'll lose focus... but I need money.. and my folks need to be able to stop supporting me.. (embarrassing, but true) so logically I know I need to get work.. but mentally I'm really quite afraid of the prospect.. sigh.. I apologize if this is in bad taste.. I just had to get it out.. thanks.

I like your outlook ?and with all the partime, independent & subcontractor style jobs around now (Uber, Lyft, Instacart, Ubereats, Airbnb, etc.) You can totally test the waters slowly. Maybe even build your day around what's comfortable for you and your gym/health routine schedule without committing to something you are unsure of.

CONGRATULATIONS so far and good luck?

Edited April 12, 20197 yr by GreenTealael

That makes sense, but I'm glad you're improving overall and think you might be able to work again.

50 minutes ago, GreenTealael said:

I like your outlook ?and with all the partime, independent & subcontractor style jobs around now (Uber, Lyft, Instacart, Ubereats, Airbnb, etc.) You can totally test the waters slowly. Maybe even build your day around what's comfortable for you and your gym/health routine schedule without committing to something you are unsure of.

CONGRATULATIONS so far and good luck?

This is a great idea.

Also here is my insight - guess what days I'm more likely to overeat or eat unhealthy foods? My days off work. When I'm at work I pack my health portions of food and that's what I have to eat. When I'm at home on the weekends or other days off I'm much more likely to grab a handle of Cheerios from the pantry or I'm tempted to eat out and get into more calories than I should really have. So that can be another positive to getting back to work.

Having this surgery and working a new job are two huge life events - I don't blame you one bit for being nervous about it. It can be so difficult to get back into something that you haven't done in awhile. But just like with your surgery, you took a first step and my god, look how far you've come!!! I'm all about "baby steps" because slowly building up to something makes it more sustainable. I LOVE GreenTealael's post. I think starting out with something part time would be great. You might also try temp agencies or other employment agencies which may offer free career counseling. I think there's all kinds of interesting work out there and I hope you find something you love.