by pwoodger » Thu May 31, 2012 8:47 am
Hello,
Well done on your initiative, and I wish you every success in your new venture.
I have written here before about the work issues and energy/concentration peaks and troughs. I also find it much easier to do useful work when I am in an environment I can control. I can take breaks when I need to, go for a walk etc. When I get stuck on a problem at work, I find it very difficult to concentrate and to advance. I have deadlines and the team I work with (though very understanding) cannot reorganise things just to cope with my "problems".
I now work 3/4 time, and will start 1/2 time in September (all with corresponding loss of salary of course), but I have decided that I will retire early next year. I just can't see how I can remain in a "regular" job any longer. I hope to carry on being useful when I retire (I will only be 55). I will take a much reduced pension, but feel in these difficult times that I will be at least one of the lucky ones who can take early retirement at all.
I am actually desperate now to get on with the rest of my life. I know I cannot be as productive as I was before in the office, but I am looking forward to the next phase which I will be able to control much more closely. I hope to do some voluntary work and maybe give free advice to people/businesses in my speciality area (environmental management)
Just an aside..My condition is recognised as a disability at work, and there is supposed to be "reasonable accomodation" shown to people with disabilities. This can mean extra equipment where needed or indeed flexible working hours. However we are now to start clocking in and of course there is no provision for this flexibility in the system. I would have to talk to my manager each and every time I needed to leave early, go for a walk etc. He doesn't want or need that, but the system.....
When I have mentioned this issue (intermittent tiredness/concentration) problems with medical people, I see their eyes gloss over. My endo' in Germany even said, "ah well you are in your 50s these things happen in middle age!" I KNOW it's due to my Pit' condition and the hormone replacement. But if it's difficult to study or evaluate something that is so vague in nature then it is quickly put to one side I feel.
Anyway enough blathering and good luck again
Phil