Piano, I stopped working about 4-5 years ago. I lost my job due to physical illness and it was devistating. Emotionally devastating, financially, standard of living, the whole shabang. But my family and I have adjusted to some degree and I was awarded SSDI. I would really like to work part time, but I'm so sick more often than not that I wouldn't make a very reliable employee at current. I need to gain some physical health back and then I hope to return to the work force either full or part time, depending on capabilities. We need the money. I started working and never stopped at age 15. I feel it helped ground me as far as my bipolar went. When I was unwell, work kept me going. It wasn't a perfect place to work but I did love and appreciate my job (when I wasn't paranoid people were out to get me) and overall, the company was very good to me and understanding. I was also a very good employee most of the time.

I always wanted to go into healthcare and become an RN. My son spent a lot of time in the hospital when young and the nurses were angels. They made his stay more bareable while still working their butts off. I have great respect for what you do. I hope that someday you can be well enough to accomplish your goal of nurse practitioner. Hugs to you