Newly Immunocompromised and leaving teaching, what job could suit me?

[Newjobideas]

I have a chronic illness that was I was diagnosed with about nine months ago. I have had immunotherapy and now I am immunocompromised.

I was an early years teacher until… yesterday! But I am not going back in September as I’m actually really worried about getting very ill. Before the immunotherapy, I’d get a cold or the flu at least once a year. And before I was diagnosed, I was obviously exhausted and flaring without knowing why.

So from September, I’ll have no salary and I can’t afford that! I’m going to spend the summer looking for a new job and trying to enjoy my time with my kids. I know it might take longer to find one, so I’m prepared for that. But am worried!

I used to work part time and want to continue, to fit around my own children.

I prefer “people” jobs, I’m not in love with computers. I tend to grow bored when I’m on them for too long. I have been looking at learning coordinator jobs at museums etc but I don’t know how safe that is now that I’m immunocompromised?

Anyway I’m really looking for some help and ideas.

My diagnosis was very upsetting and the immunotherapy was very dramatic (allergic to it etc) and leaving my job - which I love - has been heavy.

I just want something to look forward to and feel good about myself and my brain! And obviously earn money that we need.

I am open to all ideas. I have a degree and a masters but have spent the last 18 years either teaching or raising my own children.

I do a lot of creative hobbies and courses but making money out of those is a long term plan rather a short term one!

I’m not against retraining, but need to earn too.

Please help! Immunocompromised people: what do you do?

People who left teaching but also get their energy from people: what do you do?

Daughter is on Biologics long term and is a teacher. She’s been this way for 5 years and hasn’t gotten really sick. She get throat infections and is waiting on a tonsillectomy but aside from that is fine. She’s teaching older kids though. Maybe look at teacher older kids or evening tech classes.

Could you retrain to be specialist teacher for dyslexia assessments?

The risk is more manageable when it’s one to one and you can explain your immunocompromised status to anyone you assess.

That’s interesting. From my recent blood tests, my immune system is looking pretty diabolical but I never know if I’m just being paranoid or not!

I was off work for so much of June, too, which always makes me feel incredibly guilty (I had a serum sickness reaction to the immunotherapy). That pushed me into resigning I think. I couldn’t keep letting people down.

Evenings don’t appeal as I’m really tired. But perhaps that’s only temporary? But older kids isn’t impossible! In a smaller setting!

It’s great to hear your daughter is fine! I truly don’t know what to expect!

Oh this is very interesting! I do like the idea of something like this. I am going to research how long it takes…

Someone I know who was a primary teacher does tutoring for SEN pupils who are outside the school system and EBSA's. She has been super busy and its been very successful - would that work for you?
Stuff like a learning co-ordinator for a museum would be incredibly competitive - I used to work in this area and loads of people think that they would like to do this, so the standard is crazy.

I was going to suggest tutoring as well- this can be done online with older children, though I note you don't like computers.

Investing in something around your hobbies might take similar.

If being tired and ill has been an issue some type of online shop, etc, videos, around your hobby (again, computers!) as is more flexible. You like people facing jobs, but won't the aspects that made teaching difficult still be an issue?

Edited: suggested part time teaching bit then realised you already were part time.

It’s not that I don’t like computers entirely, more that I’m not so into heavily computer based jobs that don’t have much interaction with others. I tend to drift off and get bored. But I don’t mind the idea of Zoom tutoring! Although I’m an early years teacher, so I’m not used to older kids!

I am very tired and have aching joints and also immunocompromised because of medication but my brain still works and I really want to use it. And also I can’t afford not to!

I am trying to make money via my hobby, which does - ironically - take a lot of computer time, which I don’t mind as I love it - but it will probably take a while to get going if ever!

I was just thinking online options can help with tiredness- if travelling is an issue.

Sounds like you might need to give yourself space to try a few things to see what works?

Hope that you can find a solution- it's difficult but you have a motivation to find it

Do you mind sharing what you have OP?
I was given a harsh life changing autoimmune diagnosis a year ago and have turned it around through diet, supplements, alternative health and stress management.

I know so many women doing the same.

Believe me, I do all the things! I eat very well (no UPF, an anti inflammatory diet, don’t drink alcohol), take expensive supplements, do as much pilates, weights, swimming, walking as I can; have expensive acupuncture that I can’t really afford right now (!), as best as I can manage my stress. It helps me not flare as often, but I can never cure it.

I also am exhausted by people telling me if I follow X,Y,Z diet I’ll be cured; and all the nonsense on the internet that people pleasers get autoimmune diseases.

I know you mean well, but if I could have cured myself without harsh drugs, I really would have. It was the first thing I tried to amp up before medication and I was already living that lifestyle before my diagnosis anyway - because I didn’t feel capable of the day unless I ate well, slept, exercised etc.

Another vote for online tutoring.

Tutoring. If you live in a wealthy area you will get enough clients within walking distance and still have to turn down more than you take on. There will be a demand for early phonics and reading too.