Balancing IBD and a Career
Posted by GI Monitor
Throughout my career as a digital professional (I started in TV), I have been forced to work from home from time to time, due to flare-ups of my Ulcerative Colitis. I have always been “tech friendly”, but my health condition definitely pushed me to become as efficient as possible as a telecommuter. Leveraging technologies to work remotely when necessary keeps me comfortable and happy on a personal level, resulting in increased productivity in my professional life.
The best part about the technologies I leverage to work from the location of my choice is that 95% of them are free. Skype, Google Apps/Tools (gmail, Google cal, Google docs, Google sync, Google 411, Google voice, etc.), Skitch, Jing, Virtual Box, Free Con Call, Chicken of the VNC, and of course Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, etc. The list grows daily and I always take the time to try and learn any new application that might help me become more efficient. If one out of every 5 new apps. helps me become more efficient, it is worth the time invested in learning all 5 apps.
For IBD patients like me, there will be times throughout our lives where we need to be working from a “controlled environment”…AKA close to bathrooms. I hope to goodness that we develop cures for Crohn’s and Colitis and this all goes away. For now, it makes sense to start investing time in learning how tech can help you work from a location that keeps you comfortable. This will not only allow you to stay competitive in your career, but it will also help you stay happy personally, resulting in better overall health.
If I can share any hints from what I’ve learned about the tech that helps me stay efficient as a digital professional, please comment below and I will respond.
Written from my couch…
Brett
P.S. - Working remotely also allows me to stay close to what matters most to me...my family. And my little boy already loves his daddy's Mac. He pushed the button in Photo Booth to take the pic below...
Also see: The Future of Participatory Health
Glad you have a great sense
Glad you have a great sense of humor on things and learned to work around the issues at hand. Many of us break down or simply do not see the light at the end of the tunnel. Taking one day at a time is sometimes the best way. Keep on staying comfortable and enjoying all u can.
Dealing with any chronic
Dealing with any chronic illness is difficult. But on the brighter side, it offers a wide-eyed appreciation for the important things in life. Appreciate the comment.