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Author Topic: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?  (Read 13436 times)

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Offline Delby

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What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« on: February 01, 2013, 07:47:06 am »
Hi All,

I remember when I was diagnosed and a Doctor friend of mine said, 'if your working, make sure you get a job that's not stressful and the hrs are only 10.30am - 4pm'. I remember thinking why? Why can't i work full time and achieve my aspirations. So now I run 2 businesses and it's very much full time.

I just wanted to know what you thought - is this too much, or should we aim for the stars? Look at Majic Johnson - he's a massively successful entrepreneur and works extremely hard and late hours.

So what's your employment, hours of work etc?

Delby  :)

Offline Common_ground

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #1 on: February 01, 2013, 08:41:24 am »
I study and work part time at the moment. Up and running at 09 most days and then in bed at around 23. I work out 5 days a week as well. Used to be a real workoholic before, never any vacation and also lots of OT. I hope when I graduate to work at least 5 days a week, office hours and also be able to keep up the workout routine. With my current energy levels I dont think it will be a problem. Work helps me to keep my mind of things so mentally I thinks its better for me.


2011 May - Neg.
2012 June CD4:205, 16% VL:2676 Start Truvada/Stocrin
2012 July  CD4:234, 18% VL:88
2012 Sep  CD4:238, 17% VL:UD
2013 Feb  CD4:257, 24% VL:UD -viramune/truvada
2013 May CD4:276, 26% VL:UD

2015 CD4: 240 , 28% VL:UD - Triumeq
2015 March CD4: 350 VL: UD

Offline darryaz

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #2 on: February 01, 2013, 09:30:08 am »
I know several HIV+ people who have high-stress jobs and work long hours (I personally am not one of them).  They handle the stress and long hours in exactly the same way as an HIV negative person would.

Offline Valmont

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #3 on: February 01, 2013, 09:37:05 am »
I run an international business and have 30 people in a developping country, the operation is new so needs a lot of organization and supervision work and I´m also studying, very few holidays, working for 8 AM to 7-9PM...  My doc does tell me to reduce stress now!!!  I´m have no problem with stress and think I deal well with it, the business has run really great ; anyway I´m about to stop some months to travel and will move to Canada this year for  -I hope- a cooler life...
Apr 2011: Diagnotized
Jun 2011: CD4: 504  VL: 176.000
Dic 2011: CD4: 714  VL: 95.000
May 2012: CD4: 395 VL: 67.000
Jun 2012: CD4: 367
Agu 2012: Starting Emtricitabine 200 mg / Tenofovir 300 mg and Efavirenz 600 mg (2 pills) different brands or VIRADAY/ATRIPLA/Mylan....
Sep 2012: VL: 138
Dic 2012: CD4: 708 VL: <34  %CD4: 32%
Jan 2013: CD4: 707 VL: <20
May 2013: CD4: 945 VL: <34 %CD4: 33%
Agu 2013: CD4: 636 VL: <34 %CD4: 50%
Dic 2013: Latent TB, started Isoniazid

Offline surf18

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #4 on: February 01, 2013, 09:52:21 am »
I run a good size business. I have good employees that help as they did before dx.
Never even occurred to me to step down. Still go to gym 6 days a week. Still get shit faced on sat nights.
Never thought of changing any of this. Though I do feel that I don't sweat the little bull shit at work as much and I feel I'm not as living for biz as I did before dx.

Offline oksikoko

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #5 on: February 01, 2013, 10:00:05 am »
Unemployed, and the consequences are killing me. I would kill to reduce my stress by having two jobs. ;)
Code: [Select]
2014-11-14: CD4 Wars Episode II: Return of the Stribild (released in Europe as Stribild II: Werewolf Bitch)
2014-11-06:                ☣ VL (→) 12,627      ☣ CD4 (→) 639
2014-??-??: off treatment  ☣ VL (?)              ☣ CD4 (?)
2013-10-03:                ☣ VL (=) undetectable ☣ CD4 (+) 1105
2013-05-23:                ☣ VL (=) undetectable ☣ CD4 (-) 945
2013-02-25:                ☣ VL (-) undetectable ☣ CD4 (+) 1123
2012-12-16: Enter Stribild
2012-11-20: HIV+           ☣ VL (→) 132,683      ☣ CD4 (→) 920
2012-04-01: HIV-
Dates in this signature file conform to ISO 8601. ;-)

If no one complains, nothing will ever change.

Offline Anqueetas

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #6 on: February 01, 2013, 10:48:00 am »
I'm about to graduate from my university in a month, I practically lost without a job or purpose. Without a career, the stress and anxiety of not have anything to do and no purpose in life, scared me the most. I hope I will get a job soon, any job!

I would take no less than 5 days a week 8am till 5pm.
ARS, hospitalized for very high fever-July 2011
diagnosed HIV positive - October 16 2011
CD4 460 19.5% VL 49000 - late October 2011
CD4 625 19.5% VL 50030 - January 2012
CD4 369 19% VL 69000 - March 2012
Start Sustiva+ Truvada - April 17 2012
CD4 524 24.5% VL UD - August 22 2012
Switch to Nevirapine+Truvada
CD4 490 26% VL UD - November 2012
CD4 539 29% VL UD - February 2013
CD4 621 28% VL UD - May 2013

Offline phildinftlaudy

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #7 on: February 01, 2013, 01:21:05 pm »
Currently I work for a large college - scheduled hours are 8 am -4:30 pm (5 days a week) - but I am salary and with various projects (all on deadlines), I usually work 6 days a week (approx. 54 hrs per).... Although, last year a major project had me going for close to 70 hours a week for 70 days straight....

I am also in graduate school - so that takes about another 20-25 hours per week of studying and doing assignments.

Typical day begins at 5:30 a.m. and ends around 11:00 p.m. (in addition to doing some regular work and school work, I also use the weekends to catch up on laundry, grocery shopping, errands, ironing shirts for work week, cleaning house, etc). I have also started back up on doing my family's geneology (which take a bit of time to research)... back to the year 1500 right now.

I tend to do better when I am busy - and when I overdo it, my body is VERY quick to let me know.  I manage to get out for few Coronas (usually in between activities or on Friday evenings- which is the night I try to give myself to relax a bit).

** The above is probably why I a) look forward to Friday evenings and b) why I am looking forward to my vacation to London in April.  :D
« Last Edit: February 01, 2013, 01:23:39 pm by phildinftlaudy »
September 13, 2008 - diagnosed +
Labs:
Date    CD4    %   VL     Date  CD4  %   VL
10/08  636    35  510   9/09 473  38 2900  12/4/09 Atripla
12/09  540    30    60   
12/10  740    41  <48   
8/11    667    36  <20  
03/12  1,041  42  <20
05/12  1,241  47  <20
08/12   780    37  <20
11/12   549    35  <20
02/12  1,102  42  <20
11/12   549    35  <20

Offline Dachshund

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #8 on: February 01, 2013, 01:28:54 pm »
Currently I work for a large college - scheduled hours are 8 am -4:30 pm (5 days a week) - but I am salary and with various projects (all on deadlines), I usually work 6 days a week (approx. 54 hrs per).... Although, last year a major project had me going for close to 70 hours a week for 70 days straight....

I am also in graduate school - so that takes about another 20-25 hours per week of studying and doing assignments.

Typical day begins at 5:30 a.m. and ends around 11:00 p.m. (in addition to doing some regular work and school work, I also use the weekends to catch up on laundry, grocery shopping, errands, ironing shirts for work week, cleaning house, etc). I have also started back up on doing my family's geneology (which take a bit of time to research)... back to the year 1500 right now.

I tend to do better when I am busy - and when I overdo it, my body is VERY quick to let me know.  I manage to get out for few Coronas (usually in between activities or on Friday evenings- which is the night I try to give myself to relax a bit).

** The above is probably why I a) look forward to Friday evenings and b) why I am looking forward to my vacation to London in April.  :D

Slacker ;D

Offline phildinftlaudy

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #9 on: February 01, 2013, 01:41:01 pm »
Slacker ;D

 ::)
I know... I know... that is what I am doing right now... slacking...
But, I had meetings all morning off campus and have been working on budgets, logic models, and evaluation plans for multiple projects --- and I just had a Subway sub (so, I am having the afternoon slumps) - ready for this work day to be over.... I can almost taste the Coronas... (they are a calling 'Phil, Phil... come to us... come to us...')   ;)
September 13, 2008 - diagnosed +
Labs:
Date    CD4    %   VL     Date  CD4  %   VL
10/08  636    35  510   9/09 473  38 2900  12/4/09 Atripla
12/09  540    30    60   
12/10  740    41  <48   
8/11    667    36  <20  
03/12  1,041  42  <20
05/12  1,241  47  <20
08/12   780    37  <20
11/12   549    35  <20
02/12  1,102  42  <20
11/12   549    35  <20

Offline tednlou2

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #10 on: February 02, 2013, 01:08:32 am »
This sounds like when the hospital doc told me to get rid of my dogs.  He was clueless.  If you're not stressed or you thrive on good stress, then so what, who cares?  --Joy Behar.

Offline mecch

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #11 on: February 02, 2013, 08:40:56 am »
Hi All,

I remember when I was diagnosed and a Doctor friend of mine said, 'if your working, make sure you get a job that's not stressful and the hrs are only 10.30am - 4pm'. I remember thinking why?
Sounds like a iffy doctor and iffy friend.  Instead of thinking "why" it might have been good to ask him why.  Maybe you could tell this story to him again, and help him be a better doctor.
“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

Offline OneTampa

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #12 on: February 02, 2013, 08:57:11 am »
I am in between permanent jobs now and freelancing.  My last job had several adult babies (with me sometimes in the role of the male nanny).  This brought  negative stress that started to adversely impact my health and quality of life. I discussed it with my doctor who very thoughtful and supportive.

Positive or productive stress, in my view, is good.  I have always worked hard and love that feeling after putting in a good day.

I look forward to moving to my next permanent job on a more focused career path.
"He is my oldest child. The shy and retiring one over there with the Haitian headdress serving pescaíto frito."

Offline klassykitty

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #13 on: February 02, 2013, 10:33:53 pm »
I'm in school part-time this semester, only taking STUPID ALGEBRA, and english.
Work part time in the retail secitions of a travel center, and looking for a second p/t job, or one f/t job.  I also have a f/t job of having a boyfriend and playing debbie domestic.

  My doctor tells me he's not sure how I do my schedule, but as long as I know when to slow down, he doesn't complain to much to me about it.

Michelle 8)
How to handle stress like a dog:
If you can't eat it or play with it.....
then pee on it and walk away

Diagnosed 01-20-2011
01-23  CD4 32    VL 125,400
02-18        76     VL 189
03-14  no cd4 test done   VL-52
04-14   69  VL-UNDECTABLE  YEA!!
05-26   50  whoopsy  
06-27   71        %-7
08-15   64 WTF %-9 
10-16  80         %7  
2012  CD4  %Thing   VL-UD
01-18  87    7
04-18  93    8  
07-16  151  8         
10-18  83    9    VL-70
2013   CD4   %thing       VL-UD
01-28  121     9
04-24  148    11   
07-25  157    11   
10-22  185    13
2014   CD-4  %thing   VL-UD
02-07 201 YEA!!!!!!  12
06-03  205      12

Offline Delby

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #14 on: February 03, 2013, 02:54:39 am »
 Some great replies to this post. I wanted to create this discussion with the intention of helping others that may not be fullfilling their dreams/goals or sitting on life's 'sidelines' because they incorrectly believe being HIV positive should hold you back in life. Sure your ambitions and goals my change, but a diagnosis should not change your plans in life. Whether you work as a garbage man, a librarian, a charity or run a global multi national company, it doesn't matter. What matters is participating in life. Work is the greatest elixir in life. It gives you focus and purpose. Man needs purpose and we are born to create, work and use our minds. Like I said it doesn't matter whether your working unpaid or for even if you may be currently unemployed but just as long as you don't use your HIV as an excuse not to move forward and be involved.

I am fully aware some are unfortunate enough not to be able to work due to illness and disability. That's the same in every disease from diabetes, heart disease and even asthma. But life is for participation and to those fortunate enough to have the health to work, get out there and follow your dreams. In essence that's one way of conquering this disease. Your guys (and gals) have shown in this post that anything is possible.

Look at me. I was suicidal 7 yrs ago after my diagnosis. My life fell apart and I quit work and quit life. I dropped out.  I went from a happy young man of 28 to a wreck overnight. Now I'm married, have 3 children and run 2 companies. I am truly blessed. Sure this disease is shit. But truth is I suffer more from my insomnia (4 hrs sleep a night) and my Ulcerative Colitis than I do from my HIV on a daily basis. It's a nasty disease but for the first time in my life I truly believe that if I can stick around for another 15-20 yrs, we're going to be looking at some very different treatment options than the present. I never used to have this hope, but within that time frame I believe it's now possible.

So live for the future and go out and get what's yours. You deserve it and you CAN do it. No one is stopping you except you.

Offline soccerboy85

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #15 on: February 05, 2013, 07:20:15 pm »
bump... this is a good thread!  when I first was diagnosed I thought I would be moving back in with my parents and living some tragic life. this kinda stuff shows people they can still do anything. more people need to comment! I  am a pilot for a major airline which had always been my dream job, I  also run,  bike,  and play tennis more  than most people I know.

Offline RobbyR

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #16 on: February 05, 2013, 07:28:04 pm »
It has been hard out there for sure the past few years. I had to take on two jobs after the recession to support myself, but on the plus side, I was able to get a great apartment downtown where I live and be closer to my friends, the park, and the restaurants! Many of my friends have had to take on another job as well, because the economy lagged so much. I have a degree in communications but lost my job in the recession due to cutbacks and so after searching I finally bit the bullet and took an entry level part-time job at a nursing home, working as a nurse's assistant. The pay wasn't too bad, and it was something I didn't hate doing. I also was working full-time as a customer service rep, and made enough to pay my bills. I am now only working the full-time job because I am trying to pace myself more. I feel lucky because I am healthy and able to work. Sometimes when I'm having a bad day I just try and realize that although my life isn't yet what I want it to be, I am fortunate compared to many.

I don't have too much free time during the week but I always find time to run, which is my favorite thing to do, or go hangout with my friends at the wilderness reserve where there are a ton of scenic paths, just a few minutes from town. I also love to go out to eat but not as much anymore due to expenses, but I am the type that I have to stay active most of the time! I am hoping as the economy improves, more, better jobs will come and I cam get a job in my field that I went to school for!
"I survived because I was tougher than anybody else".--Bette Davis

Atripla
2010-2015

Stribild
2015-2016

Genvoya
2016-

Offline Dr.Strangelove

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #17 on: February 06, 2013, 08:48:55 pm »
I spent most of my adult life at university. About two years ago I decided to start my own thing and became self employed. The money could be better but I love my job and I love being my own boss. My diagnosis hasn't affected my work situation the slightest bit and I am quite happy not to have colleagues or a boss and worry about them finding out about my status.

Offline Oceanbeach

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #18 on: February 07, 2013, 12:29:24 am »
Several times per week, I take the Trolley from Jane Warner Plaza to Civic Center and on to Union Square where I get a latte and some flowers from the vendors.  I may stop by Tiffanys looking for a sterling silver phone dialer but I have to do it as Katherine Hepburn instead of Audrey because I can't mimic her timeless beauty.  I then walk over to the Victorius Secret store hoping to find wings on sale and the clerks always call out, "Sorry Michael"

« Last Edit: February 07, 2013, 03:28:02 am by Oceanbeach »

Offline Oceanbeach

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #19 on: February 07, 2013, 12:33:46 am »
 :) Yes Ward is the man of the house and makes all decisions.  I flounce around in a summer dress, a frilly white apron and high heels.  You can call me Mrs. Cleaver.  We have two children, litter mate Pugs.  We call the boy puppy Beaver and the girl puppy Wally
« Last Edit: February 07, 2013, 03:31:31 am by Oceanbeach »

Offline justchill

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #20 on: February 08, 2013, 03:05:08 am »
i am a trucker and my days are sometimes 16+hrs long.. sometimes i work through the night and sometimes through the day, however i feel fine anytime
Leo_ThePrince

Offline BT65

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #21 on: February 08, 2013, 06:03:18 pm »
I'm a case manager for an Aids service organization.  People complain about case managers, and I know there are some that aren't worth their weight, but it is a tough job, trying to manage everyone's care, make sure people can see a doctor, going to client's court appearances, and well, there still is the possibility of death.  One of my clients died a little over a year ago and it was tough.  Plus putting up with angry clients that want to know why you didn't take care of everything, like yesterday. 

I'm also in graduate school and hope to finish.  When I'm done I may look at a different career path.
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Offline oksikoko

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #22 on: February 08, 2013, 06:10:19 pm »
Hey, BT, sorry about your client. Even if it was a year ago, that has to be rough. :( Thanks for doing the work you do.

Lately I've been wishing I could work for an ASO in some capacity. All of my experience except my freelance work has been in education and nonprofits, but I have a feeling the organizations prefer that people who've needed assistance don't try to work there later.  Do you know if that's true at all?

I have an MA, but not an MSW, unfortunately. If I could go back, I would definitely have done an MPH or MSW program instead. Those are in such demand and have been as long as I can remember.
Code: [Select]
2014-11-14: CD4 Wars Episode II: Return of the Stribild (released in Europe as Stribild II: Werewolf Bitch)
2014-11-06:                ☣ VL (→) 12,627      ☣ CD4 (→) 639
2014-??-??: off treatment  ☣ VL (?)              ☣ CD4 (?)
2013-10-03:                ☣ VL (=) undetectable ☣ CD4 (+) 1105
2013-05-23:                ☣ VL (=) undetectable ☣ CD4 (-) 945
2013-02-25:                ☣ VL (-) undetectable ☣ CD4 (+) 1123
2012-12-16: Enter Stribild
2012-11-20: HIV+           ☣ VL (→) 132,683      ☣ CD4 (→) 920
2012-04-01: HIV-
Dates in this signature file conform to ISO 8601. ;-)

If no one complains, nothing will ever change.

Offline Oceanbeach

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #23 on: February 08, 2013, 11:22:39 pm »
I have served as my own case manager for years but there would be a person if I called and needed one.  When I was case managed, it was in a small town.  I think there was 60 clients and I liked my case manager.  She would come to our houses once each month, the first question out of her mouth was always about whether or not, we felt suicidal.

One day, she quit and went back FT at a local medical center because... She moved a client into her home as her lover.  He wasn't there very long.  She came home from work at the hospital and found him hanging from her bedroom doorknob.  He hanged himself with a shoelace.

I had another Case Manager once, he was in L.A., an RN and was very good at his job.  He told me once, he quit Case Management because he was going to peoples homes to ask about the color and consistency of their shit and the ASO had terminated a thrift store give away program and he had nothing to give us, so he went to work for the State of California at Camarillo State Hospital.  A patient there had been convicted of murder of his pregnant wife on Christmas.  My former Case Manager had a crush on more than one mass murderer and wanted to work where that patient was sentenced.  I have been pretty good at being my own case manager.  Take Care
Michael

Offline BT65

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Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #24 on: February 09, 2013, 07:45:47 am »
All of my experience except my freelance work has been in education and nonprofits, but I have a feeling the organizations prefer that people who've needed assistance don't try to work there later.  Do you know if that's true at all?

I was actually a client at the ASO I work at.  I'm guessing it depends on the ASO and their policies.  Like I had to not be a client for a year before they could hire me.  When I was a client I only used them once-to have my case manager drive me to an ophthalmologist appointment, because I had to have my eyes dilated, therefore didn't believe I could drive. 

But anyway, what area of concentration is your MA in?  My boss has an MPH, and there are two other people who work at the ASO I do who have their master's.  One is an MSW and she's a case manager, and one has her MBA and is in charge of testing/prevention. 

The one with the MSW could, I'm sure, find a higher paying job at some point.  But it seems in those related fields, you have to know someone to get a foot in the door.

And Michael, it's interesting, people who have fascinations with serial and mass murderers.  I remember reading about the case of Richard Ramirez, the "night stalker," where a lady who was on the jury, who found him guilty, moved closer to the prison he was sent to.  Those are interesting characters.

By the way, I would never, ever, consider getting romantically involved with a client.  I do have ethical boundaries.
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline bufguy

  • Member
  • Posts: 214
Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #25 on: February 09, 2013, 09:29:22 am »
Great thread...agreed it shows that HIV+ people can continue a life and career no different than anyone else. I feel incredibly lucky having been diagnosed 5 years ago with what looks like it had been a recent infection. Atripla once a day, no side effects and healthier than most people my age.

Luckily my diagnosis has been but a blip in my life. I haven't had to change much at all except staying fit and adhering to a very easy regimen of meds and routine doc visits.

That being said, I'm an architect and facility manager for a very large school district. I also volunteer in many a historic preservation endeavors and give architectural tours evenings and weekends.

Pragmatically the most important thing is the great health insurance my job provides eliminating any stress acquiring the best health care .
« Last Edit: February 09, 2013, 09:40:04 am by bufguy »
5/29/08 confirmed HIV+
6/23/08 Vl 47500  CD4 511/29% CD8 .60
start atripla
8/1/08 Vl 130  CD4 667/31% CD8 .70
9/18/08 Vl un  CD4 not tested
12/19/08 Vl un CD4 723/32% CD8 .80
4/3/09 Vl un CD4 615/36% CD8  .98
8/7/09 vl un CD4 689/35% CD8 .9
12/11/09 vl un CD4 712/38% CD8 .89
4/9/10 vl un CD4 796/39% CD8 1.0
8/20/10 vl un CD4 787/38% CD8 1.0
4/6/10 vl un CD4 865/35% CD8 .9
8/16/10 vl un CD4 924/37% CD8 1.0
12/23/10 vl un CD4 1006/35% CD8 .9
5/2/10 vl un CD4 1040/39% CD8 .9
8/7/13 vl un CD4 840/39% CD8 .
11/29/18 vl un CD4 1080/39% CD8  .86

Offline oksikoko

  • Member
  • Posts: 690
  • Writing the congressman again
Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #26 on: February 09, 2013, 11:02:17 am »
But anyway, what area of concentration is your MA in?  My boss has an MPH, and there are two other people who work at the ASO I do who have their master's.  One is an MSW and she's a case manager, and one has her MBA and is in charge of testing/prevention. 

Pretty much the most useless thing you could imagine... Slavic linguistics. Even if I were still in the field,  I can't go to Russia anymore. What a larf. ;)

Technically, I guess I haven't been a client at any ASO unless you count GMHC, and I wouldn't want to work there anyway. 1) Too competitive probably. 2) I know too many people who are tangentially connected. Awkwardness would ensue.

This is worth looking into, though. Let me just check my files here...
Code: [Select]
2014-11-14: CD4 Wars Episode II: Return of the Stribild (released in Europe as Stribild II: Werewolf Bitch)
2014-11-06:                ☣ VL (→) 12,627      ☣ CD4 (→) 639
2014-??-??: off treatment  ☣ VL (?)              ☣ CD4 (?)
2013-10-03:                ☣ VL (=) undetectable ☣ CD4 (+) 1105
2013-05-23:                ☣ VL (=) undetectable ☣ CD4 (-) 945
2013-02-25:                ☣ VL (-) undetectable ☣ CD4 (+) 1123
2012-12-16: Enter Stribild
2012-11-20: HIV+           ☣ VL (→) 132,683      ☣ CD4 (→) 920
2012-04-01: HIV-
Dates in this signature file conform to ISO 8601. ;-)

If no one complains, nothing will ever change.

Offline MiniPozToyota

  • Member
  • Posts: 206
Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #27 on: February 09, 2013, 06:24:17 pm »
515am till about 530pm is my workday to include working out from 515-615 so far so good
April 2010- tested neg.
April 1 2011 -  CD4 346 VL 46856 22%
July 27 2011- Started Atripla
(Meds are good) needed more space to update been UD now for three years. Current down below
Jun 5 2014 - CD4 704 VL UD % 44.0

Offline NycJoe

  • Member
  • Posts: 252
Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #28 on: February 10, 2013, 02:25:25 pm »
Funny I wasn't working when I got diagnosed (I was so tired back then in '04 because my viral load was so high).  But I went back to school in my 40s got my degree and now have a Mon-Fri job that I really like.  It is stressful but I feel that when I wasn't working I was obsessed with my HIV status thinking about it all the time.  I needed this job for my financial and mental well being.  A time may come when I don't feel like or am unable to keep up.  In the meantime I'm kicking ass!

Joe

Offline Souledout

  • Member
  • Posts: 160
Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #29 on: February 10, 2013, 06:29:14 pm »
I work with kids. Recently set up my own childcare business which is thriving. Annoyingly having my contract for my second job cut at Easter - I hate to say it but my diagnosis really messed this up for me despite me trying my hardest. The emotional turmoil definitely had an effect on how I was at work and the impact I was trying to make to justify my role. So now I've got money worries on top of everything else, I'll cope though, I always do.
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline buginme2

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  • Posts: 3,426
Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #30 on: February 10, 2013, 07:58:07 pm »
Funny I wasn't working when I got diagnosed (I was so tired back then in '04 because my viral load was so high).  But I went back to school in my 40s got my degree and now have a Mon-Fri job that I really like.  It is stressful but I feel that when I wasn't working I was obsessed with my HIV status thinking about it all the time.  I needed this job for my financial and mental well being.  A time may come when I don't feel like or am unable to keep up.  In the meantime I'm kicking ass!

Joe

^^^

Great post!
Don't be fancy, just get dancey

Offline pittman

  • Member
  • Posts: 286
Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #31 on: February 11, 2013, 10:10:37 pm »
Ya know, while it seems melodramatic to think you can't work and live pretty much normally when you have your HIV under control, there is some truth in what the doctor said.
Studies do in fact show that stress kills! Not hard work, but on going stress takes a toll on your health and your life expectancy- even if you were not HIV+.

Changed jobs last year and the reduction in stress has be transformative.  I sleep more easily now, feel much better and I find it easier to deal with other life issues. (Not to mention that my partner says I'm much less of a pain in the @ss)

So consider finding ways to reduce stress, but don't short change yourself by thinking you can't meet the challenges of a career just because you are HIV+.

Offline TabooPrincess

  • Member
  • Posts: 314
Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #32 on: February 15, 2013, 11:01:35 am »
I'm in middle-management in health care.  Up 05.30 everyday and after that doing the mummy thing (my second full-time job!).  Bed at 9 every night I am so exhausted.  But I'm tired because I drink too much, eat crap and don't exercise ;-) nothing else...
09/ 2008 - Seroconversion
11/2008 - Tested pos, cd4 640 vl 25400
12/2008 - cd4 794 vl 27798, 35%
03/2009 - cd4 844 vl 68846, 35%
06/2009 - cd4 476 vl 49151, 33% (pregnancy confirmed)
08/2009 - cd4 464 vl 54662, 32%
Started meds for pregnancy (Kaletra, AZT, Viread)
09/2009 - cd4 841 vl 3213, 42%
10/2009 - cd4 860 vl 1088, 41%
11/2009 - cd4 771 vl 563, 38%
12/2009 - cd4 885 vl 151 42%
Discontinued meds after baby born
02/2010 - cd4 841 vl 63781, 38%
05/2010 - cd4 1080 vl 113000, 39%
08/2010 - cd4 770 vl 109242
12/2010 - cd4 642 vl 111000, 34%
06/2011 - cd4 450 vl 222000, 33%
11/2011 - cd4 419 vl 212000, 24%
03/2012 - cd4 280 vl 118000, 26% (repeated Cd4 at 360)
05/2012 -cd4 360 vl 99,190
10/2012 Atripla, cd4 690, vl 80
12/2012 Darunavir, norvir, truvada, Cd4 680, vl u/d
07/2013 cd4 750,ud

Offline MitchMiller

  • Member
  • Posts: 672
Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #33 on: February 23, 2013, 01:10:34 am »
Been working steadily since infected with HIV, although it has slowed me down.  The meds interfere with my sleep and I have to deal with that.  At my age (56), I just acquiesced to the fact that work has to take highest priority if I'm going to be able to keep up.  That means no time off (no vacations) and lots of weekend work in order to to space all the hours out.  I'm a programmer, chained to a desk all day staring at a monitor, and really can't do much more than 12 hours/day.  Sigh... so yet another weekend lost to work this Sat and Sun.

Personally, I would trade retirement any day for work.  I want to retire ASAP.  I hate being a 8:30 - 7+ slave, racing to try to fit a life within the few spare moments left after work.  The "Queen of Versailles" stated how she got the H out of computer programming when her first boss was elaborating on his count-down program to retirement.  She asked why he would even write such a thing and he said the day the clock runs out is the day his life begins.  Needless to say, she quickly mapped out anothe path for her life.  For those that have managed a way to survive without working, kudos to you.

Offline Alan_B

  • Member
  • Posts: 40
Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #34 on: February 23, 2013, 03:42:21 pm »
I work full time (40 hours a week) for a pharmaceutical company.

HIV hasn't changed my career path, not that I have much of a career path at 25 years old lol.
Diagnosed - 01 Dec 2011 cd4 500
                  17 Jan 2012 cd4 520 vl 250k
                  02 Feb 2012 cd4 490 16% vl 167k - atripla
                  28 Jun 2012 cd4 610 24% vl 75
                       Jul 2012 cd4 870     Changed meds
                      Aug 2012 cd4 660 UD
                      Nov 2012 cd4 640 UD

"There is nothing wrong with going to bed with someone of your own sex. People should be very free with sex; they should draw the line at goats."  ~ Sir Elton John

Offline CLP1972

  • Member
  • Posts: 12
Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #35 on: March 05, 2013, 12:15:51 am »
I'm a physician and work 80+ hours/week and when I cover call, I'm up for a 25-30 hour stretch.  I have noticed that my "stamina" isn't quite what it was before diagnosis, but I definitely felt better after starting meds.  The fact is, folks, we are NO different than anyone else.  We just have to be more diligent about our health.  All of us that have responded on this page are leaders, and I'm convinced that by showing the world we are bright, successful, loving people, we will be one step further in overcoming the stigma of HIV.  We can do this!!

Offline Casinokiwi

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  • Posts: 25
Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #36 on: March 05, 2013, 07:42:06 am »
Good post here...  Since I have been diagnosed I have been going through this anti-climatic thought process of 'what now'.  And so far nothing has really changed.   

I manage and run a medium sized private company. I work long hours and travel 50% of the time.  The job is stressful but not as stressful as going through a divorce and raising three kids. 

I have wondered lately about giving up the big salary and perks to either start my own gig or do something to benefit others in my situation.   That said, I need to get through divorce and see how the finances shake out. 

On a side note, I did have my cd4 count drop from 502 to 250 in the past two months.   I am scared because I am still newly diagnosed and I am pausing on my dreams because of the fear.  Hopefully I was just under the weather when I got tested.  I will find out soon because I got retested yesterday. 

I wish Arkansas had better healthcare options for HIV.   

Offline beefbud

  • Member
  • Posts: 117
  • just some flesh caught in this big broken machine"
    • cubster dot com
Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #37 on: March 07, 2013, 12:58:04 pm »
I work as a graphics designer from 7am - 4 pm mon- fri.  Fri I get home and grab a quick bite before a nap and then bartending from 9- about 3 a.m.

During the week i am normally up at 3 a.m. to have my coffee, packing bfast and lunch and then head to the gym at around 4:45 a.m. (im a creature of habit) Mon - Fri

Saturday its time with friends and cocktails and beers...also add in the occasional concert or party or this, that and the other.

The graphics job i have been at for 13 years
Bartending for 10
Positive for 6 years this month

The biggest SUCK has been recovery time.  At 24 i could sleep it off and be ready to do it again.  At 44 DAMN it takes two days to feel normal again. 

HIV aint stopping me....father time is! LOL
"first impressions are cheap auditions"

Offline SoSadTooBad

  • Member
  • Posts: 267
Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #38 on: March 17, 2013, 05:21:59 pm »
Sales manager for a large corporation with a sales team located all over the US.   I generally work about 70 hours a week and travel over 150k miles per year.  Last thing on my mind is HIV (other than the nightly Atripla.)  In fact, dealing with the setback and the diagnosis 7 years ago has motivated me to work harder and achieve more.   I don't take my success for granted, and I do respect anyone who makes another choice, but I strongly believe you can put yourself in a situation where you can be very successful despite HIV. 

Offline Life

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  • Posts: 2,389
  • Member 2005
Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #39 on: March 18, 2013, 08:07:13 am »
Its great to see us keeping busy.. I think my Dad instilled a unorthodoxed work ethic within his kids.  We all work hard.  I work about 90 hours per week as an Accountant at one job and and Loss Prevention EMT at another.   The rest of the time its on the slopes or hiking,biking rafting or my favorate is seeing how many times I can get to Moab for Jeeping...   HIV has not slowed me down, but the loss of friends because of either addiction or not paying attention to their health has caused me to deal with that.  Which I do not do well with.  I always ask why...  I still remain single after William's death basically due to denial of addiction and then not taking his hiv seriously enough to run away and think that positive energy was going to save him.  His geographic failed him.   So, I plug along single hopeing one day I may feel up to trying out a relationship again.  Thats what I miss the most.  I talk with my Mom who lost my father last May.  She says, "what do I have to live for at 83 years old without my husband?  Well Mom, I ask the same thing at 48 without Mine.  I hope between both of us, we can find that answer.   I enjoy my time alone for a very short period of time...  I understand my Mom..   

Keep busy,  sitting around aint good for any of us...

Eric

Offline Oceanbeach

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  • Posts: 3,564
Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #40 on: April 07, 2013, 11:21:28 pm »
For the last couple of years, I've been on call with the Triple A Escort Service     

Offline positivelynerd

  • Member
  • Posts: 33
  • Life isn't a struggle, it's a wiggle.
Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #41 on: April 10, 2013, 05:22:06 am »
It's my first year in grad school- getting my masters in physics- and I'm a teaching assistant as well.  I used to wait tables on top of that but it got to be too much.  My program started four weeks before I got diagnosed, so let's just say my first semester didn't go so well.  This semester has been a lot better, just a few more weeks left! 
5/25/12 Seroconversion
9/25/12 Diagnosed
10/12/12: VL- 799k, CD4 285
10/25/12 VL- 599k, CD4 274 
Started Sustiva + Epzicom
11/8/12: VL- 1790, CD4 412, 24%,
11/20/12: VL- 1470, CD4 350, 28%
12/19/12: VL- 584, CD4 293, 24%
1/16/13: VL- 411, CD4 404, 27%
2/13/13: VL- 314, CD4 523, 20%
3/13/13: VL- 171, CD4 404, 26%
4/10/13: VL- 96, CD4 397, 27%
5/8/13: VL- UD, CD4 422, 26%
6/5/13: VL- UD, CD4 462, 31%
7/24/13: VL- UD, CD4 559, 33%

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed." -A. Einstein

Offline anmlvrnyc

  • Member
  • Posts: 22
Re: What's your Job? Run a business? Work full time?
« Reply #42 on: April 13, 2013, 08:54:17 pm »
I work full time as a design director at a clothing company. This industry is always stressful, competitive, demanding, political, cut throat and puts way too much pressure. I used to work on weekends and even on holidays in order to meet deadlines. I do it because I love what I do and I'm passionate about my work.
9-5 is not in my world.

I learned to deal with stress. I learned to focus on the positives, not on the negatives. Get it? :)

HIV has not been able to stop me from doing what I love to do. That's how I see it.

anmlvrnyc

 


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