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Post by Joel on Apr 25, 2008 13:47:32 GMT -6
For some of us, surgery has meant loss of a job. In response, several members have started their own businesses, such as Missy's Twisted Sisters chocolate pretzels (why didn't I think of that??!). I know at least one other member who has started her own business. So, I was thinking--if you folks out there would tell us about your business, why you started it, and maybe how successful it has been for you, it might spark others in our group to try something too. As for me, I am a professor at UNLV, so I have the perfect job--I get to sit on my hiney most of the time and write on my computer! So, maybe going back to school is an option for some of you. You get to sit at a desk or take online classes, which is great for a tumor-survivor.
Joel
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Post by Tmasgio on Apr 25, 2008 14:39:21 GMT -6
I am with Joel on this one. I am a Software developer and sit all day long. Maybe too long.
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Post by Think Positive on Apr 25, 2008 18:39:24 GMT -6
I don't have my own business "per se", but I have just recently decided to start networking again to try and get some project work as an independent contractor. I don't want to jeopardize my SSD so I know I need to be careful but I have to admit that I'm excited at the prospect of using my brain again. I haven't worked since May 05. Ironically I just sent updated my resume last week. I was in the restaurant business for many years (on the corporate side). Like a lot of industries, it is a small world and I have a lot of contacts. I am in the Denver area and there are a lot of corporate restaurant offices here and I know at least one person at every one of them.
Also, I am registered with the NTI (National Telecommuting Institute) and am hoping to get some work through them.
These are just a couple of options for not only being your own boss but also being able to not push yourself too hard physically. I have to be able to take breaks throughout the day.
Kim
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Post by Joel on Apr 26, 2008 9:36:13 GMT -6
So Tmas--how does one become a software developer? Do you have a degree in computer science? And Kim--project work in what? What is your expertise?
Joel
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Post by billanschell on Apr 26, 2008 17:57:59 GMT -6
I'm a musician - a jazz pianist and composer. Had the tumor been higher up and affected my hands, it would all be over for me. For that matter, had it messed up my right leg as much as my left, I'd be seriously compromised. The issues I DO have are relatively minor:
Instead of pedaling by feel, I have to do it by ear, and occasionally glance down to make sure my foot is still centered on the pedal;
Sometimes my equilibrium on the bench feels a little iffy because of the infamous numb-butt syndrome;
Above all, the late hours are really hard on me. Between the meds and the general fatigue, I find that by 8:00 pm or so I'm usually about ready for bed, and that's when I have to start work!
The meds make me a little foggy, too, but that doesn't seem to affect my playing as much as my short-term memory.
Home base for me is in a lumbar-supporting chair, at my computer, writing music. In that position, I'm in great shape.
--Bill
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Post by mak164 on Apr 27, 2008 15:59:06 GMT -6
Yes, watch that. I've been involved in computing since the eighties, spending several hours a day at the keyboard. In 2001 I had a deep venous thrombosis in my calf, which I think was due to my sedentary lifestyle plus a constriction on my leg. Oddly enough, I'd just started becoming more physically active, and started taking prophylactic aspirin, so how I'd avoided it previously I'll never know.
Fortunately I haven't had a recurrence, but it's easy to spend too long at the keyboard.
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Post by Tmasgio on Apr 27, 2008 16:10:14 GMT -6
Joel,
I have a degree is Computer Science. I have been working in the Healthcare Insurance Industry for quite sometime now. My team creates systems that process Healthcare claims electronically without manually intervention. Saves companies alof of man hours and FTE pay.
As far as career goals I would like to get into writing gaming software. One of my hobbies is playing interactive PC games. It is really fun getting online and playing lets say somebody that is in Russia......
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Post by bethann on Apr 28, 2008 10:24:24 GMT -6
I am sure most of you know what I am doing I think I have posted it so many times! My business is My Errand Runner. I started this officially last August (that is when I became insured). I have been working hard on marketing just put out a radio commercial and have run a few advertisements in the local paper I also have been working on my web site. I have some regular clients (so far one new since the last ad in the paper Joel! ). myerrandrunnerllc.com/Beth |
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Post by Joel on Apr 28, 2008 11:27:24 GMT -6
Hey Tmas! Maybe we could all collaborate on an interactive game, sorta like Runescape--We'd call it Tumorscape--the person has to look around the various landscapes for a toilet, before he poops his pants! Let's see--what other adventures could we program in there--how about an MRI stop, but first you've got to earn enough on-line money to pay for it! Hey whadda you think? Can we get rich off of this?
Joel
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Post by Tmasgio on Apr 28, 2008 11:52:08 GMT -6
Joel,
That would be great. We could create our own characters and also we could pick for a list of NS. We could have it based like SIMS where we have to nurture the characters. I am not sure if we would get rich but it would be interested to see who buys it.
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