United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

My ROBPI 21 year old son is very concerned about his future employment status.He left college after 2 years and does not know what kind of work he would be able to do.Again, he concentrates on what he can not do rather than what he can.Just would like to know what some other OBPI's career choices have been.Thanks,Lenny

My career was in social services for 17 years. I WANTED to be a libraian!!I did get to work and organize a used book Dept for Goodwill Industries in my hometown store in the 1980's, tho, and satisfied my love for books, but returned to social work after 3 years.
Carolyn J

Lenny:

I think it's a good sign that your son is thinking about his future. Is that the source of his frustration and anger (from "Thanks" post)?

I figured out that I wouldn't be able to effectively compete for physical work while working part-time as a janitor in high school. I decided then that I needed to prepare for college. Although I was unsure for the first year, I ultimately decided to pursue what I had originally thought about: engineering. I had a very rewarding 36 year career in the aerospace industry.


John P.

I don't know how severe your son's injury is, but I know two adults with OBPI. One is a secretary at a rehabilitation center (hers is very mild), and another is a Midwife who does deliveries (hers is moderate). She's never dropped a baby. She's made accomodations and learned to adapt and when to ask for assistance. Also, Martin Sheen, the actor has OBPI and he's very successful. I know it's a concern of mine that my daughter may have limitations on her career (she's only 19 months old now), but there isn't anything I can do about that except encourage her to pursue her dreams. I hope that your son starts to look forward rather than regressing into the past. There's only hope that way.

Tanya in NY

Thanks John for replying.I think part of my son's anger is due to the uncertainty of his future employment. He talks alot about achieving success in certain fields but as of yet has not even attempted to pursue any of them. Fear of failure and acceptance overwhelms him and he never gets out of the batters box.He only responds with anger to any of my suggestions,so I have taken a step back.He knows how much I love him and will support any decision he makes.Right now he does not seem ready to make any move.One day at a time and hopefully he will find something of interest to pursue.I thank everybody for replying.

My very first job in high school was a soda jerk! In one of those old fashioned drug stores with a counter. But I knew right off that I did not want to do any manual work and headed off to college. I had not the slightest idea of what I would be, I only knew I wanted to get away from home and be on my own. That sense of independence was very important and is an important step for each of us.

In my case, one degree led to another and then to another and I became a librarian and a professor at a university, where, when I retired a year and a half ago, I was head of my department and had the rank of full professor.

Don't worry, he will find his way. Encourage him to try the things he enjoys and is good at.

Nancy

Thanks Nancy for that encouraging response.I do so hope he finds his way.He is also quite immature for his age and hopefully that will also come with time.I have brought home the messages daily now and I am hoping he ends up reading them.I again thank you ,Sincerely,Lenny

Well....what I do isn't a Job perse....but I am a very active Mom of 5 children. Additionally, once my youngest starts school, I will be going back to school ro finish my degree. I am looking to being a nurse midwife:)

Kim

NOT a job! You work hard and long hours it just the salary that you get is all in kisses and hugs...
I only had three and I know how much work I had and now I have 5 grandchildren so I still have work but its different. This time I can spoil them and not have to worry about how they turn out... LOL...

I bet you will make a great nurse/midwife.

I had to go to work right out of high school so I started out as a typist and in a short time moved to Secretary and general office work in Purchasing. I changed jobs and switched to Accounting and Bookkeeping on IBM machines learned how to use the keypunch and in general every time a new piece of prehistoric computer equipment came in my bosses sent me to school for it... I loved it I only worked 10 years and for two companies but they allowed me to spread my wings...
After I married I stayed home with my children and when they were small I did all sorts of volunteer work, PTA, Girls Scouts, Church work. When my youngest went to school I worked at home on the computer doing payroll and special projects along with volunteer work and raising the kids. I also took some college courses at that time. Due to secondary conditions and the obpi I retired at 61 but I could no longer keep up with the work depending on the day and how bad my arms were.
I think the key to your son’s future is education. Even if he cannot focus on a major at this point maybe he can continue to explore without limiting himself to what he thinks he can do. We never know what we can do until we try it.

Kath