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I understand completely how you feel!
Way back in 93, I had been diagnosed with ESLD (End Stage Liver Disease), and had been told that I too should consider another profession. What did I do about it? I went back to work as soon as I was able to!!!
My health deteriorated right about the end of 94 and was hospitalized while "on the road again" so, I decided to go back to teaching and found a part time position because I had prior teaching experience back in 89. Anywho!
Before I lose myself, I was teaching and coping with the interferon treatment until 1996. I had to leave this job because, my position on the national liver transplant list moved up. So, I moved up to Pittsburgh because, when I was previously hospitalized, I was evaluated, and put on the"UNOS" list. on the 8th of October 1997, I recieved by the grace of god, a liver transplant!!!
The operation was the easy part! Everybody that knew me thought that the hardest part of this journey was the waiting. For me, the hardest part was the recovery and rehabilitation and coping with the prednisone
(steroids).
After nearly an entire year of recovery, I decided to go back to school to see if I could "learn another type profession". The end result was that I had always enjoyed fabricating and welding to the point that even when I was sick, I still kept current with the evolving advances in welding and fabrication. Everyday I went to the library, and got on the internet to find out what was going on just to keep my sanity. Especially when I was waiting, recuperating, and to the present day!
I decided to continue to stay in my "profession" because, I was in love with it!!!
I already had a teaching license so I did'nt have to go back to school for that but, what was really bothering me was whether or not I could even weld again! I got in touch with my state Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and, they offered full tuition, and other costs such as books etc. Just as I was ready to sign up at the local community college to take a welding course, I found out about a program being offered for free and, was overjoyed to find out that even with a slight amount of nerve tremor, I COULD STILL WELD!!!
I got certified to D1.1 unlimited and, graduated with a 4.0GPA
(I would've been embarassed with anything less).
After the bubble burst, I had a hard time landing a job because people were reluctant to hire me, especially when I had to explain why I had such a gap in my work history within my resume.
I definitely believe that I was given a second chance in life today because, after experiencing alot of frustrating interviews, I landed a part time teaching job at another local community college in july of 2000.
God definitely has plan for me! I do'nt know what the plan is but, I get clues now and then!!!
Since then, I've been teaching welding and fabrication on and off again.
I love it too much to "change my profession".
So, Damp Rods!!! Tim Gary's suggestion about becoming a CWI/CWE is a real good one!!! I decided to tell you my story because, maybe I could inspire you a little, and to show anybody out there that there are always alternatives in "your profession" ,and in any crisis, as long as you have faith in god then, god will always be there for you!!!
Yeah, I know it's tough to realize that you can no longer do what you've always been able to do before but, remember one thing - NEVER GIVE UP!!! I will pray for you sir!
Respectfully,
SSBN 727 Run Silent - Run Deep!!!