I’ve found that a work-life balance is vital for my health

Before my double-lung transplant eight years ago, I notoriously sacrificed my health for my job. I attempted to keep up with the able-bodied people around me, ignoring my limitations, and pushing past what my body could endure. And I paid the price for it. I learned the hard way that a job is never worth risking my life over.

After high school, I went to college for six years, completing my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and began working full time. As a result, my health took a back seat. I sold myself on the lie that I was “fine.”

The harder I worked, the more frequent I was hospitalized for cystic fibrosis (CF) exacerbations. My body couldn’t keep up with the fast-paced life of working full time while trying to maintain my health, which was also a full-time job at the time. I would do breathing treatments as bookends to my day, sneak in moments of supplemental oxygen between clients, and administer intravenous medications at home as much as possible so I could keep working.

Leading up to my transplant, I got hit with blood clots and was on oxygen 24/7, forcing me to leave my job. Through my surgery and beyond, it was a rigorous healing process. And after that, it took time to figure out a new rhythm, to adjust to my anti-rejection medications and their side effects, and to adapt to a new set of limitations, which differed from those before the transplant. The learning curve was steep.

There I go overexplaining myself again. Sometimes I still feel obligated to justify the decisions I’ve made for my health. I’m working on this.

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Anyway, looking back, it’s so ridiculous that I elevated work above my life, working myself nearly to death. I learned the hard way that if I don’t have my health, I don’t have anything.

The demands of society are invasive, especially for those of us in the disabled community. I used to think I had to prove myself by how productive I was, that somehow this determined my worth as a human being. It was in efforts to keep up with the able-bodied world that I added pressure to keep up or get out of the way. I completely negated the fact that living with a chronic illness is different and listening to my body’s needs isn’t wrong.

After my transplant, I didn’t go back to work for five years. I made the commitment to myself that I would only go back to work part time. I wanted to ease into it, since my position as a therapist is heavy. Adhering to a schedule was exhausting at first, especially with sleep disruptions, a common side effect of transplant medications.

Fast forward four years and I am now fully remote, working part time as a therapist. I also have a side business in coaching and consulting, while running a business with my husband. It sounds like a lot, but the beauty of it is that I get to set my own schedule. This has been vital for putting my health first. I’m also super-blessed that I have a supportive husband who ensures that I’m prioritizing my health and not doing too much.

I’ve learned the hard way that a work-life balance isn’t just a nice thought; it’s vital for my life. Without balance, I get sick and my body revolts against me. Now I’m celebrating how far I’ve come, discovering what I’m capable of, and resting in the knowledge that my inherent value isn’t based on my productivity level.  And I’m so grateful for a loving husband and a stellar employer, who both not only accommodate this, but ensure my well-being is a top priority.

Note: Cystic Fibrosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cystic Fibrosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to cystic fibrosis.