I know it's been a long time since the last time I posted. In the last couple of months I graduated college with a degree in philosophy, politics and law, started a new job in my preferred career field, moved into a new apartment and got into a very healthy relationship. I felt a lot of pressure as I prepared to graduate college. I was nervous about how I would find a job and support myself when my health is so unpredictable. I wasn't sure I could even get hired anywhere because I had almost no work experience due to the past several years of just trying to get my symptoms und er control and my conditions managed. Leading up to graduation these were the things that I thought about nonstop as I got closer to entering the real world. I was proud of myself for the accomplishment that graduating was especially because of all the hurdles I faced with my health, including being forced to take a semester off. I graduated college in three years when at one point I wasn't even sure if I was going to be able to finish college.
After I graduated I was immediately on the hunt for a job, particularly a job in the legal field. After a couple of weeks I was stressed because I wasn't hearing back from employers and I started to feel like it was going to be impossible to get a job in the field I wanted until I got work experience. I continued to put my resume in for any job I thought looked interesting and finally I got a message back from one of the employers for an interview. I interviewed the very next day and then got a second interview with the shift manager the day after that. Within two days I had an offer letter to be a document processor for a global law firm with full benefits. I was overjoyed at the opportunity this job presented. My employer was going to train me and give me valuable experience to further my career in the future. Not only that, but my employer also provides disability along with my benefits in case I ever have a bad flare up due to my chronic conditions. This was a huge bonus and one of the things I worried the most about. I wasn't sure I would find a job that will support and pay me as I deal with the unpredictability that comes with have chronic illness. I have been fortunate enough to find a job that is perfect for my situation and on top of that I love what I do.
After I had gotten my job I was ready to find an apartment and move out of my parents house. I am aware I can't be fully independent because of the expenses that come with suffering from chronic conditions like mine, but I wanted to feel like I had my own space and building my life. My parents were kind enough to be willing to help me with my medical bills and other expenses so that I could take this step and live on my own. I still stress a lot about money and my health and how it can impact my life, but I try not to let it overwhelm me. All I can do is focus on and maintain my health and keep taking each day as it comes. Its's been nice to have my own place with one of my best friends who has always been understanding and supportive.
One of the best things that has happened to me these last few months is getting into a relationship with my boyfriend. He is so understanding and supportive of my health issues and everything that comes along with them. He's my best friend and never bats an eye when I tell him more things about my health and what I deal with. He just wants to understand what I go through and help me the best he can. It has been an amazing couple of months and I am so excited to see what the rest of this year has in store!