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It is a very hard decision to leave work because of chronic illness or disease and for many it is a long, emotional process that leaves one drained. There is no right answer, just what works for you and your health.

Many experts agree that going back to work is important for self esteem, independence, and for financial freedom. Others say that one should not feel pressure to go back to work and that you can gain a strong sense of self in
other ways through hobbies, friendships and more. It is a fine line to walk when your health is at stake. People on both sides of this issue feel strongly on their positions. I am just happy that books like this are out there to help you make a decision that is right for you. I am also happy that many more employers are helping their employees stay at work, or adjust their work arrangements for disability. We have come a long way baby!

Reading other women's personal experiences was enjoyable and uplifting giving me specific experiences of hope in the work environment. I found the advice in this book, on finding balance in work and life; setting realistic
goals for your career and communicating efficiently with your supervisors and co-workers, could be valuable reading for anyone with any chronic health condition, whether you are a man or a woman, whether the condition is
autoimmune or not.

This book seems to focus on the college educated, or career woman going back to work. I couldn't help but think what about the potential workers who did not have the opportunity to go to college? What about those with life
experience, tradesman, or vocational training? So many living with chronic illness have not graduated from college, or do not have the resume, or career contacts this book speaks of.

I will say that the book's encouraging, positive nature can possibly be seen as trying to convince the reader to keep working despite illness. I only felt this way at certain points in the book, but I enjoyed the "coaching spirit" behind it.

This is a short easy to read book, packed with information. The questions raised in each chapter help walk you through the emotional process. The tips and tricks mentioned by the authors are worth buying this book for. I
could see this book being helpful to anyone suffering from any chronic health issues, not just autoimmune illnesses as stated in the title. In summary, I think it is important for everyone to make the best decisions for themselves. I also think it is important to make a well informed decision. I recommend this book and I think this book will help anyone going through this process of deciding whether to go back to work or not.

So I say to you, Rosalind...Keep writing Girlfriend!!!

Authors: Rosalind Joffe, Joan Friedlander
Paperback: 216 pages
Publisher: Demos Health; 1 edition (May 28, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1932603689

Book review written by Christine Miserandino © 2008 butyoudontlooksick.com