collapse

* Recent Posts

Re: "Christ Is King" by SunflowerP
[Yesterday at 11:06:51 pm]


Re: "Christ Is King" by SunflowerP
[Yesterday at 10:30:17 pm]


Re: "Christ Is King" by Darkhawk
[Yesterday at 08:31:19 pm]


Re: "Christ Is King" by Darkhawk
[Yesterday at 07:54:40 pm]


Re: "Christ Is King" by Sefiru
[Yesterday at 07:44:49 pm]

Author Topic: DIV EX: Aster Breo  (Read 3265 times)

Aster Breo

  • Senior Staff
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 2990
  • Country: 00
  • Total likes: 144
    • View Profile
DIV EX: Aster Breo
« on: June 22, 2013, 02:25:28 am »
I'm looking for some guidance about going back to work.

As many of you know, I've been on disability because of a heath issue for several years.  The primary thing blocking me from working is the damage done by a traumatic brain injury I sustained about 5 years ago.  For a long time, I was unable to read more than a paragraph at a time, among other symptoms (including major memory problems, which also persist, although they've gotten better). Since my line of work (policy analyst and advocacy trainer) requires substantial high, level reading and writing, I couldn't work.  

I've been working very hard on getting my brain back and have seen improvements, although I might never regain my full abilities.

Now that things are a little bit better, at least, I'm itching to be doing something productive.  Unfortunately, I can't do a trial run or ease into it, because disability benefits are all or nothing.  If I work at all, I lose all benefits. So I have to be sure I'm really ready to go back to work before I can risk it.

I've done a lot of thinking and discussing, as well as my own divination, but I'd like another perspective.

So, my question is whether I should try to go back to work in policy and advocacy
yet OR try to go back to work in a different field OR wait, and if there is anything I should be doing (that I'm not already doing) to help me prepare.  I guess, if the answer is "wait", a follow up question would be whether I'll *ever* go back to work.

I can provide more detail via PM, If necessary.

Thanks for any help you can give!  I really appreciate it.

~ Aster
"The status is not quo."  ~ Dr. Horrible

victoreia

  • Sr. Master Member
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Location: Honolulu, HI
  • Posts: 923
  • Country: us
  • Total likes: 9
    • View Profile
  • Religion: disorganized something
  • Preferred Pronouns: she/her
DIV EX: Aster Breo
« Reply #1 on: June 22, 2013, 04:49:23 am »
Quote from: Aster Breo;113295
I'm looking for some guidance about going back to work.

As many of you know, I've been on disability because of a heath issue for several years.  The primary thing blocking me from working is the damage done by a traumatic brain injury I sustained about 5 years ago.  For a long time, I was unable to read more than a paragraph at a time, among other symptoms (including major memory problems, which also persist, although they've gotten better). Since my line of work (policy analyst and advocacy trainer) requires substantial high, level reading and writing, I couldn't work.  

I've been working very hard on getting my brain back and have seen improvements, although I might never regain my full abilities.

Now that things are a little bit better, at least, I'm itching to be doing something productive.  Unfortunately, I can't do a trial run or ease into it, because disability benefits are all or nothing.  If I work at all, I lose all benefits. So I have to be sure I'm really ready to go back to work before I can risk it.

I've done a lot of thinking and discussing, as well as my own divination, but I'd like another perspective.

So, my question is whether I should try to go back to work in policy and advocacy
yet OR try to go back to work in a different field OR wait, and if there is anything I should be doing (that I'm not already doing) to help me prepare.  I guess, if the answer is "wait", a follow up question would be whether I'll *ever* go back to work.

I can provide more detail via PM, If necessary.

Thanks for any help you can give!  I really appreciate it.

~ Aster

Is there a possibility of doing some (part-time) volunteer work? That might help build up stamina without losing benefits before you're ready.

Also, is there any chance of getting permanent disability status? I don't know a whole lot about disability laws (esp. for civilians--I have disabled vets in the family), but something should be available.....

Wait, sorry, this is the US we're talking about.

{{{Aster}}}
Do. Or do not. There is no try.  --Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back

We are star stuff. We are the universe, made manifest. --Ambassador Delenn, Babylon 5

Mind how you go. -- Granny Weatherwax

Aster Breo

  • Senior Staff
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 2990
  • Country: 00
  • Total likes: 144
    • View Profile
DIV EX: Aster Breo
« Reply #2 on: June 22, 2013, 02:43:02 pm »
Quote from: victoreia;113306
Is there a possibility of doing some (part-time) volunteer work? That might help build up stamina without losing benefits before you're ready.

Also, is there any chance of getting permanent disability status? I don't know a whole lot about disability laws (esp. for civilians--I have disabled vets in the family), but something should be available.....

Wait, sorry, this is the US we're talking about.

{{{Aster}}}

I've been doing volunteer work with a local dance company, a dance studio, and a theater group -- largely to see how it went as a trial run for working.  Mixed results. But the biggest issue is its not the same kind of work -- doesn't require the same kind of brain.

I'm on permanent disability because odd the combination of migraines and TBI.  The migraines are still an issue, but in a different way. I've been working with a pain management specialist, and we've gotten the headaches to the point where they're mostly tolerable most of the time. There are other symptoms associated with them, too.  I'm not sure if I'd be able to work around then
"The status is not quo."  ~ Dr. Horrible

Aster Breo

  • Senior Staff
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 2990
  • Country: 00
  • Total likes: 144
    • View Profile
DIV EX: Aster Breo
« Reply #3 on: June 22, 2013, 02:45:00 pm »
Quote from: Aster Breo;113330
I'm not sure if I'd be able to work around then

Dang. Hit submit accidentally.

...them.  That's one of the questions I'm working through.

It's a complicated situation.  Lots of factors to juggle.

But I REALLY miss working.  :(

Thank you!
"The status is not quo."  ~ Dr. Horrible

rocquelaire

  • Staff
  • *
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 691
  • Country: scotland
  • Total likes: 7
    • View Profile
  • Religion: Gaelic Polytheist
  • Preferred Pronouns: she/her/her
DIV EX: Aster Breo
« Reply #4 on: June 22, 2013, 05:42:21 pm »
Quote from: Aster Breo;113331
Dang. Hit submit accidentally.

...them.  That's one of the questions I'm working through.

It's a complicated situation.  Lots of factors to juggle.

But I REALLY miss working.  :(

Thank you!

I'll try doing a reading for you tomorrow with my DruidCraft tarot deck.

Aster Breo

  • Senior Staff
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 2990
  • Country: 00
  • Total likes: 144
    • View Profile
DIV EX: Aster Breo
« Reply #5 on: June 22, 2013, 06:28:42 pm »
Quote from: rocquelaire;113339
I'll try doing a reading for you tomorrow with my DruidCraft tarot deck.

Thanks!
"The status is not quo."  ~ Dr. Horrible

Khep

  • Apprentice
  • ***
  • Join Date: Dec 2011
  • Posts: 42
  • Country: 00
  • Total likes: 1
    • View Profile
Re: DIV EX: Aster Breo
« Reply #6 on: June 23, 2013, 12:49:22 pm »
Quote from: Aster Breo;113295
I'm looking for some guidance about going back to work.

~ Aster

 

Hi, Aster.  I did a Tarot reading, drawing a card and clarifier
for each question.

1. 10 Swords (R), The World (R)
2. High Priestess, 2 of Cups (R)
3. Knight of Cups, 5 of Swords
4. Temperance, The Star
5. 8 Cups (R), Ace of Wands

Here's how I see the cards. Of course, you may have
different, additional interpretations.

1. Should you go back to policy/advocacy work?
No. I think the combination of these two cards gives a fairly clear answer.

10 Swords (R)
----------------
- Pictures a needed re-evaluation of past attitudes, plans, how you see yourself and the future.
- Can show resisting an inevitable ending. Carrying pain from old wounds, that needs to be processed, acknowledged.

The World (R)
---------------
- Lack of closure, preventing you from moving on to a new chapter in your life.


2. Should you go back to work in some other line?

You might do so now, but the reading seems to say that within the "Waiting" and "Preparation" questions are your best options currently.


The High Priestess
---------------------
- You have strong talents in areas not requiring an either/or logical perception.

Two of Cups (R)
------------------
- You could pursue other kinds of work now, but, with your heart fairly set on the policy/advocacy field, there is a lack of balance in how you view your other options.


3. Should you wait?

The Knight of Cups
----------------------
- This knight is not waiting; he is making slow, steady progress in bringing something from the realm of heart & imagination into reality. He moves towards Temperance, who is facing him.

Five of Swords
----------------
- This card faces the 2 of Cups (R), and is facing in the opposite direction of the Knight.  You have won some battles, overcome challenges. But taking these gains as a go-ahead to return to policy/advocacy work could prove to be a hollow, and/or problematic "victory".


4. How to prepare for going back to work?

Temperance
--------------
- Have patience while the Knight of Cups makes slow progress. Put things in perspective and gain some tranquility by balancing your emotional reactions to the options you see before you.
- Test the waters.  Take a long-term view, and consider the purpose and meaning of life.  There is no need to rush.

The Star
----------
- Numerology -- Card 17 = 8 = Strength, which is also the "summary" card for this reading.  Part of "Strength" is accepting one's "faults", and loving yourself regardless.  
- Have faith in your potential for future happiness. After a difficult time, forgive and forget past injuries, so you can embrace new opportunities. Be open to spiritual transformation and a new chapter in your destiny.


5. Will you ever work again?

8 of Cups (R)
---------------
- Yes. In the long view, at least, you are beginning to move from a period of feeling a need for change, to actually walking away from emotional entanglements that may never be resolved. (See 2 of Cups).

Ace of Wands
---------------
- This clarifying card shows that the energy and inspiration to make the necessary move in the 8 is, or will be, available.

 
I hope this is of some help.


Khep
“I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the Heart's affections and the truth of the Imagination.”    ― John Keats

Aster Breo

  • Senior Staff
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 2990
  • Country: 00
  • Total likes: 144
    • View Profile
DIV EX: Aster Breo
« Reply #7 on: June 23, 2013, 02:07:54 pm »
Quote from: Khep;113389
Hi, Aster.  I did a Tarot reading, drawing a card and clarifier
for each question.


Thank you!

I don't read tarot, so I don't have the ability to interpret these cards myself.  But what you've written seems to be saying that it's not time for me to try to go back to work yet.  I should keep doing what I'm doing to try to get my brain back (which *is* improving, just very slowly; sigh...) and wait til I'm in better shape.  Maybe do some short-term projects in the meantime, but not in the policy/advocacy arena.

Is that an accurate summary?

It will be interesting to see if anyone else gets a similar reading.  I think Rocquelaire is planning to do a reading too.

Thank you so much for taking the time and energy to do this for me!  I really appreciate it.  It is both reassuring and a little frustrating -- which is how life often is.  ;)

~ Aster
"The status is not quo."  ~ Dr. Horrible

Sage

  • Adept Member
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 2186
  • Total likes: 6
    • View Profile
    • http://sageandstarshine.wordpress.com
Re: DIV EX: Aster Breo
« Reply #8 on: June 23, 2013, 02:10:32 pm »
Quote from: Aster Breo;113390


 
Heya Aster!

I'm doing a ritual anyway tonight for the superdupermoon and I thought I might offer a reading.
Maker, though the darkness comes upon me,
I shall embrace the light. I shall weather the storm.
I shall endure.
What you have created, no one can tear asunder.

-Canticle of Trials 1:10

Sage and Starshine (my spiritual blog): last updated 2/25.
Friday Otherfaith Blogging: last updated 2/27
Join the Emboatening Crew over on Kiva! Emboatening the boatless since Opet 2013.

Aster Breo

  • Senior Staff
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 2990
  • Country: 00
  • Total likes: 144
    • View Profile
DIV EX: Aster Breo
« Reply #9 on: June 23, 2013, 02:23:09 pm »
Quote from: Sage;113391
Heya Aster!

I'm doing a ritual anyway tonight for the superdupermoon and I thought I might offer a reading.

That would be awesome!  Thanks, Sage!
"The status is not quo."  ~ Dr. Horrible

rocquelaire

  • Staff
  • *
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 691
  • Country: scotland
  • Total likes: 7
    • View Profile
  • Religion: Gaelic Polytheist
  • Preferred Pronouns: she/her/her
DIV EX: Aster Breo
« Reply #10 on: June 23, 2013, 04:32:06 pm »
Quote from: Aster Breo;113341
Thanks!

I'm sorry, Aster, I'm not going to get to this today - my baby brain is making concentration impossible today! I haven't forgotten though and I'll do a reading as soon as I can. Hopefully tomorrow night.

Aster Breo

  • Senior Staff
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 2990
  • Country: 00
  • Total likes: 144
    • View Profile
DIV EX: Aster Breo
« Reply #11 on: June 23, 2013, 04:45:22 pm »
Quote from: rocquelaire;113398
I'm sorry, Aster, I'm not going to get to this today - my baby brain is making concentration impossible today! I haven't forgotten though and I'll do a reading as soon as I can. Hopefully tomorrow night.

No worries.  And no hurries.  

It's not like I'm making a time-sensitive decision.  This is a long-term issue.

Thanks!
"The status is not quo."  ~ Dr. Horrible

Khep

  • Apprentice
  • ***
  • Join Date: Dec 2011
  • Posts: 42
  • Country: 00
  • Total likes: 1
    • View Profile
Re: DIV EX: Aster Breo
« Reply #12 on: June 23, 2013, 05:35:53 pm »
Quote from: Aster Breo;113390
Thank you!

I don't read tarot, so I don't have the ability to interpret these cards myself.  But what you've written seems to be saying that it's not time for me to try to go back to work yet.  I should keep doing what I'm doing to try to get my brain back (which *is* improving, just very slowly; sigh...) and wait til I'm in better shape.  Maybe do some short-term projects in the meantime, but not in the policy/advocacy arena.

Is that an accurate summary?

I think that's one way you could read these cards.  But condensing it down to "keep doing what I'm doing" leaves out a lot of what I wrote.  Tarot doesn't give "yes / no" answers, even though asking "yes / no" questions helps focus our thoughts.

I see the cards as saying there is a good possibility of finding work of a kind very different from the policy/advocacy field. And that finding that new type of work may require an honest reassessement of your self, your talents and interests.

Quote
It will be interesting to see if anyone else gets a similar reading.  I think Rocquelaire is planning to do a reading too.

Thank you so much for taking the time and energy to do this for me!  I really appreciate it.  It is both reassuring and a little frustrating -- which is how life often is.  ;)

~ Aster

You're welcome.
« Last Edit: June 23, 2013, 05:43:57 pm by Khep »
“I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the Heart's affections and the truth of the Imagination.”    ― John Keats

Aster Breo

  • Senior Staff
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 2990
  • Country: 00
  • Total likes: 144
    • View Profile
DIV EX: Aster Breo
« Reply #13 on: June 23, 2013, 05:52:51 pm »
Quote from: Khep;113404
I think that's one way you could read these cards.  But condensing it down to "keep doing what I'm doing" leaves out a lot of what I wrote.  Tarot doesn't give "yes / no" answers, even though asking "yes / no" questions helps focus our thoughts.

I see the cards as saying there is a good possibility of finding work of a kind very different from the policy/advocacy field. And that finding that new type of work may require an honest reassessement of your self, your talents and interests.


 
You're welcome.

Yes, I see that.  That summary was specifically about continuing to make progress on healing my brain, which sort of stuck out to me as a very positive aspect of the reading, not about whether there might be other work options besides policy.  I should have been much clearer.  

I apologize for appearing reductionist or seeming to minimize your work! That was not my intent.
"The status is not quo."  ~ Dr. Horrible

Khep

  • Apprentice
  • ***
  • Join Date: Dec 2011
  • Posts: 42
  • Country: 00
  • Total likes: 1
    • View Profile
Re: DIV EX: Aster Breo
« Reply #14 on: June 23, 2013, 07:01:50 pm »
Quote from: Aster Breo;113407
Yes, I see that.  That summary was specifically about continuing to make progress on healing my brain, which sort of stuck out to me as a very positive aspect of the reading, not about whether there might be other work options besides policy.  I should have been much clearer.  

I apologize for appearing reductionist or seeming to minimize your work! That was not my intent.


No worries, Aster. I didn't take it as minimizing in an off-hand way.  :)

Khep
“I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the Heart's affections and the truth of the Imagination.”    ― John Keats

Tags:
 

Related Topics

  Subject / Started by Replies Last post
43 Replies
43577 Views
Last post July 29, 2018, 11:39:42 am
by TheGreenWizard
11 Replies
3324 Views
Last post July 20, 2011, 01:24:32 pm
by rocquelaire
10 Replies
2205 Views
Last post December 07, 2011, 04:33:43 pm
by SatSekhem
2 Replies
891 Views
Last post June 07, 2012, 01:18:59 am
by Aster Breo
3 Replies
962 Views
Last post March 18, 2014, 09:52:36 pm
by Aster Breo

* Who's Online

  • Dot Guests: 220
  • Dot Hidden: 0
  • Dot Users: 0

There aren't any users online.

* Please Donate!

The Cauldron's server is expensive and requires monthly payments. Please become a Bronze, Silver or Gold Donor if you can. Donations are needed every month. Without member support, we can't afford the server.

* Shop & Support TC

The links below are affiliate links. When you click on one of these links you will go to the listed shopping site with The Cauldron's affiliate code. Any purchases you make during your visit will earn TC a tiny percentage of your purchase price at no extra cost to you.

* In Memoriam

Chavi (2006)
Elspeth (2010)
Marilyn (2013)

* Cauldron Staff

Host:
Sunflower

Message Board Staff
Board Coordinator:
Darkhawk

Assistant Board Coordinator:
Aster Breo

Senior Staff:
Aisling, Allaya, Jenett, Sefiru

Staff:
Ashmire, EclecticWheel, HarpingHawke, Kylara, PerditaPickle, rocquelaire

Discord Chat Staff
Chat Coordinator:
Morag

'Up All Night' Coordinator:
Altair

Cauldron Council:
Bob, Catja, Chatelaine, Emma-Eldritch, Fausta, Jubes, Kelly, LyricFox, Phouka, Sperran, Star, Steve, Tana

Site Administrator:
Randall

SimplePortal 2.3.6 © 2008-2014, SimplePortal