Customer Reviews

Women, Work, and Autoimmune Disease: Keep Working, Girlfriend!

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This realistic look at the realities of chronic illness manages to be authoritative and comprehensive. In making their case that women with autoimmune diseases should continue their work and find ways to build their careers, they cite statistics, review research, and make reasoned arguments. I am particularly impressed at how the authors can be clear on the distinctions between their opinions and experiences, and facts.
In fact, the advice on finding balance; setting realistic goals; developing structure; communicating with supervisors, potential employers, and co-workers; acknowledging personal limitations without creating artificial limits; career building; and career planning are all valuable reading for anyone with any chronic health condition, whether the individual is male or female, whether the condition is autoimmune or not.
One shortcoming of the book, the only one I can cite, is that it deals almost exclusively with the college-educated white collar worker. The authors do assume the reader is fairly easy to employ, with marketable skills, some connections within the business world, and a good deal of resilience. I can accept that this allows the authors to focus on directing their advice and experience, but it must be acknowledged that this book is directed towards those who are concerned with continuing a career and those with choices rather than those looking for entry level work. They do encourage the use of a career counselor, who could assist anyone with or without a degree to identify their own skill sets and interests.

I expected more in the way of coping skills and less in the way of trying to convince me to keep working despite illness.

I didn't need half of the book, which was essentially arguing that work is good for you. Most of us don't have the option to quit. I thought that point was moot. I wanted helpful advice.

I did get some comfort from the stories of other women's experiences. The discussions about taking the time you need so that you can do a better job left me feeling pretty vindicated (sometimes I feel a little guilty, and I liked the fact that this, too, was "normal." It seems as if that would be obvious, but it doesn't always feel that way).

I didn't like the fact that everyone mentioned apparently LOVES to work. In my opinion, work is neccesary so that you can do the things you WANT to do. It can be enjoyable, but it's not something I'd ever associate with the word "love." Ever.

Women, Work and Autoimmune Disease, by Rosalind Joffe and Joan Friedlander, addresses an audience that would seem to be a niche until one comes upon the statistic that 20% of Americans live with chronic illnesses. This book gives women who live with the inconvenience and health issues related to these conditions a resource that is one part pep talk and three parts information and guidance.

Joffe and Friedlander cover everything from why it is important for women to keep their careers after being diagnosed to how to manage their time and care schedules with employment obligations. They write about the practical concerns of working despite illness as well as the emotional toll such a decision creates, and offer solutions for how to deal with both the good days and the bad. The information throughout is interspersed with numerous personal stories from both the authors and other women who have experienced the problems and triumphs of making the decision to continue working.

All in all, this book is informative, well-written, and an asset to any woman who finds herself in the position of learning to juggle health-issues with career obligations.

I feel like this book is only good for white collar career people. It doesn't help the rest of us just trying to get by. If you are blue collar, pink collar, or even military, this book will not help you. And she should have gone into the options Vocational Rehabilitation offers. She doesn't even have Vocational Rehabilitation in the index.

This book is further proof that people are clueless about the struggles the disabled working class face.

I received this book through the LibraryThing Earlier Reviewer program.

I started out thinking that this book would be of interest to me because of my autoimmune issues, but not particularly applicable to where I am in my life and career right now. As I read, I realized that aspects of it were relevant to me now, and that which aspects are relevant to me will undoubtedly change over time. I can see myself periodically rereading chapters of this book in order to get me thinking about where I am, what I'm doing, and where I want to end up - and how my autoimmune illnesses influence that without completely restricting my options. Further, I would think that many of the ideas and strategies covered in this book would be applicable to those suffering from other chronic health issues, not just autoimmune illnesses.

However, there were several things that really bothered me about this book. The first, and most obvious, was the use of "girlfriend" in the title and throughout the book. Were the authors trying to use it to connect with the reader? I found it to be jolting and artificial, as I did the exhortation to "develop my warrior spirit."

Additionally, when the authors defined the stages of chronic illness in Chapter 4 (denial, anger, grief, and acceptance), they mentioned Kubler-Ross's stages of grief but relegated those stages to their own "grief" step. However, I had the impression while reading, further enhanced by reviewing the Kubler-Ross stages later, that the authors' stages of chronic illness owed an awful lot to Kubler-Ross...

Two things that I particularly liked about the book were its friendly style (with the exception of the aforementioned use of "girlfriend") and the numerous stories and examples that were used throughout the book to illustrate various concepts and states of mind.

I was expecting a book of more substance! I was hoping for some great "success" work/life stories for those with autoimmune diseases. What I got was -- get a good team so you can rely on them when needed & that they highly recommend starting a work-at-home business so one can work from bed if needed. It didn't leave me feeling very encouraged or uplifted. Perhaps it's good they didn't "sugarcoat" the reality of living with an autoimmune disease. Maybe they should change the title to match the content.

This book is one the best I've ever found for those of us who have chronic illnesses, but want to continue working. It goes beyond the standard "coping tips" to talk bluntly about pacing yourself, searching for a job, keeping a job, negotiating with your employer for accommodations, and being self-employed. Topics like "when do I disclose a disability/illness?" are covered by authors who have extensive personal experience building their careers despite chronic illnesses.

The title does refer specifically to women, but I think the book can also be very useful for men. Likewise, there's no reason to limit readership to people with autoimmune diseases.

I'll be buying copies to send to some of my friends. I don't plan to let mine out of my sight!

Women, Work, and Autoimmune Disease: Keep Working, Girlfriend! is a wonderful resource for the millions of women living with autoimmune disease--or any other chronic condition that may influence your ability to do your job. Rosalind Joffe and Joan Friedlander have written a thorough and easy to read guide that is practical, pragmatic, and passionate. The authors have combined salient facts and statistics with patient stories and their own experiences in the working world to personalize the dilemmas and decisions so many women face, and their wisdom and insights are affirming and empowering. They explore the most challenging aspects of working with chronic illness--the unpredictability of chronic conditions, misconceptions about the nature of autoimmune diseases, and the emotional and financial benefits of remaining in the workforce--and offer strategies to get people thinking about their options and skills creatively. The idea that working provides a sense of normalcy in an otherwise abnormal situation is repeated often in the book, and with good reason--Joffe and Friedlander have been in the trenches of work and illness and know firsthand the value of a productive job. If you're a patient struggling with how to handle your condition and your job, you'll learn a lot about how to advocate for your needs. A great addition!
--Laurie Edwards, author of Life Disrupted: Getting Real about Chronic Illness in Your Twenties and ThirtiesLife Disrupted: Getting Real About Chronic Illness in Your Twenties and Thirties

Anyone living with autoimmune disease knows that the puzzling, chronic-yet-intermittent, and sometimes vague nature of autoimmune symptoms can contribute to a profound sense of isolation. Here is a place to connect. The road to diagnosis alone is often a complex and lengthy journey during which one feels excruciatingly "unique." "Women, Work, and Autoimmune Disease" offers readers the comfort of others' experiences and choices made vis-a-vis the workplace. Rosalind Joffe obviously knows first-hand of which she speaks when it comes to living, working, and thriving through chronic illness. Along with the contributions from Joan Friedlander and excerpts from the many other women interviewed, Joffe shares frankly, touchingly,and by example, her personal and professional victories, as well as disappointments and challenges. In my own work in stress-management, having worked with many clients living with long-term illness, as well as their caregivers, loved ones, and workplace managers, I expect many will find the chapters in which Joffe discusses If, How, and When to disclose and discuss one's illness with current or prospective employers especially helpful. Feeling connected to others who understand unquestionably reduces the chronic stress of chronic illness, and everyday laughter, ongoing relaxation techniques, appropriate levels of activity and healthy nutrition are powerful adjuncts to medical care. While this book was written for women because the majority living with autoimmune disease are women, Joffe and Friedlander's stories and suggestions will apply to men in the work force living with chronic illness as well.Your Present: A Half Hour of Peace

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!


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!!!



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