4 answers
Tiffany
Student
Sulphur, Louisiana
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best way to keep up with college and work as someone who is chronically ill?
I deal with unknown chronic pain and illness. I cannot get accommodations or assistance, but am struggling greatly. I would greatly appreciate tips on functioning more efficiently without hurting myself further.
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4 answers
Hanna Manning, MBA
Project Manager
2
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
Hanna’s Answer
Hi Tiffany!
I'm really sorry to hear you're dealing with this, but I want you to know that you can get through it, just like I did during my undergrad years in the pandemic. Here's what helped me, and I hope it can help you too:
Whenever I felt really unwell and struggled with my studies, I reached out to my professors to explain what was happening. Most of the time, they were very understanding and allowed me to make up classwork or gave me extra time for assignments. Sometimes, I even took an incomplete in a course to focus on my health and grades. Now, as a part-time professor, I'm always eager to support my students in similar situations. Professors who genuinely care want to see you succeed and will be there to help.
It's also a good idea to stay in touch with your advisor or a student success coach. They can be great allies in helping you create a plan that fits your needs and are usually more than willing to support you.
Take care, and I hope you feel better soon!
I'm really sorry to hear you're dealing with this, but I want you to know that you can get through it, just like I did during my undergrad years in the pandemic. Here's what helped me, and I hope it can help you too:
Whenever I felt really unwell and struggled with my studies, I reached out to my professors to explain what was happening. Most of the time, they were very understanding and allowed me to make up classwork or gave me extra time for assignments. Sometimes, I even took an incomplete in a course to focus on my health and grades. Now, as a part-time professor, I'm always eager to support my students in similar situations. Professors who genuinely care want to see you succeed and will be there to help.
It's also a good idea to stay in touch with your advisor or a student success coach. They can be great allies in helping you create a plan that fits your needs and are usually more than willing to support you.
Take care, and I hope you feel better soon!
Lauren Williams
Accounting
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hi Tiffany! I'm really sorry to hear about your chronic pain and illness. I can only imagine how tough it must be to keep up with your studies. Here are a few tips that have helped me:
1. Set a specific time each day for studying. Choose a time that fits your schedule best. If you feel better in the morning, then use that time to study. Having a routine can be really helpful, even on days when you're not feeling your best.
2. Organize your 'to-do' list. If you feel overwhelmed with tasks, try picking 3-5 things to focus on each day. Breaking your list into smaller parts can make it feel more manageable and less discouraging.
3. Just do your best! That's all anyone can ask for. Remember to rest when you need to and try to use your good days to catch up on your work.
I'm cheering for you and wishing you all the best!
1. Set a specific time each day for studying. Choose a time that fits your schedule best. If you feel better in the morning, then use that time to study. Having a routine can be really helpful, even on days when you're not feeling your best.
2. Organize your 'to-do' list. If you feel overwhelmed with tasks, try picking 3-5 things to focus on each day. Breaking your list into smaller parts can make it feel more manageable and less discouraging.
3. Just do your best! That's all anyone can ask for. Remember to rest when you need to and try to use your good days to catch up on your work.
I'm cheering for you and wishing you all the best!
Marsha Tatulyan
Recruiter
2
Answers
Novi, Michigan
Updated
Marsha’s Answer
Hi Tiffany,
Balancing work and college while managing a chronic illness can be very challenging. My advice is to always prioritize self-care, know your limits and listen to your body and know when you need to slow down and rest. Create a routine and schedule that will help you take breaks. If you haven’t already, maybe consider part-time work or remote work. Remote work will help reduce stress by allowing you to control your schedule and environment. It is always important to have a support system whether that’s family or close friends so make sure you lean on them as well. You are doing great!
Balancing work and college while managing a chronic illness can be very challenging. My advice is to always prioritize self-care, know your limits and listen to your body and know when you need to slow down and rest. Create a routine and schedule that will help you take breaks. If you haven’t already, maybe consider part-time work or remote work. Remote work will help reduce stress by allowing you to control your schedule and environment. It is always important to have a support system whether that’s family or close friends so make sure you lean on them as well. You are doing great!
Maria Karina Torres, PMP
Technology Consulting
1
Answer
Hayward, California
Updated
Maria Karina’s Answer
Hi Tiffany,
I'm sorry to hear you're in pain, but I want to encourage you to take some positive steps forward. If you haven't already, consider building a support system. This could mean talking to a therapist and your doctor to create a plan for managing your pain. Once you start, you can also reach out to friends or family who can support you.
Dealing with chronic pain can be tough, especially when you're in college or working. If you know your limits, it might be helpful to talk to your professors. Many are willing to help and want you to succeed. Feeling isolated because of pain is hard, but remember, you have the power to make changes in your life to help manage it. Knowing what you can do is a great place to start.
Some days might be harder than others, but finding a career that offers support and fits your values can make those tough days a bit easier. Don't lose hope! Build the support you need, and one day you might even help guide someone else through a similar journey.
I'm sorry to hear you're in pain, but I want to encourage you to take some positive steps forward. If you haven't already, consider building a support system. This could mean talking to a therapist and your doctor to create a plan for managing your pain. Once you start, you can also reach out to friends or family who can support you.
Dealing with chronic pain can be tough, especially when you're in college or working. If you know your limits, it might be helpful to talk to your professors. Many are willing to help and want you to succeed. Feeling isolated because of pain is hard, but remember, you have the power to make changes in your life to help manage it. Knowing what you can do is a great place to start.
Some days might be harder than others, but finding a career that offers support and fits your values can make those tough days a bit easier. Don't lose hope! Build the support you need, and one day you might even help guide someone else through a similar journey.