When Work Becomes Harder But Bills Keep Coming
The most difficult thing is not necessarily the diagnosis, the pain, or the fatigue. It’s the bills arriving right when you’re finding out just how unpredictable your body has become.
Just because you find that things start getting harder at work doesn’t mean that life will naturally begin moving more slowly to match your pace. Bills don’t disappear. Groceries continue to be expensive. Your kids still need clothing, school supplies, rides, and meals. And sometimes you may feel like continuing to go forward is what you’ve always done. However, trying to push through is very different from developing a plan.
Look For The Early Warning Signs Of Financial Distress
It doesn’t have to come down to the point where all of your financial ducks fall into place (or all break) before you consider taking control of your finances. Small changes tend to occur first.
Perhaps you are missing more days of work than normal. Or perhaps you are refusing additional overtime opportunities because your body won’t let you accomplish those tasks. Perhaps your checkbook appears smaller. Or perhaps you are utilizing your credit card(s) for basic items that you would normally purchase without needing financing options. All of these signs matter. These aren’t failures. These are pieces of information that indicate something has changed.
Write down everything that has changed for you. List every missed workday, every reduction in work hours, medical costs, travel costs, and assistance needed in the home. Writing these numbers down allows you to get a better understanding of how your health issues are impacting your ability to earn a living and your quality of life.
Develop A Budget Based On RealityÂ
A budget isn’t supposed to humiliate you. A budget is meant to give you some breathing room. Review your current income level, rather than reviewing an income that you once had or the income you’d like to achieve next month. Afterward, list your essential expenses in order of priority; i.e., housing, food, utilities, transportation, insurance, medical care, etc. Once your priorities are listed, look for areas of flexibility within your budget; e.g., subscriptions, impulse purchases and convenience buying, delivery or take-out food, etc. Many of these expense categories may have to be put on hold for a period of time. Just remember, this does not equate to a complete loss of enjoyment in your life. You are simply placing your financial resources in a state of temporary calmness.
If there is reason to believe that your condition could limit your ability to engage in long-term employment, then you should familiarize yourself with available support systems for different scenarios. For instance, the SSA has a dedicated listing for Multiple Sclerosis. Familiarizing yourself with this type of information and your certain condition can allow you to develop a strategy before overwhelming financial pressures mount.
Create Documentation Before You Actually Need It
In case you ever need to file for disability benefits, seek workplace accommodations, or receive financial assistance, documentation can help reduce confusion in the application process.
Create a document folder for tracking relevant paperwork (digital or physical), including medical records and documents, doctor or appointment notes, test results, employer letters, paystubs, and any written evidence illustrating how your condition impacts your ability to perform your duties. You are not overreacting. You are creating a safeguard for your future self.
Allow Support To Be Included As Part Of Your Plan
You might be accustomed to handling everything by yourself; however, financial stress tends to grow exponentially in secrecy. Discuss matters concerning financial burden with someone you trust. Speak with your physician regarding any possible restrictions related to your condition. If you experience instability in your income level, consider consulting with an attorney or benefits advocate who specializes in MS-related cases.
You deserve a plan that acknowledges both your obligations and your health issues. Just because work gets harder for you does not mean that your financial problems are easier. You can handle them intentionally, one step at a time.
