WFH ideas for someone with Fibromyalgia

GSTAR

My wife has recently been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia (a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body). She is unable to work because of this. It's not a disability as such, but does prevent her from doing most routine things.

Prior to this diagnosis, we put in an application for PIP, which was rejected (she got 0 points basically). Now that she has an actual diagnosis we are the in process of making another claim. But to be honest we don't have high hopes of succeeding in this, considering how stringent the process is for meeting any of the criteria.

My wife is going in to depression because she feels worthless. She's always wanted to be independent and earn her own income. As it stands, I am the sole earner and we are just making ends meet really. My salary is above the threshold to be eligible for any benefits at all. She wants to seek private treatment, but we can't afford it. 

Is there any casual work from home jobs that she can do? When I say casual I mean something she can do in her own time and at her own pace, when she isn't struggling as much. Depending on what it is, I can potentially help her, as I work from home a few days a week too.

Would really appreciate any ideas, as at the moment I'm struggling to find something suitable for her.

Langerhan

If the pain is stopping your wife from doing routine daily tasks, then yes, the fibromyalgia is absolutely a disability and counts as one by any definition. 

If your wife is looking for something she can do in her own time and at her own pace, it sounds like being self-employed might be the way to go. Starting something up will depend on her skills and experience. 

Brie

I can see that she applied for PIP but was refused.  I suggest she get someone like citizen's advice to help with the application as they will know how to word it in the language that will get the application through.  It's no good to say "I can do this some days".  She has to say "I can't do this 95% of the time".   People don't want to state how bad their situation is normally - it's a common thing on applications.

Hope she can get this sorted out.  

Meanwhile has she considered finding out somewhere about being a home PA for someone?  Or transcribing interviews or similar?

Savvy_Sue

One possibility might be proof-reading - if she's good at it. In my youth I read a few dissertations for dyslexic friends, and I seem to remember that some overseas students were willing to pay for help ...

You do still see adverts for "pay for this course and you'll be able to give up work" - I have no idea if the training is any good, or whether work is easily available through the course providers, so go cautiously. 

But I will say that not everyone has an eye for it: I do, but I've never done it other than through a day job. 

MyRealNameToo

Savvy_Sue said:

You do still see adverts for "pay for this course and you'll be able to give up work" - I have no idea if the training is any good, or whether work is easily available through the course providers, so go cautiously. 

Obviously will vary by provider but the challenge is its a highly competitive field with those using AI also getting in on proof reading, translation and subtitles etc. The courses can be ok, though some feel like a sales pitch for various softwares and hardwares (eg foot switch for audio transcribing) so you can type quicker as your using your foot to stop the recording rewinding if there were multiple voices talking at the same time and you misheard it etc. 

Generally if you can get a niche due to other skills, eg law, sciences, finance etc then it can be ok. If it's generic then you get paid a pittance. Most the time its paid per word (written) or minute (audio/visual) with a premium if required for a fast turn around. 

The Mrs did some translation for subtitles and as she isnt quick it was well below NMW based on pay -v- time to do the job. She was approached to do it but as a freelancer you'd also have to factor in time pitching for jobs, invoicing etc which is all time dedicated to it that you can't bill for. 

Where you can get reasonable money is when you can turn round a 10,000 word document on the same day but that doesnt sound like a viable option for the OP where days can be written off with the condition. 

sheramber

What skills does your wife have? Is she good at maths, or English, or languages, for  example. 

What work can she do?

No point suggesting something that she is not capable of doing.