So much of how we think of ourselves is tied to what we do. Our health influences our lives in so many ways.

I've worked for 26 years. In January I was dismissed for not being able to say what date I will b back to work. I have had depression most of my adult life mostly due to epilepsy. Now I realise that my health is more important.

Being financially independent is so important for all of us. Fortunately, I never had any problems getting a job, so I always worked while attending college. That was until 1979 when I applied for a customer service representative job with SoCalGas, the largest natural gas provider in So.Calif. I passed the test, interviewed and got hired the same day. But, when I went for my physical, I was told that I needed to be cleared by my doctor first. He was on vacation and wouldn't be back for months, so I didn't get the job. I applied only because it paid very well and had great benefits. I wanted to go study in France for the summer. so I figured that I would work there a few months to save enough. I filed a complaint against the company,with the "Equal Opportunity Employment Dept." I got hired right after returning from France, and worked there for 18 years.

I lost the last job I had because of my epilepsy. Depending on other people is something I really don't like doing. It bothers me that I have to depend on them & I cant do the same things for myself. I wish I could do these things myself so others would have a better life.

Health is wealth. Having no job is depressing even though we wish we could work or drive to make some cash to pay for living.