Take charge of your life, while you may still be in the best position to do so. Part 1

Although it is important to believe that your best days are still ahead; it is also important to balance that optimism with the realism that life may never again be as easy as it is today. I feel this can be especially true when dealing with an illness or medical condition that is unpredictable, or possibly progressive in its course. This is the first post in a series designed to empower you, or the people you help be in the best position to have the life you want.


You may be working today, and yet feel uncertain how much longer you will be able to maintain it. Or you may be out of the workforce now; thinking about returning to the workforce, but feeling unsure if the time is right to do so.


It is important to do what you can to take charge of your career/vocational future while you are most in control. I would recommend taking the following steps while you are working or considering further if returning to work is for you. The last thing you want is to be in a situation where a change is needed, but you are facing obstacles.


Whether or not you are employed, you should take some the following steps today to help ensure your career is easier to manage:

1. If you do not already have a high school diploma, or GED; get it now. Having a high school diploma or equivalent will make you more competitive with job seekers who have this credential. Not only will this credential make you more competitive in the marketplace, it will also help you earn more money over the course of your lifetime.
2. Improve your computer skills. More and more jobs are requiring computer skills. Employers are working an ever-shrinking workforce in an economy of doing-more-with-less. With a smaller workforce, an employer may not have time to train you on computer basics that you should already know.

Stay tuned, the next blog will focus on steps you can take to improve your computer skills.

Darren Flomberg is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and Certified Case Manager. He is a vocational rehabilitation counselor who has been serving the Long Island and NY-NJ Metro area for the past 11 years. Additionally, he is a vocational expert witness who has participated in Social Security Disability hearings since 2009.