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Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Unemployed

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Preston, UK

Hello everyone, I hope you are well,

Does anyone who can no longer work feel a sense of missing something? Like I feel a burden on my family some times, I feel angry too that having MS has taken away my nursing career.

Relying on government funding and then getting penalised for it constantly. I just feel lost sat at home all the time, its lonely and isolating. But because my health issues are so unpredictable I just cannot work.

My neuro also once said to me that hes seen people with… read more

August 19
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Answer Summary

Members responded with deep empathy to someone grieving the loss of their nursing career due to MS, widely agreeing that their neurologist's... Read more

Members responded with deep empathy to someone grieving the loss of their nursing career due to MS, widely agreeing that their neurologist's dismissive comment was hurtful and unhelpful, with many encouraging them to seek a more supportive doctor. Several members shared their own experiences of leaving careers they loved and offered practical ideas like online English tutoring, nursing student mentoring, arts and crafts, writing, and learning an instrument. A recurring theme was finding a new sense of purpose through creative outlets, with the original poster sharing their beautiful poetry and handmade light-up bottles, inspiring the community and reigniting their own motivation.

A MyMSTeam Member

What great ideas general MyMSTeam boss! Volunteering cld be a good idea to feel 'seen' and validated. I'm SO SORRY YOUR neurologist said something so sobering and completely INvalid
If s/he knew ANYTHING about MS S/HE wld know it affects everyone differently. 😝🤐

I'm so sorry. Time to look for a new dr who supports YOU not just the DIS-ease.

Take care and sweet dreams ✨️
Amy

August 19
MyMSTeam

What you're feeling is completely valid, and you are absolutely not alone in this. Losing a career — especially one as meaningful as nursing — is a profound loss, and grieving that is entirely natural. MS affects everyone differently, and comparing one person's experience to another's isn't fair or helpful. That comment Show Full Answer

What you're feeling is completely valid, and you are absolutely not alone in this. Losing a career — especially one as meaningful as nursing — is a profound loss, and grieving that is entirely natural. MS affects everyone differently, and comparing one person's experience to another's isn't fair or helpful. That comment from your neurologist sounds really painful to hear.

Many MyMSTeam members share these exact feelings. The unpredictability of MS is one of the hardest parts, making it nearly impossible to commit to work schedules or physical demands. The isolation and loss of identity that comes with leaving work is real. Work provides so much beyond income, including:

- A sense of purpose and identity
- Social connection
- Structure and routine
- A feeling of contribution

Losing all of that at once is genuinely hard. Some things that other MyMSTeam members have found helpful when no longer working include:

- Volunteering when health allows — one member described it as "ideal" for a more relaxed, unstructured lifestyle
- Joining an MS support group for connection
- Starting or returning to a hobby
- Focusing on sleep, nutrition, and gentle activity

These aren't replacements for your career, but they can help rebuild a sense of purpose and reduce isolation. It might also be worth speaking to your MS care team about feeling unsupported — some MS centres have counsellors on staff who specifically help with these life challenges. You deserve proper support, full stop. 💙

August 19
A MyMSTeam Member

Write HIM UP to his 'supervisor". I'm sure they wldnt like THAT 'YELP' REVIEW circulating around that hospital / drs office etc. Seriously.

August 20
A MyMSTeam Member

Your neurologist is a jerk!

August 20
A MyMSTeam Member

Sometimes its worth changing
You r neurologist
Take care nolage is power..

🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿😄

August 20

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