Pulmonary fibrosis pushed my husband to pivot in his career
A new job gave Donnie the flexibility he needed to manage his health
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Sometimes when I think about our life after my husband Donnie’s pulmonary fibrosis (PF) diagnosis, I think of the infamous “pivot” scene from the television show “Friends.” Donnie would be playing the part of Chandler, doing his best to navigate all the obstacles and inch the couch up the stairwell. All the responsibilities he juggles — parenting, work obligations, appointments, finances, social life — would be played by the couch. And most notably, PF would play Ross, persistently yelling at him to “PIVOT!”
One of the most significant ways my husband has had to pivot is in his career. At 19, Donnie attended technical school to learn automotive collision repair. He enjoyed the work and spent almost 20 years climbing the ladder.
When he began experiencing breathing difficulties and a persistent cough in 2021, performing his regular duties took an enormous toll on his body. Unbeknownst to him, he was walking around all day and doing hard labor with low oxygen levels. Every night, he came home physically and mentally drained.
We didn’t know that he needed supplemental oxygen at that point, and in retrospect, I shudder to think of the length of time he was active and in a hypoxic state.
A much-needed change of pace
While he wasn’t yet diagnosed, it was clear his career was taking a toll on his body, and Donnie started feeling like he might need a change of pace. In a bizarre twist of fate, we ran into an acquaintance at the store, and I asked him about his new job. I’d heard great things about the company and had been encouraging my husband to apply. Donnie was hesitant because the job was in a completely unrelated field, but our friend’s glowing review made him reconsider. He submitted an application, was interviewed shortly thereafter, and was offered the job in the winter of 2022.
Today, my husband is thriving in his new position. While you wouldn’t think an automotive career would transfer to working in finance, several skills have helped him to succeed. In both careers, he has worked closely with deadlines, and ensuring client satisfaction is a must. He has impeccable attention to detail and the drive to complete the job.
Most importantly, the new job gave my husband the flexibility he needed to stay focused on his health. While he primarily works in the office, he can work from home when he isn’t feeling well. He’s also able to rearrange his hours around doctor appointments, testing, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
He’s never made to feel guilty about missing work for appointments, and he mostly sets his own hours to accommodate his needs. This has been hugely helpful, as he doesn’t have to burn through all his sick or vacation time if he can make it up during the week. I’m particularly thankful for this because it means we still have time available for fun, travel, and adventure.
In conclusion, if you’re able to work but PF is making certain physical aspects of your job difficult, please don’t lose hope. There just might be a wonderful opportunity waiting for you around the corner.
Donnie was apprehensive about leaving the only career he’d ever known to take a chance on something else, but it has been a huge blessing in our lives. While PF limited his ability to continue working in the automotive field, it also forced him to pivot and find a career that accommodated his illness, and in doing that, he has been able to succeed both professionally and with his health.
Note: Pulmonary Fibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pulmonary Fibrosis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pulmonary fibrosis.
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