# Work or not **URL:** \ **Category:** Everyday living\ **Created:** [14 July 2014 19:45 UTC](https://forum.mssociety.org.uk/t/work-or-not/6380 "2014-07-14T19:45:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mick873](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e36b37/32.png) [@Mick873](https://forum.mssociety.org.uk/u/Mick873)\ **Post date:** [14 July 2014 19:45 UTC](https://forum.mssociety.org.uk/t/work-or-not/6380/1 "2014-07-14T19:45:07Z")
Hi All…hope you are all feeling well. I have been having thoughts of packing in work lately and would value some input from anyone with experience or thoughts about it. I have worked all my life and am lucky enough to have been healthy until hit with this awful illness in 2013, been diagnosed just over a year. I found it difficult to manage full time and the physical side of the job so the company I work for have created a new office based part time role for me, I feel really lucky to have this. I receive a small wage, tax credits and PIP so money is not an issue at the moment. I do sometimes feel like it would be better not working and having more time to myself. What would be available (ESA etc.) if I decided not to work ? And how do people feel without the pressure/stress of work? Thanks in advance for any replies. ---
**Author:** ![Inactive\_User](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/3e96dc/32.png) [@Inactive\_User](https://forum.mssociety.org.uk/u/Inactive_User)\ **Post date:** [14 July 2014 21:34 UTC](https://forum.mssociety.org.uk/t/work-or-not/6380/2 "2014-07-14T21:34:28Z")
Hi Anon, I am retired due to MS. You need to be carefull when deciding to give up your employment. I think, if you voluntary give up work, you may not be able to recieve ESA because you are making yourself unemployed. You may qualify for JSA after a period of time. You will need your employer to terminate your employment on the grounds that you are “unfit to work”. Then you may have a better chance. Also, would the ESA, (there are 2 Rates, work related and support group payments). Would they cover the loss possibly of your Tax Credits and salary ? Personally, I think you are better off working, you have an understanding employer and a reason not to dwell on your MS and the time may come when you have no option. Andy ---
**Author:** ![Beverly\_f](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/d2c977/32.png) [@Beverly\_f](https://forum.mssociety.org.uk/u/Beverly_f)\ **Post date:** [15 July 2014 17:47 UTC](https://forum.mssociety.org.uk/t/work-or-not/6380/3 "2014-07-15T17:47:53Z")
I had to give up work as the physical side was impossible, I couldn’t communicate or cope. I had a heart attack and that swung it. That was 3 years ago, I’m 40. I used to have to dose my self to the eyeballs with codeine to get through a day and lucozade just to try and keep energy up…but I was just making myself a lot worse. Even after collapsing, I was still trying to get ready to go to work! Crazy! In the end, after a surgery and getting a lot worse, I got MS diagnosis. I gave up work. At first I was gutted. I missed the people, the social side, earning a wage. For a long time I felt guilty, still do at times, as I’ve always worked. But I had no choice when I look back. It was madness trying to carry on. Nowadays I’m happier. I don’t have the stress of work, of constantly pushing myself too far to get through a day. I’m lucky in that my husband works and earns just enough to keep us. Perhaps one day I will return to work but I know it’s not an option yet. I wish you luck whatever you decide and hope you are ok xx