Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a constant struggle, and one of the biggest challenges is trying to maintain a successful career. The lack of energy that comes with CFS can make it difficult to stay focused and productive, which can lead to a lack of success in the workplace.
As one CFS sufferer put it, “It’s like trying to work with a hangover every day, except there’s no fun party the night before.” The constant fatigue can make even the simplest tasks feel like a monumental effort, and it can be frustrating to see colleagues breezing through their work while you struggle to keep up.
Another person with CFS said, “It’s hard to explain to people that I’m not just tired, I’m completely drained of all energy. It’s not like I can just take a nap and feel better.”
One of the biggest challenges of working with CFS is the unpredictability of symptoms. “One day I might feel almost normal, and the next day I can barely get out of bed,” said another CFS sufferer. “It’s hard for my colleagues to understand why my performance varies so much from day to day.”
Many people with CFS find that they have to constantly advocate for themselves in the workplace. This means setting boundaries with colleagues and bosses, being upfront about their condition, and asking for accommodations when needed.
As one person with CFS explained, “I have to be my own best advocate, because no one else is going to do it for me. I’ve had to learn how to say no to things that I know will push me over the edge, and to be upfront with my boss when I need time off or a more flexible schedule.”
It’s important for people with CFS to remember that their worth is not defined by their productivity or success in the workplace. “It’s easy to feel like a failure when you can’t keep up with your colleagues, but it’s important to remember that you’re doing the best you can with the cards you’ve been dealt,” said one person with CFS.
At the same time, it’s important to acknowledge the very real challenges that come with working with CFS. It’s not just a matter of being positive and pushing through the fatigue. As one person with CFS said, “It’s not that I’m not trying hard enough. It’s that my body is literally incapable of doing more than it’s doing right now.”
Working with CFS is a difficult and often frustrating experience. It requires a constant balancing act of advocating for oneself, setting boundaries, and managing unpredictable symptoms. But with the right mindset and support, it is possible to find a way to work and live with this condition. As one person with CFS said, “It’s not easy, but I’m still here, and I’m still fighting.”
I agree, it’s a constant struggle, I know someone who has CFS.