Cognitive symptoms impact on job

, hi! I think your question really hits at the heart for a lot of people with MS in the workforce and people with MS that have left the workplace. One of our contributors, Devin Garlit, worked in the IT field for a number of years, but eventually left that career, due to both cognitive and physical MS symptoms. You can read his brief bio here -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/community/experts/devin-garlit. He brings up his reluctant exodus from the workplace in a few of hie pieces.


Another one of our contributors discusses SSDI and leaving the workforce (although not specifically due to cognitive issues) here -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/social-security-disability-pitfalls.


I wanted to share this piece written by one of our community members that you might find relatable -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/stories/what-is-my-job-now.


I realize I am only linking to pieces that are kind of "worst case scenario", i.e.; leaving one's job. I know quite a few of our members have had luck with creating safety nets for themselves; like reminders on phones, sticky notes, etc. Others have had luck talking to HR to receive workplace accommodations to help with the cognition issues or just to alert HR to the problem. Of course, I am not naive and I know talking to Human Resources does not always help and can actually make the situation harder to navigate, even though you have the right to reasonable accommodations under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) if you are in the USA.


I do hope some members see your post and can comment with their ideas, tips, and personal experiences with this issue. I know you are definitely not the only one dealing with cognitive issues due to their MS!


Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.

Hi , I have definitely been in that situation. The particular issues that you mention are what really led to me leaving my career (software engineer). I look back and realize that I struggled for a while but was able to manage well enough for a long time. I wish I had realized the impact the symptoms were having sooner than I did. In the end, I could no longer keep up and ended up on disability (where I still am today, close to ten years later). I still have moments where I feel I could do the work, but, not consistently. I recommend giving thought to the future and what that may mean, either disability or another type of work. That doesn't mean you can't figure out a way to adapt to your current situations but I always wished I had at least given more consideration to those things before I had no choice. Best of luck to you!

I, unfortunately, made mistakes in my job. There were, unfortunately, instances where my thinking was not that clear. I could see my bosses talking among themselves and I suppose complaining to the supervisor. I got the dreaded call to supervisor's office. I had been for the longest time the top of my field, always receiving yearly excellent reviews. Regrettably, I was asked to leave. I loved my job and had been there for 27 years! I didn't want to leave.

My heart goes out to you all, the relentless, merciless micromanagement of even the simplest "thank you for calling XYZ, how can I help you?" job is why I can't work anymore, I've had FIVE call center jobs I've been dismissed for just not trying hard enough, I've been there, you are not imagining it.