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Cashier at Walmart, feel trapped and helpless


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#1 AmericanPatriot

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Posted 13 August 2011 - 10:11 PM

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I recently started working as a cashier at Walmart. I don't know why I ever took this job, as it's basically the opposite of my ideal job.I was diagnosed with Irrtable Bowel Syndrome at an early age, Social Anxiety during high school, and just recently, ADD.And to add onto all that, I am always hunched over on the computer, so I have terrible postural back pain.Anyway, I dread going to work every day. When I get there, I am usually fine and I'm very friendly, but deep inside I feel very anxious and scared that either I'll have back pain or an IBS episode.Anyway, today my back started bothering me which made me nervous, which in turn caused my IBS to kick on. I had to get managers to let me on restroom breaks 2 times in about 1 and a half hours, and I kept feeling worse.I have been working here for about 2 months, but I can't do it anymore. I'm 19 years old and currently going to college (doing very well in school as well). I start on the 22nd which is approaching fast and is making me nervous as well.I currently live with my parents, and they take good care of me. I am not confined to my house, and the pain and anxiety do not occur when I'm going places or shopping in crowds of my own will, but having to call managers to use the restroom and things scares the hell out of me, as I feel trapped.I really need some advice on what I should do? I cannot continue to work as a cashier there. My anxiety, my back, and my stomach are all telling me, "no".If I got my physician to give me paperwork on these conditions (as he is well aware of them), would I be able to switch positions within Wal-Mart easily?Also, can anyone recommend stay-at-home jobs? I currently am considering switching my program of study from nursing (I have not started nursing classes yet) to medical transcription classes. That way, I could work from home in a safe, comfortable environment where I would not feel trapped or scared or in pain.Anyone have any suggestions for me?
"It is far more important to know what person the disease has, than what disease the person has."
-Hippocrates

"Doctors are men who prescribe medicines of which they know little, to cure diseases of which they know less, in human beings of whom they know nothing."
-Voltaire


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#2 HollyS

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Posted 14 August 2011 - 10:15 AM

I feel you. I too have worked at Wal*mart (more than once) and most times I end up working at a cash - whether it is front store cashier or a dept with a cash register. IMO, a cashier job is definitely not ideal for someone suffering from IBS. You are restricted to one area for a prolong amount of time and really don't have the freedom to go to the loo when needed - it's bloody hard enough for you to get your brake on time, let alone run off to use the washroom!Here's some suggestions I can maybe offer:Go to your manager and mention you have health problems which require you to be able to use the loo when needed. Ask if maybe there is a dept position (without a cash) that is available. They have all sorts of depts/jobs. Try searching job sites online for a better suited job. IMO, staffing and recruiting job agencies are great to register with. You provide them with your CV and they help find the right job for you; you can even mention you have a health problem and tell them the ideal areas of work that you are interested in (ex. medical transcription, as you stated) You may not find an at-home-job in that area but at least you won't be constricted to stay in one area and not have the freedom to just get up and go!Anyways, those are some ideas. I've suffered from IBS and related problems for well over 10 years, so I can relate in the frustration of working a job(s) that just make living with this problem much worse. Hope my suggestions have helped.

#3 AmericanPatriot

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Posted 15 August 2011 - 11:42 AM

I feel you. I too have worked at Wal*mart (more than once) and most times I end up working at a cash - whether it is front store cashier or a dept with a cash register. IMO, a cashier job is definitely not ideal for someone suffering from IBS. You are restricted to one area for a prolong amount of time and really don't have the freedom to go to the loo when needed - it's bloody hard enough for you to get your brake on time, let alone run off to use the washroom!Here's some suggestions I can maybe offer:Go to your manager and mention you have health problems which require you to be able to use the loo when needed. Ask if maybe there is a dept position (without a cash) that is available. They have all sorts of depts/jobs. Try searching job sites online for a better suited job. IMO, staffing and recruiting job agencies are great to register with. You provide them with your CV and they help find the right job for you; you can even mention you have a health problem and tell them the ideal areas of work that you are interested in (ex. medical transcription, as you stated) You may not find an at-home-job in that area but at least you won't be constricted to stay in one area and not have the freedom to just get up and go!Anyways, those are some ideas. I've suffered from IBS and related problems for well over 10 years, so I can relate in the frustration of working a job(s) that just make living with this problem much worse. Hope my suggestions have helped.

Thank you Holly for your suggestions. I'm going to speak with one of the managers today and ask if them if it's possible for me to transfer to another department. Also, I will be going to see my doctor and hopefully getting notes so I'll have ways to cope either away.Again, thank you so much for responding!What are some job agencies that you know of? I actually live in the US; not sure if they are majorly different here.
"It is far more important to know what person the disease has, than what disease the person has."
-Hippocrates

"Doctors are men who prescribe medicines of which they know little, to cure diseases of which they know less, in human beings of whom they know nothing."
-Voltaire

#4 Mollym56

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Posted 11 September 2011 - 05:39 AM

Hang in there! I know how scary the feeling of being trappedWith Ibs can be! It's terrifying! I would recommend not limiting yourself to working from home, as sometimes it's good to get out (even though my stomach tells me to stay home all day everyday!) instead, think of jobs where you could go to the bathroom if needed and it wouldn't be a big deal. For example, working on her floor somewhere (like barnes andNoble, target, etc) where you could slip in and out. If you still wanna do nursing, go forIt! As long as you don't go into the or, you can always go (I'm in the medical field) and no one will notice. You will be surprised how much you don't have to go once you knowYou could if you wanted :)





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