"The authors use first-person accounts to illustrate their advice on coping simultaneously with symptoms and the challenges of the workplace; developing a financial plan; communicating with coworkers, employers, and loved ones; building a support team; and balancing work and family responsibilities. A little book with lots of useful advice; recommended."
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Library Journal"An essential resource and guide for women living with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis The final chapter 'Developing Your Warrior Spirit: Hope and Resilience,' is a beautiful summation of the tone of the book. The authors include an excellent list of additional reading materials."
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InFocus (Autoimmune Diseases Association)"clear, down to earth and extraordinarily helpful."
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Diabetesmine.com"For the chronically ill, the decision to continue working or not, can be an agonizing one. Optimistic, but realistic,
Women, Work, and Autoimmune Disease helps the reader carefully weigh the pros and cons of working so that they can make an informed and rational choice. Specific steps are offered to help you make accommodations that may allow you to stay in the workforce longer than you thought possible."
— Allison Shadday, author of
MS and Your Feelings: Handling the Ups and Downs of Multiple Sclerosis"Despite the relative slimness of Joffe and Friedlander's book, it is packed with useful information that can help women navigate the world of workWriting about the unpredictability of AD, the stages of chronic illness and career development, they connect their experiences and those of other women in a way that I found reassuring and empowering. Whether you are happily employed, considering quitting your job, or drawing up plans to start your own business,
Women, Work and Autoimmune Disease will prove a helpful guide for thinking through the options." -- Donna Rafanello, Assistant Professor of Child Development, Long Beach College, Long Beach, CA Momentum Magazine, Fall 2009
Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
This realistic look at the realities of chronic illness manages to be authoritative and comprehensive. In making their case that women with autoimmune diseases should continue their work and find ways to build their careers, they cite statistics, review research, and make reasoned arguments. I am particularly impressed at how the authors can be clear on the distinctions between their opinions and experiences, and facts.
In fact, the advice on finding balance; setting realistic goals; developing structure; communicating with supervisors, potential employers, and co-workers; acknowledging personal limitations without creating artificial limits; career building; and career planning are all valuable reading for anyone with any chronic health condition, whether the individual is male or female, whether the condition is autoimmune or not.
One shortcoming of the book, the only one I can cite, is that it deals almost exclusively with the college-educated white collar worker. The authors do assume the reader is fairly easy to employ, with marketable skills, some connections within the business world, and a good deal of resilience. I can accept that this allows the authors to focus on directing their advice and experience, but it must be acknowledged that this book is directed towards those who are concerned with continuing a career and those with choices rather than those looking for entry level work. They do encourage the use of a career counselor, who could assist anyone with or without a degree to identify their own skill sets and interests.
