Believe it or not, I wanted to be an oceanographer. I think I saw a documentary about whales, and I was hooked. Unfortunately, you can’t always choose your path, or maybe your path chooses you. In my first year at university, I did biology, chemistry and math. Then I decided to major in computer science and math. I’m left brained so the logic and analytics involved in my courses were perfect for me. I loved writing programs and solving problems. I had found my niche. Fast forward 30 years and I still love my profession but now I am removing barriers and solving problems for my teams.

Being in a profession I love doesn’t reduce the day to day stress but it gives me a greater sense of satisfaction. In an article called “The Hormones that Boost Happiness” in Psychology Today, Dr. Tchiki Davis, Ph.D. wrote, when you do things that make you feel good your brain releases “happy hormones”.  It’s like running a marathon and crossing the finish line. You’re exhausted but you feel good because you made it to the end doing something that you enjoy.

My calendar is colour coded with lunch time blocked off completely and 2 timeslots to step away from my desk and recharge. As a lupus warrior, fatigue is a big part of my life. By the end of the day, I am exhausted. Throw in a room filled with people, and as an introvert, I am completely depleted by the end of the day. I must step away to regain my energy. You can choose to go for a short walk or listen to music, a podcast or an audio book during a 15 minute break – anything relaxing. I do all of the above, depending on how I feel on any given day.

There will be times when things become hectic and that 15 minute break is impossible. That’s when you must be deliberate about getting rest at the end of the day, so you start the next refreshed and rejuvenated. A good night’s sleep is important for everyone, even more so when you have lupus. Getting a good night’s sleep can help you manage fatigue, keep your immune system healthy and reduce lupus flares, so you should make a point of getting those 8 hours in.

Most companies have a health and wellness plan. You may have access to professionals through your company’s plan, if needed. You should have a specified number of sick days. Don’t be ashamed to use them. Depending on where you live you may have access to transportation, at home services, drug delivery services and much more. A bit of research can go a long way in helping you identify the services (government or private) that may be available to help you ease the burden of going back and forth to work or dealing with some of the difficult situations you may encounter in the office. Speak to the social worker at your lupus clinic, they can help.

It took me a very long time before I revealed I was ill. I was afraid that I would be treated differently. I didn’t want to be judged or pitied. I eventually told my story but the first time I decided to reveal that I was ill, I didn’t get the reaction I expected. I didn’t get the support I needed from management. I eventually left that job and vowed never to reveal my illness again. Then last year, I took a leap of faith and decided to enter the International Women’s Day speaker competition at work. I told my story and won. I had the opportunity to reveal my journey to 8000 of my colleagues. Their reaction was overwhelming, and I was shocked by the support I received.

I think revealing your illness, especially in a professional setting, is a personal choice. I still feel judged sometimes but more and more I believe that my value is measured strictly by my performance and not what a manager thinks I can or cannot do. Make the choice that’s best for you.