You know i have allways wanted to be a consulor one on one,socialworker,so i could help people,of any age,i was told one time,while i was in the hospital for an overdose,my councler she told me that i would make a very good one,because i am a good listener,and a very understanding person,and very careing person,at that time i was still in a bad marriage,could never afford to take the corse,and now i still could not afford it,i have a good eye for people,but now i am disabled,and in a scooter,i can not walk,and in cronic pain at all times,so what i have been doing is trying my very best to help people here in DS.,some times my spelling can be a bit off LOL,i have wondered if i would be able to do this in DS.,with there aprovel,i am allways at home alone,and i love to be able to help other people,it makes me happy knowing that i was able to help someone with a problum.I am new to a computter,but i learn a bit at a time,but i just set here doing nothing,till i found DS.,and it dose keep me quite busy now,answering people who ask me for help,just a thought,Sincerely carla7777..hugs...xxoo

Those who know of me on DS.,what do you think of me and this idea,what kind of a person do you think i would be?? Sincerely,your friend,carla7777...hugs..xxoo

Hi. I believe having a passionate desire to want to help others is a positive attribute - particularly for someone wishing to enter into a care giving position as either a volunteer or as a career option. There are so many resources online now that allow people to study in the privacy of their homes and complete diplomas and certificate programs in areas such as social work and psychology. Myself I do have formal education and experience in the area of psychology and in counseling. One of the major difficulties I encountered, and I know many others who have also, is the tendency to lean towards co-dependency and/or transference issues. Certainly if you are very serious and want to do this, I encourage you to give it a try. I would also encourage you to take time to consider the kinds of things that could happen that you wouldn't know how to handle. In my own experience, for example, I was poor at asserting myself and often ended up being taken advantage of. In response, I became bitter when I felt I was being used. Another problem I have come into on online forums where I was in a helper position is people will frequently have conflicts and as the helper/leader/owner of a group or site you need to be able to be the mediator in any conflict situations that arise. I think what you are doing is admirable and I hope you will continue offering your help to others and find fulfillment and satisfaction doing so. I don't know you well but you seem like the type of person who doesn't want to simply stay put and do nothing. Given that your option to go off to university is no longer available to you, and you enjoy making yourself available to DS members, I don't see why you shouldn't continue doing so.

It's hard to start on something new. In my case, a year after my stroke the X and I split up. During the time we were married he drove a truck and I either stayed home or worked trivial jobs because I was raising a child and we lived in the country with a ton of animals. Now my child is grown, I'm back in town, but I still have a ton of animals! Since the stroke my brain has lost a lot, and due to the fact that I'm 50 and live in an area with a very high rate of unemployment makes my chances of becoming gainfully employed very slim. I've heard of the Social Security program that you mentioned and am thinking of giving it a try...let me know what you think of this...since I am not trained to be a dog groomer, but have a little experience, what if I bathe and groom dogs at a cheaper rate here in my home? After I had the stroke I would have loved to find someone willing to bathe and lightly groom my five dogs that come in assorted shapes and sizes. I realize that not everyone goes overboard on the animal thing like me...so I'd really appreciate some input! Thanks!

Hi dgs,i think that would be a great idea,if you have the proper animial grooming products,and ask the people if there dogs have any alerage reaction to any shampoos,i would first start out with friends first,and then they could spread the word for you,just make sure the areas are very clean,no flees,useiley you need a linice to do this,but if you realy enjoy this i would give it a try,it's just that there are some people in this world can be quite fussy about there pets,but i'am sure you would have a good eye for that,just start off slow and see how it goes for you,i did something like this one time with my crafts and knitting and things out of my home,all i had to send for was a vinders linice,because you are makeing money,so you could send for that,and you should be ok,give it a try hun,i wish you all the best hun,love,your friend,carla7777...hugs..xxoo Good luck...

Thanks Carla...now if only I had some friends. I moved here in 2005 after a stroke. Haven't really made any friends because I have became such an isolationist! Getting more courage though...I ALMOST went to church today:) I appreciate your suggestions and encouragement! Fortunately I have a lot of grooming tools, I will put an ad in the paper in the beginning of July. Maybe I will become such a success you'll see me on 'Groomer Has It' on the Animal Planet network! LOL

Hi hun i wish you all the best on your your new advinture,just don't forget the Venders Linice hun,because you are starting a new small business in your home,i think it only cost about$12:00,not to much anyway,i hope you do well hun...

Would anyone like to add to this discussion?