for asking for help finding jobs...
considers that they may have different circumstances than you..

I got my 1st job at 12....I used to work 50 hours per week outside my home and more hours from home in a professional career as well as various volunteer jobs...1 was at least 12 hours per week...then i got very sick and had to give up everything I had worked for.

now i can barely function...i've had to nap just to have the strength to get to the bathroom and slept through meal times...i lost the use of my arm for 2 weeks by over exerting myself taking out the garbage...

if i am lucky, i will get out of the house recreationally 2x this year.....even on days I feel ok, i can't risk exerting myself for anything other than basic needs...if i do what i want one day..even just going to the movies (which i can't afford anyway)..i risk not being able to do what I need to do the next...it is not uncommon that I only have 5 functional hours per day which includes showering, eating, and other needs...i can't do route shops.....i rarely do 2 shops per day and can only plan for about every other day...that gives me a max of about 4 shops per week locally...and typing is hard..my fingers just don't follow directions so i need extended time to fill in reports.

i work harder now just to survive than when i did working overtime at a physically active professional job...

sure there are all sorts of rehab programs...your tax dollars pay for people to not show up, nap when they do, and whine that they don't know how to do simple things in the care plan.

So sorry about your health issues. It sounds like you're having one of those really bad days. Are you a member of an online forum devoted to your particular condition? Support from others who can truly understand what you're going through is most helpful.

GMNJ, I've been there. Not quite as severely as you, but nearly so. Ultimately, I found a provider that specialized in treating my condition. They used a very broad approach (physical therapy, occupational therapy, drastic medication changes, psychotherapy, diet and nutrition, biofeedback, even recreational therapy) to help me get my life back. Several years later, I'm now able to work full-time, plus MS part time.

I hope that 2015 is the year that YOU are able to get YOUR life back! (((HUGS)))

It's encouraging to know some people can find their way out of the abyss, Lisa. Can I have your leftover spoons?

GMNJ - I am very sorry to hear about your problems. I hope no one is calling you lazy for asking for help. Getting help is partially what this forum is about.

As I was reading your post, I saw so much of me in what you wrote. I started working at 15, I worked in a professional career, went to school, volunteer, and raised two children. Later I had to let most of it go when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Now I shop. 3 a day is tops for me with a day to do reports. I have problems sometimes typing in that the pain starts in my hands and works it way up to my neck.

I hid (hide) a lot of things about my condition. I learned to ignore people who laugh at the way I walk (stumble). what has helped me in addition to the support of my family, is my humor (stupidity ). I have a tendency to find humor and the bright side in most things. For example, I can';t work full professionally anymore even though I have a masters degree in a field that is in demand. That means I don't have to get up in the morning when I would rather sleep. I take naps during the day too, something I could not (was not suppose to) do at work. I fall a lot - got me a handicap placard which really comes in handy. For those who don't believe I deserve one, I just say they can have my placard if they take my multiple sclerosis with it! Besides, I paid for this placard for 42 years. Damn expensive placard if you ask me! Working people would love to have time off to travel. I am fortunate enough that when I was working I put away a lot for a rainy day. Didn't rain much, so DH and I are spending the kids inheritance traveling. Lots of people tell me I don't look like I am sick, when I am standing still. But there are good days and there are bad days. Again, I am fortunate enough to be able to crawl up under the covers or go take a long hot bath on bad days. When I was younger I never dreamed that I'd be broad sided multiple sclerosis or any life threatening disease. I live by something my dad taught me at a young age when something at school was not going my way. I whined about it and my dad didn't play that. He told me to either do something (constructive) about it or shut up and find a way to be happy with it. I took that as a challenge from him. As a result, I skipped my senior year iand never graduated from high school, got a BS in Math and a Masters in Information Project Management then I got hit with multiple sclerosis. (My dad had passed away before I got multiple sclerosis, so I take it that he's working his magic in heaven and still sending me challenges! )
GMNJ - my life does not appear to be as difficult as yours. I am glad that you have found mystery shopping and I hope it brings you some type of relief. I hope that you are able to find among us shoppers who are compassionate and who do not judge. Most of all, I hope that your health improves and that 2015 is a good year for you!

One of the reasons I decided to MS full-time is health problems. I have arthritis, fibromyalgia, and will probably develop lupus. I don't do 5:30 a.m. anymore because I can't - it hurts too much. Now, I get up when I wake up, leave the house when I am ready, and stay up later doing reports - that's what works for me. I can go 2 or 3 days before needing to rest. One post above referred to "leftover spoons" - if you don't already follow, check out a Facebook page, "But You Don't Look Sick." It's a support group of people with "invisible" illnesses started by the woman who came up with Spoon Theory. It's sympathetic, empathetic, funny, and supportive.

I knew someone would pick up on that. That's all you have to do to find someone who "gets" you. Mention spoons in that context and you will find a kindred spirit. <3

Yup! ;-)

GMNJ,

I am assuming you are in NJ. I will help you find shops and if you are anywhere near me, I will pick you up and take you so you can do some shops. Just let me know....I sent you a PM too.

Wow, BeachBumess, that is so nice of you. It's an incredible jesture of kindness and I thank you for posting it.

KUDOS TO Beachbum!!!!! If we look for kindness we will find it. If we search for humor, it shows itself.

you know, I think something is wrong w/everyone! NO ONE is perfect. I've had diabetes for a super long time. I volunteer locally and love it. I try not dwell on prob's in life and just do the best that I can.

Lazy? I really know very, very few people that are.

hugs

nevermind



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/05/2015 03:22AM by LJ.

There are many MSC that will not allow you to have someone else drive you to a shop and wait outside while the shop is performed.


I have driven other shoppers to shops before.
EPMS would not accept a shop from another shopper because the agent responded that someone was waiting outside. They specifically stated the instructions stated the SHOPPER MUST BE ALONE.

I have seen other MSC ( Ridgeway, Marketforce, Intellishop, beyond Hello) invalidate shops when someone was driven to a shop when instructions SPECIFICALLY state that shopper MUST BE by themselves.

GMNJ

Would the Dragon program work for you? (Speak what you want typed and the program does it...)

I admit, I am lazy. You and the others here put me to shame. I am also overwhelmed at the kindness and understanding of most of the posters. I belong to a diabetes support website, and think you have a great support system right here. I learned the hard way that there were people on my site that were taking advantage of the kindness of others, and that soured me to the site. The postings here feel more real and heartfelt.

I also have ulcerative colitis, which I think is worse than diabetes! I mostly manage, like CureMS, with humor. Look at the alternative. I have slowed down on my shopping, and try to be more selective. Unlike you folks here, I live in NV, and must work with a company that has a PI license. Because of this, I "work" through two companies that schedule for all of the companies that are mentioned here. I think it makes it easier for me to get shops than you...and, I have "schedulers" I work with all of the time, and are there to assist, if needed.

I agree with CureMS that humor is a must in life, and I love the attitude.

Beachbumess is a saint, and I also am overwhelmed at the generosity offered.

LJ and the two Lisas are beautiful souls...

Amber's got it.

Hugs

I sent GMNJ 2 PM's and haven't heard back. Checked my PM list and it shows no "sent" items. What am I doing wrong?

I think you have to check the box to Keep A Copy In My Sent Items in order to see the message in your "Sent Items" list. I just sent you a PM, and did not check the box. And I don't see my message to you in my Sent Items.

Thanks Lisa!

Funny how the OP talks about shoppers being lazy and then admits that he hasn't read the threads in their follow up "lazy clarification" post. If this isn't lazy, I don't know what is.

I think all gmail sent messages are saved. They just might not be in the most recent order. Either scroll way down or check your settings.

I think you should explain the circumstances to the scheduler aforehand and give them to option to accept or reject the special circumstances.

@Merceme wrote:

I think all gmail sent messages are saved. They just might not be in the most recent order. Either scroll way down or check your settings.

They were talking about Private Messages on the forum, not email.

GMNJ and CureMS,
I am so very sorry to learn about your health situations and I pray the good Lord will help you improve and give you strength and comfort in this new year. Bless you both.
Pop

@jackaroe wrote:

There are many MSC that will not allow you to have someone else drive you to a shop and wait outside while the shop is performed

If a shopper needs someone to be driven to a shop, I would suggest eliminating mystery shopping companies that don't allow this. There are plenty of other companies looking for good shoppers.

I really don't get why some mystery shopping companies would not allow a shopper to be driven to a shop. Once the shopper is driven to the shop, the shopper would then go in by his or herself. So what is the problem?

The only time I could understand why a mystery shopping company would require that the shopper drive themselves to the shop would be if the shopper is shopping the sales department of a car dealership.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/21/2015 11:46PM by alannajm.

As was pointed out with the EPMS apartment shop, the target knew someone was waiting in the car which could actually impact a presentation. The agent may rush or skip some aspects of a tour.

Looking for a solution to this, a shopper could always be dropped off out of site from the store and walk up to the store. Maybe that would help?

My situation is relatively different. Though in the same token understands wholeheartedly the wear and tear we experience in life and mystery shopping is an alternative or option to earn a bit and feel productive at the same time.

I was in the corporate world, 9 to 5 office jobs until I had my beloved son, diagnosed with severe autism, I could not juggle both and focused on him.
I had taken care of my severely autistic son for the last 13 years, and recently in October placed him in a group home as his needs were now out of my control. I could no longer care for him.

The funny thing is, I swore each time that once I get my son situated, I would go back in a 9 to 5 office job immediately. Though life has changed me. My goals have changed. The corporate world is so unappealing. (no big deal)
Actually with similarity of over exhaustion, from being a caregiver all these years.

I found the moment with my son as rewarding and cherished every bit of it. I visit him consistently.

Though now, it is looking, that Mystery Shopping is an outlet and also stepping stone until I figure out what I need to do.
But yes, similarities, of life just being too much, that Mystery Shopping is convenient and flexible to my circumstance as of now.
>>>>>>> I want to do so much, earn so much, though my body and mind won't let me, my nerves are shot, yikes>>>>>>>>>> where is wonder woman???????

I too have become a MS because of health issues. One day back in September 2007, I took my kids and my sister and her kids to the zoo (at that time it was my second job while putting myself through school). While walking around I stepped on what I thought was a pebble or a twig because I felt and heard something "POP." Well as days went on my foot began to really start hurting. So I went to my Dr. And found out that I fractured a itty bitty bone that is right under your big toe. I was put in to casts and walking boots but it wasn't healing. So I was then told we can do surgery and remove the bone and it won't be a big deal because they would do everything on top of my foot so it would heal quicker and I would only be out of work 2 weeks. Well, guess what?! That didn't happen. When they removed that bone it made me put pressure on the other bones in that area as nd it was difficult to walk. So they went back in and on 12/31/08 (Happy New Year right?). Well guess? Yup! You're right! Now I have a whole lot of different kinds of problems! I have nerve damage, Lymphedma in both legs, sciatica and I walk funny too! So after trying a million different things. They settled in on trying this new kind of device that is put in by my spine that is a stimulator and it's suppose to help ease the pain. Well, I'm sure you noticed suppose to, yea that's not really a winner either. So now it 13 pills a day 2 of them being Morphine and I've lost who I was. I am unable to drive (it's all on the right side), I could only stand in short intervals and walking is very difficult too. So I know where gals are coming from! I only do a few jobs a week too! Thank goodness for my son cuz he's my driver or I wouldn't be able to do any shops at all. This job may not make me rich, but it keeps me smiling when I feeling like crying.

OMG, dishopper, that's a terrible story! I'm so sorry you went through all that.

Here is something that might make you smile: When my father-in-law was getting his stimulator thingy for his back, his doctor told him of another one of his patients. An elderly female had asked him if her stimulator was supposed to give her... uh... pleasure. He said that it was certainly not and offered to adjust it for her. She yelled, "Don't you touch it!"

@LJ wrote:

Here is something that might make you smile: When my father-in-law was getting his stimulator thingy for his back, his doctor told him of another one of his patients. An elderly female had asked him if her stimulator was supposed to give her... uh... pleasure. He said that it was certainly not and offered to adjust it for her. She yelled, "Don't you touch it!"

There are electro stimulator devices (TENS) units that are extremely overpriced, that are sold in the adult toy stores.
Many women and men find them to be quite enjoyable in a sexual way. And since this is not that kind of place, I won't give links to a site that sells them.