by Alexandra Heep

Created on: August 19, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Any one of these three words - underemployed, disabled, or humbled in the working world - could create a whole discussion on its own. What if all three apply? Isn't being disabled humbling enough without having to work for less than you are worth? I am not sure if disabled people have to work in all parts of the "civilized and industrialized" world. Since the majority of my adulthood has been spent in America, I can only try to give examples from there.

I won't have to reach too far, as I am one that fits those categories myself. However, I have also observed many others that are in the same situation. A disability does not necessarily have to be visible, such as a wheel chair or missing limb.

In my case the disability is invisible and caused by what is classified a neurological condition. I know many people that have the same disorder and most of them don't work but rely on spouses to support them. Some get disability benefits, but it took them years to prove they were indeed disabled.

Some, like me, have to work as they have no one else to support them. This is where the irony of underemployment comes in. Since I am limited what I can do (but it's not visible to others) I have to be in a job that does not require me to do overtime, as well as allows me to pace myself. This means I took a significant pay cut from what I used to do.

Even though I went from an hourly pay rate to a salaried job, the difference is quite substantial. This in turn translates to barely adequate housing, as well as keeping on a tight budget and cutting out any type of expense that is not necessary. Things that others take for granted as part of recreation, such as going to movies and dining out, are pretty much out of the question.

Ironically, vacations are usually not possible for someone that is underemployed as well. Why vacations seem like luxury, they can also double another important function: to give the body rest and relaxation. Who could use this more than a disabled person? Yet, lack of benefits such as paid vacation time is another hazard of underemployment.

Also, with many conditions, doctors emphasize that stress will make them worse and to "reduce stress". Since you can't control the stress others put on you, it's up to the individual to choose an environment that puts the least amount of stress on him. For a person with a disability it usually means taking on a dead-end job (become underemployed).

Unfortunately, with underemployment usually comes lack of proper health care.

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