Many years ago I worked as a vocational counselor for the State of New York. My clients were people who had to change careers because of physical problems. I would gave a battery of tests to see where interests and aptitude lay, and working with their limitations, suggest other jobs.

So I suggest checking with your State's Employment office to see if they offer such a service. If not, find a good vocational counselor who can do the same.

Tammy

Before you make the decision to change careers, might I suggest a couple thoughts;

1. you might get a second opinion on your arm. I have heard countless times of people who had maladies that traditional doctors suggested total intervention of activities, yet the people were able to use programs like yoga and recover to the point they didnt have to cease entirely.

2. how about if you reduced your hours to help relieve the discomfort without stopping totally?

IsadoraAlman

I wonder if you would elaborate on your comment about finding a good vocational counselor. In addition to myself, there might be many others who are thinking about talking with one. How would you suggest going about finding a good one and what criteria should I use to evaluate them before entering into an agreement/contract. Thank you so much.

The first thing you need to do is call the nearest teaching hospital - even if you have to travel to get to it and ask for an appointment with an orthopedic specialist. Your doctor may be fine for the general aches and pains and viruses but for shoulders, you need an orthopedic specialist. With X-Rays and MRI's they may be able to locate the problem and find a "fix" for it. I had a rotator cuff problem but with simple microsurgery, I was fine in a week. I had erosion from years of wear and tear and couldn't raise my arm to brush my hair. But a week after the surgery, I could play tennis (except I am lousy at it).

When a medical doctor starts telling patients that the cure is to change careers, I would seek a second opinion. I've seen them repair arms that were torn off in industrial accidents.

Also, if you have built a successful business that would indicate that you like what you are doing. Maybe an assistant would be the answer along with a real medical evaluation rather than a re-education to become something you don't really want to be.

Always look for a way to get what you want before you settle for what you don't want.

Best of luck to you.