I had my own business , it was a constant struggle and full of stress . I have other issues and I am disabled but realised that the stress was driving flare ups to outlandish limits . I would never advise anybody to stop working as I never received that advice but at my age now I’m sixty it just wasn’t worth it any longer . I had to stop, then I was told I made the right decision. Life is short and it’s up to you to make your quality of life as good as possible . Maybe a less stressful postition . My quality of life was desperate , I still have my struggles but this one is now more manageable. Make sure you have support from your family, make no rash decisions and I wish you the very best .

Handling stress is one of the worst parts of my Eczema struggles. Plus chronic stress is just bad for us in general I guess. It always feels like the last thing when I am already stressed is to then have a flare on top of it because that's now even more on my plate.

I certainly can't tell you whether leaving your current job is the right decision, but giving yourself permission to make big changes so that you can be healthy and happy... I haven't regretted that ever.

Shana, I feel so sorry for you. 60 hours a week consistently even for someone healthy does not sound good for health. I hope you are able to make a decision that will work for you. Good luck!!

I vote no need that money.🤑

Dear Shanna:

I had a well paying job that was extremely stressful...long hours and lots of office politics constantly. I had lots of problems with eczema when i worked, and even more problems with eye ulcers from being on the computer too long. I had to walk away from the job. It was the best decision I have ever made, but I was in a financial position to be able to do it without worrying If you rely on the job for income, I would suggest that you find another job or source of income before you consider resigning. Best of luck to you.

After I resigned from my job, I still had problems with eczema and with my eyes.
I had to have patch testing to determine what I was allergic to. It was also trial and error. For instance, I had to keep changing the products I used on my face over and over and over until I found a product that would not cause eczema to flare.
I have not been able to wear eye makeup for years and probably will never be able to wear eye makeup. I can wear brow pencil, but no eyeliner or mascara or eye shadow. So much makeup is toxic to the skin.

Have you considered having patch tests to see what you are allergic to?
I learned that my eczema was caused by products I was using. I am allergic to Vaseline of all things...and I used it for years! I'm allergic to fragrances, so now I use fragrance free makeup, shampoo, conditioner, etc. I can't use Dove Sensitive Soap or Dr. Bronner's soaps. I have not found a bar soap I can use.

I can use La Roche Posay gentle oil cleanser with success. I use this on my hands and face. I use Cicaplast B5 moisturizer (not the one with sunscreen). I'm not able to use any sunscreen at all...it burns my eyes. I use Sprouts free & clear dishwashing soap. I use All Free and Clear laundry detergent. I use Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation. It has taken me more than years to find products I can use without an eczema flare.

I hope this helps you. I think this day and age, many employers demand long working hours. 40 to 50 work weeks are not uncommon. 60 hour work weeks are not normal and no employer should ask you to work 60 hours a week.

Madelyn
Temecula, CA