Hey everyone, it’s been a minute. If you’ve been wondering where I’ve been - well, I’ve been back to work full-time. And not just any job, but in the trades. It’s been a wild ride, challenging as hell, but also really rewarding. I wanted to take a moment to update you on what’s been going on, how it’s been, and what’s next.
Making the Shift
I started the year working almost full-time at one job, but pretty quickly, I pivoted back into the trades. Now, I’m working full-time as an apprentice plumber technician doing service work. That means every single day is different - changing fixtures, running camera lines, installing water heaters, fixing all kinds of plumbing issues. It’s tough, hands-on work, and honestly? I love it. There’s something about solving problems with my hands that just makes sense.
It’s also a career path that AI isn’t going to replace anytime soon, which is something I think about a lot.
The Challenge of Full-Time Work After Stroke
🏋️♂️ The Physical Toll
Fatigue is real. Not just "I need another cup of coffee" tired - stroke fatigue is something else entirely. It’s unpredictable, deep, and relentless. Some days, I crush it from morning to night. Other days, I wake up already wiped out. Managing my energy has become just as important as learning the technical skills of plumbing.
Long hours can be an adjustment. Some days involve a lot of physical movement, while others are spent sitting and driving from job to job. The contrast is something I’ve had to get used to. Sometimes my brain knows exactly what to do, but my body wants to do something different. It’s just like everything else - you’ve got to slow down to speed up.
🧠 The Mental Load
Cognitive stuff after stroke is tricky. Memory, processing speed, multitasking - it’s all different. I’ve had to adapt, using more reminders, breaking tasks into steps, and making sure I don’t overload myself. The world moves fast, and I have to be intentional about how I keep up.
❤️ The Emotional Side
Imposter syndrome? Oh yeah, it’s there. Some days, I feel like I have to prove I can still do this. Other days, I wonder if I’ll ever be as sharp as I once was. The biggest thing I’ve learned is that vulnerability isn’t weakness - it actually creates stronger connections. When I’ve been open about my challenges, I’ve found support in places I didn’t expect.
Breath work has actually been super helpful. It helps me stay calm when things aren’t going 1,000% my way.
So, What’s Next?
Right now, I’m settling into the routine and setting my sights on becoming a licensed plumber in the next few years. That’s the current goal - but who knows? Life has a way of surprising me.
Oh, and about the podcast - yes, it’s on hiatus. I’ve got a couple of episodes in the tank that I’ll release soon. Just figuring out when I’ll have the time and energy to bring it back consistently. Thanks for your patience! I hope you’re all doing well - I know I am.
If you’re on the fence about going back to work after stroke, I definitely recommend starting part-time. It’s a big adjustment, and having flexibility can help you ease into it. Being a plumber is a rewarding and challenging career, and things don’t always go your way - just like life after stroke.
I’d love to hear from you - have you gone back to work post-stroke? What’s been your biggest challenge? Drop a comment or reach out. Let’s keep this conversation going! 🚀
