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I want to tell you how going to work everyday has changed my life and aided in my recovery. Fifteen years ago, I exhibited paranoia, racing thoughts, and odd behavior. I isolated myself from others and slid into depression. My mother took me to the emergency room. I was transferred to the in-patient unit, where I started taking medication. Three weeks later, I was released.

During the next three years, I attended a day program, lived in community residences, and trained in word processing at the International Center for the Disabled.

On August 13, 1990, I found my first job as an Administrative Assistant. I had five jobs in the next seven years.

By the winter of 1997, I was working as an Insurance Broker. I had grown miserable "chained to a desk." I no longer wanted to go to work just to pay the bills. I searched my soul to find the work I would love.

I applied to graduate school; Pratt Institute in Brooklyn accepted me. In June of 2000, I graduated with a Masters in Library and Information Science. After two years working as a Library Assistant, I became a Reference Librarian. I have been working in this new field for five years.

Working is a major stepping stone in the process of recovery. It is the prime reason why I was able to recover successfully. Here are specific techniques you can use when taking the first steps on The Road to Work.

Setting goals and going for it

First, write down your goal(s). Then, research your options by using any or all of the following: a career or vocational counselor, the resources at the library, the Internet, or VESID, the New York State vocational rehabilitation agency. Just as important, develop a support network of friends, family, social worker, and/or doctor.

Be specific, quantify your objectives, and set "sub-goals" along the way. What's a quantifiable goal? Not "I want to find a job." Try instead, "I will contact three people working in the field that interests me to see if I may like it." Language is power.

Originally I had wanted to be an Editorial Assistant. That didn't work out, I chose another field. Give yourself flexibility, be adaptable. Nothing is set in stone, but expectations are more fruitful than "wishes." (The word "expectations" even sounds more forceful than "wishes.")

Try this sentence, too: "I am going to become a teacher in an elementary school (goal). To do that, "I am going to request college bulletins from two schools (sub-goal)." Then "I am going to ask a teacher if I can interview her (sub-goal)." "I will investigate certification requirements (sub-goal)."

Reaching out through want ads and networking

Here's a technique for those just starting out: "Preview" the classifieds in the New York Times. Cut out any of the ads that look good. Maybe you've never been a "Marketing Consultant" or a "Web Editor", but the kinds of skills, traits, or responsibilities listed may fit in with your goals. Use these to generate a resume, and a list of skills you may want to develop.

Next, you may want to contact others, that is, "network". A person could give you an "information interview" because they work in the field you aspire to work in as well. This is a question-and-answer session where the objective is to find out what it's like to have that job, not to ask for the job or interview for it. Perhaps the person will remember you when a position does open.

Signing on to an internship or volunteer position

Persons who collect a disability check are in an ideal position to do an internship or focused volunteer work. You can work in these positions without pay and get the entry-level experience to put on a resume. There's no need to tell an employer you collect a check. Employers are always looking for dedicated, enthusiastic people who want to work. Finding your life's calling is worth the challenge .

I was not suited to work in business. My personality and my lifestyle are better matched to the work I do now as a librarian. It could take a few years to get in synch with the work you love. Slow, structured change worked best for me and it still works beautifully.

Getting the most from your disability check

Lastly, I'll give you the good news. SSDI checks will not stop automatically. You can start work and continue to receive benefits no matter what you earn during the first nine months, or the Trial Work Period (TWP). SSI benefits, will be reduced while you work; there isn't any TWP here. But you'll have more money than with SSI alone.

Log onto the government website, www.ssa.gov, to find links that detail the options available and you will find the answer to almost every question you may have about the work/benefits connection.

The Road to Work begins at your doorstep

Options abound if you have the desire and motivation to work. The Road to Work may not be easy at first. Be proud of yourself for wanting to take these first steps.