Why should I go back to work after an SCI?

[roller88]

I see a lot of posts about people asking what they can do for work after a spinal cord injury, my question is different: why should I go back to work?

My situation might be slightly different than most people but I’m having trouble finding any incentives to go back to work right now. I got hurt a little over 2 years ago (I was 24 years old, C6 quad) and at the time was working a very well paying job and had great medical benefits. As a result of my injury, I am now collecting SSD like most people, but I also receive long term disability. I am making a total of 60% of my previous salary tax free, which means I am essentially making the same net amount (after taxes) as when I was before my injury (I was typically getting taxed between 35-40%). Right now, I am 26 and making more money than most of my friends, and more than most entry level jobs I qualify for and actually have an interest in pursuing. On top of that, I am also on Medicaid, which fully covers home health care costs and provides other medical benefits.

Now, if I go back to work, I will lose my disability payments as well my medical coverage, and probably will make the same or even less than my current income. So in essence, my income will decrease, my expenses will increase (lose home health care and other medical), and now I will actually have go through the daily grind of working every day (which, as those of us with SCI know, isn't the most appealing thing in the world). The only negative aspect of my situation is that although i am making a good income for a single 26 year old, it will certainly not suffice in supporting a family years down the road.

Unless I am missing something, I just doesn’t see any incentive in getting a job. Maybe I am missing something? Maybe I am just convincing myself to be lazy? Maybe I got lucky with my medical coverage and because of it, I really don't need to return to work (at least not right now).

I'd love to hear some opinions on this as i assume someone out there has been in a similar situation... then again, maybe not.