Have I Found the Perfect New Career?

As a sufferer of RLS, the struggle to find a career that fits in around my condition has always been a challenge. Imagine my delight when, whilst helping a friend relocate, the job of my restless-legged dreams made itself clear.

Discovering my forté while helping friends move houses

Surrounded by moving boxes for the umpteenth time this summer, my entire friend network seemed to decide it was time to relocate around the United Kingdom. Whilst suffering one of the hottest periods in decades, my 'go-to' kit of scissors, bubble wrap, parcel tape, and permanent marker had been used up and replaced more times than I could remember!

Being the organised one of my group, I have lists and tickboxes galore to ensure the unorganised around me don't descend into panic when a removal company is contacted. This is where my RLS comes into its forté — not with the paperwork that needs collating, but with the unenviable job of packing and unpacking.

I'm the friend who secretly loves it

When my friends book a removal firm, they always seem to inadvertently slide into a holiday company website, leaving me, their long-suffering, eternally-complaining, secretly-loving-it friend to pack their houses for them.

Resembling the episode of Friends where Joey and Chandler hit one another with their appendages wrapped in bubble wrap, beating a path to their breakables, is my idea of fun! (Yes, I am THAT sad!) Note to you all: if you find yourself helping someone move, ensure you ask them to hide "personal" equipment beforehand so embarrassment does not ensue.

The repetitiveness of the work is great for my RLS

Being unable to sleep, I set up camp in each room, my tools splayed out like a deck of cards and each within an arm's reach. The repetitiveness of getting up and down from the floor to wrap and secure items gives my RLS a much-needed workout, tiring my muscles to the point where they have no energy in them to be restless! Also, it's great for when my arms are joining in on the fun, too. Repetitiveness is key!

By the time day breaks, the breakables are packed, boxes stacked in the centre of the room and labelled and correlated against the list I have made for my buddies. My RLS is whimpering in the corner, not daring to raise its ugly head as I limp off to a muscle soak bath and bed.

Exercise does help with RLS symptoms

"How does that help on removal day, Nikki?!" I hear you call. It doesn't. I have never made it to a removal day for a friend. I figure it's the least I can do to leave them the fun of rounding up the men with trollies who survive solely on tea (at least in this country!).

The lesson of this tale is one as old as time. Exercise does help — not that I would like to admit it does. It at least makes you so tired that your medication kicks in and you sleep semi-restfully for the rest of the day. I also tell my friends that they are not allowed to move for 5 more years, as it takes me that long to recover!