Subscribe to continue reading
Subscribe to get access to the rest of this post and other subscriber-only content.
Communal Living In The Digital Age, 2026 to 2045
Author Archives: alifeofmentalillness
January 3, 2026
1
Good news! I can stand up on my own again. Started doing this yesterday. I’m so excited. Now I have to stand up every day to keep the progress going. It’s a good feeling to be standing up on my own again. I’m starting to experience boredom now that I can stand up and see the possibility of being able to walk again. It’s a good day.
January 2, 2026
Overall I’m doing alright. I lost 10 pounds over December. Not bad considering it was the holidays. Watched football on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. I can stand up some now. Still not brave enough to try to walk without a walker. I can scoot my rolling recliner around without much pain. I’m not to where I want to be yet. But it is slowly coming back.
Been having bad pains until I started taking Tylenol a couple times a day. Most of my pain is gone now, even in my knees. I still feel kind of wobbly when I try to stand up on my own. But I should get it back if I keep losing weight.
Making New Friends In My 40s
I’ve been in my current home for a little over three months. In addition to losing over 50 pounds, I’ve made four new friends. None of them are actual patients, but nurses’ aides. And they work different enough shifts I almost always have someone other than family here in Oklahoma to talk with.
Because my mobility has been limited since September 2024, I had few opportunities to socialize with people. That has changed since I moved to the nursing home in downtown OKC.
It’s good to have a few more friends locally, About the only real friend I had in OKC until recently was my home care nurse. I guess I am making a new social network thanks to my disabilities.
Updates On A Life of Mental Illness, December 2, 2025
Been in this nursing home for over three months. They still won’t get me standing and walking even though I’ve lost over 50 pounds. I’m bed bound most days in spite my blood pressure and pain issues being solved. They do use a lift to put me in a recliner a few days per week.
I’ve noticed a lot of people, especially nurses, pulling double shifts lately. Usually that is a sign of financial issues, staffing issues, or low morale. Naturally no one listens to me when I point this out.
My parents don’t seem concerned at all about the home not getting me up and walking. Personally, I think they are too trusting. Both are in their late 70s and in poor health.
I have been here three months and lost fifty pounds. I can honestly say that, between not having to deal with nosy parents every day and having someone help me clean up after bowel movements, my life has improved very much. My blood pressure is low enough that they are talking about discontinuing a couple of my blood pressure meds.
I have one nurse who gives me all of my blood pressure meds every morning she is working. And then I spend much of the day lightheaded and sleepy.
I’m angry my home hasn’t even tried to get me to even stand up in the three months I have been here. I’m never going to get better if this continues. My parents think it’s no big deal and it’s nothing they can do anything about.
During the pandemic I was having health issues that was contributing to my having a dirty apartment. It was bad enough I was threatened with eviction until we hired a cleaning lady. Since then, I have resolved most issues other than mobility. That’s the last thing in my way.
Even when I get healthy enough to leave the nursing home, I’m not sure where I will go. Most low income housing is crime infested and ghetto. With my social security wages, I can’t afford even the utilities on my mom’s house. She lives in a nice, near crime free neighborhood with lots of young families and middle class retirees. I can’t afford a place like that. My brother still has two kids at home. Probably doesn’t have room for me. Maybe I could go back to Nebraska and live with one of my aunts. But both are elderly and live far away from even basic medical services. Farm living at my age and disability doesn’t appeal to me.
I’m not even sure social security disability will even be a thing in eight to ten years. The federal government already has a debt of almost 40 trillion dollars. Programs are being cut. But any politician who suggests tax increases is committing political suicide. My country is essentially bankrupt. But shit like that happens when your government runs deficits most years for more than 50 years. We painted ourselves into a corner. In short, it’s one massive and soggy shit sandwich and every American under the age of 60 is going to be eating it some every day for generations. It’s one of the reasons I don’t trust authority figures.
Even though I’ve had mostly setbacks for the last ten years, I refuse to give up. I flat out refuse to let my bullies and abusers get the best of me. I do find some satisfaction in seeing I outlived school bullies or abusive bosses and teachers. Sure, it’s petty. So are most American problems. 80 years of prosperity since the end of World War 2 has made us physically and intellectually lazy and immoral as a people. I fear that the troubles we have gone through the last several years are just Karma catching up to my nation. The thought fills me with dread. But Justice is eventually served, even if it takes generations to fully bloom.
Thanksgiving 2025
Been in my new home for almost three months now. Updates are in order. For starters, I have lost over 50 pounds since Labor Day. My blood pressure is stable enough that I need pills only once a day. I sleep mostly in the afternoons as it’s quieter in the overnight. I’m on good terms with most of the staff.
I’m probably going to start physical therapy to get to walking again in December. I’m kind of upset that they haven’t started me sooner. My pain is manageable with one dose of Tylenol per day. Most of my swelling is gone. The pain in my ankles and feet is gone.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I’m guessing the home will serve traditional Thanksgiving dinner. My brother is hosting Thanksgiving at his house this year. My mobility is still limited enough that I won’t be attending. I plan on being there next year.
I’m proud of the fact that I lost over 50 pounds in less than three months. At the rate I am going I probably will be able to walk again and even get in a car this time next year. Now that I know what I am capable of, my long-term goals are to get back to my old college weight. It will take a couple more years. It can be done.
I do miss home cooking like bratwursts and cheese soup. I miss Pizza Hut pizza too. I don’t miss being stuck in my own filth. For about a year between October 2024 and August 2025 I couldn’t walk well enough to get to the bathroom in my mom’s house. I’m going to be upset if all I had to do to regain my mobility was manage the swelling, manage the blood pressure, and lose a bunch of weight. All three I have done in the last three months.
And I have pretty much done it all on my own. My home wouldn’t even use the lift to get me out of the hospital bed the first six weeks I was here. My nurses never listened when I complained about pain. No one would let me do therapy. Of course, can’t do therapy if you are in pain all the time and the nurses won’t give me anything for pain no matter what. The call button is on a cord that is too short for me to reach from bed on my own, at least until I lost enough weight to get flexible again. About the only dam thing this new home has done for me is allowed me to have controlled portions and help me clean bowel movements. I got none of that at home. Mom and Dad are too sick and elderly to help me in that regard.
In short, it looks like all I had to do was get my swelling down, manage my pain, and lose a bunch of weight. I’m now kicking myself thinking I could have done all of this back home had the house been even a small bit handicap accessible.
The home didn’t believe I could recover. Neither did my parents. For a short while I had my own doubts. But I can accomplish almost anything if I have the right tools and enough time. I didn’t have the right tools at my parents’ house. Now I do.
I Moved to A Permanent Home
A lot has changed since I last wrote. In late August I got word that a long term care facility in Oklahoma City decided to accept me as a resident. I moved in last Saturday in August. Been here for almost two weeks now.
It is a large facility with several wings and over 300 beds. Even though I still can’t walk, I get out of my chair once a day with a lift for cleanings and stretching. I have lost 10 pounds in the two weeks I have been here. The food is excellent. The staff is friendly. I have already made a few friends on the staff. I don’t need as much for pain pills anymore. I’m getting to where some of the doses on my blood pressure meds have been cut. More often than not I have low blood pressure.
Breakfasts are usually my favorite meal. Lots of pancakes and sausage. Lots of eggs. Occasional grits and oatmeal. This place seems to like to serve more Italian meals than I expected.
I like it here. Far more laid back than the place I was in back in Nebraska. I get medications twice a day. I have a room to myself in a quiet part of the facility.
August 19 2025
School has started back up again here in Oklahoma. It’s still blazing hot most days as August is always the hottest time of year this far south. But the first Husker football game is a week from Thursday and on ESPN. It’s been a while since the Huskers played the first game of the season on one of the big traditional networks. I look forward to it.
Health wise I have stabilized. My blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels have been normal for the past several months. My joints, well, it depends on the day. Some days they feel great. Some days they feel like they are in their 90s. At least I live with family and can get help out on bad days.
I’m still saving money with every paycheck. I just like having a little extra money that I don’t have to commit to anything. Even though I make just less than 1000 dollars a month, I do have over 1000 dollars saved in case of an emergency. Sadly, slightly over half of Americans can’t claim that.
Summer 2025 and Mental Illness
I’ve been spending more time alone than usual this summer. My mom is done with physical therapy on her knee surgery. She’s getting around as good as ever after a couple months of regular therapy. I’m happy my mom is more mobile. But I am concerned about my desire to be more isolated than usual.
Summers are usually a tough time for me, tougher than normal. Haven’t had any major meltdowns this summer, but have had a couple sessions where I was alright after several minutes of ranting and raving. I see my psychiatrist this week. I plan on telling her I isolate more than normal and it concerns me. While I have never been Mr. Social Hour, it is concerning when I had days I flat out said I don’t care if I ever make any new friends or acquaintances. 45 years old is too young to give up on new people, schizophrenia or not.
Even though I make less than 1000 dollars a month, I still manage to have a decent time on such low wages. I pay rent every month, buy some groceries (I usually buy the non perishable food while mom and dad by vegetables, fresh meat, etc.), and manage to put a little into savings every month.
Splurging for me involves zero alcohol beer, chicken wings (I’m a sucker for garlic parmesan and medium hot wings from Pizza Hut), and Husker football games. The new season starts in a few weeks. Nebraska is expected to have a pretty decent team as most of our starters from last year’s team are coming back. I hope they are right.
I’ve also been losing fat all summer. My arms no longer jiggle, most of the fat around my lower stomach is gone. I’ve lost all the fat around my thighs. My calf muscles are huge even though I don’t walk much. I am able to walk from my recliner to my bed or my wheelchair. But I really don’t have much of a desire to leave my room.
I still socialize even though I don’t have much desire to leave my room. I have college friends I talk to a couple times a month. I talk to my brother usually once a week. I see my parents a few times a day.
I still get most of my sleep during the day. It’s been really hot here in Oklahoma lately. Typical August. Should start cooling off in a month or so. First football game is last weekend in August. First games are notorious for high temperatures.
I dream more these days. And I remember them better too. Most dreams involve me being back in childhood home town or in college. I sometimes dream about being back in Kearney and unable to find my apartment. I sometimes dream about floods and even modern ice ages. When I fall asleep during podcasts, which I do a couple times per week, I can hear the dialog in my dreams. I sometimes dream about being able to walk long distances again and even navigate stairs.
My pains have also changed. Some days I have no pain in my knees at all. Other days I hurt enough to know getting up would not be a good idea. I have more good days than I did even six months ago.
I think one of the reasons I spend so much time alone is because I want to be alone most of the time. Living in the suburbs, there are always people nearby. But in the small towns I used to live in, I couldn’t go anywhere without my neighbors knowing or commenting. It got real annoying. One thing I love about suburban living is the opportunity to be unseen and unnoticed when I want to be alone. I love the variety in restaurants too. I’m thankful my parents like trying new restaurants and bringing me some food when they get home.
I spend so much time alone because I can get most of my socializing done online or on the phone. Most of my groceries can be delivered via Kroger, Wal Mart, or even Door Dash. I can get almost everything from Amazon within two days as Oklahoma City has at least one huge Amazon facility.
Now that I have a home health care nurse who sees me once a week and a doctor come in every four to six weeks, I don’t even have to leave home for health care really. Haven’t been to a hospital in almost a year. I actually prefer doctors and nurses who make house calls. House calls were normal for generations. I’m glad they are an option again.
I haven’t driven a car in six years. I don’t miss it. I can get everything delivered. If I need a ride, I can hire an Uber or Lyft. My parents still have a car. My brother has a Tesla with self driving capabilities. I don’t need a car anymore, not even in the suburbs. I always thought the idea that everyone needed a car was ridiculous. I’m glad I now live in a time and place where I don’t need a car. Heck, the only time I really need to leave home is for medical emergency. I guess if I have to be chronic mentally ill and have bad mobility, most times and places are worse than 2025 Oklahoma City.
One of the things I am saving up for is a home humanoid robot. Sure it is several years off, but I am saving up for home humanoid help robot to help around the house, especially if my mobility never comes back. I don’t think most people realize how big robotics are going to be. Wouldn’t surprise me if robotics are bigger than even automotive in 10 years. I’m still amazed at how fast people adopted smart phones and Chatbots.
Thriving on the Edge of Change: How SSDI Recipients Can Prepare for the AI Revolution and Capitalize on Emerging Opportunities by 2030
Introduction
The world stands on the brink of an artificial intelligence (AI) revolution that promises to redefine industries, reshape economies, and transform the way humans live and work. While this change can be intimidating, it also brings unprecedented opportunities. For individuals on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the future may feel uncertain—but with thoughtful planning, skill development, and strategic choices, it’s possible not only to weather the transition but to thrive in it.
This essay offers a roadmap for SSDI recipients to prepare for the ongoing technological transformation, understand how to earn supplemental income legally under SSA guidelines, and explore investment strategies that align with their circumstances and goals—all within the time horizon of 2025 to 2030.
Part I: Understanding the AI Revolution and Why It Matters
What Is the AI Revolution?
Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence—such as learning, problem-solving, visual recognition, and language understanding. Over the next decade, AI is expected to be embedded in:
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Retail
- Transportation
- Education
- Customer service
- Creative industries
For people with disabilities, this revolution can be both empowering and disruptive.
Risks and Benefits for SSDI Recipients
Risks:
- Automation may eliminate some of the few jobs currently accessible to people with limited mobility or stamina.
- Cost of living may increase due to AI-driven inflation in some sectors.
- Technological change may outpace traditional disability support systems.
Benefits:
- AI tools can increase independence (e.g., AI assistants, voice control, predictive text).
- Remote and freelance work will become more available and flexible.
- Investing in AI-related industries could grow personal wealth, even on a fixed income.
Part II: Legal Considerations for SSDI Recipients
Before engaging in work or investing, SSDI recipients must understand the rules of the program to avoid jeopardizing their benefits.
Earning Income on SSDI
You can work while receiving SSDI, but your income must not exceed certain thresholds. As of 2025:
- Trial Work Period (TWP): You can earn any amount for 9 months without affecting your benefits.
- Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): After TWP, earning more than $1,550/month (non-blind) may affect eligibility.
- Ticket to Work Program: Offers support for training, job referrals, and work incentives.
Investing on SSDI
Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SSDI is not means-tested, which means you can own stocks, cryptocurrencies, and other assets without it affecting your benefits—as long as you’re not working above the income threshold.
Part III: Gaining Future-Proof Skills from Home
Many SSDI recipients face physical, cognitive, or mental health barriers that make traditional employment difficult. The good news is that many AI-related jobs and income streams are remote and flexible.
Accessible, Low-Cost Learning Platforms
- Coursera, Udemy, edX, Khan Academy: Offer free and low-cost courses in AI, digital marketing, finance, and more.
- LinkedIn Learning: Particularly strong for resume-ready certifications.
- Google and Microsoft Learning Paths: Free beginner courses in cloud computing, AI, and productivity tools.
Skills to Learn by 2030
- Digital Literacy: Basic computer, internet, and app usage.
- Data Annotation & AI Training Jobs: Many companies hire remote workers to label data.
- Prompt Engineering: Writing prompts for AI systems (like ChatGPT) is becoming a valued skill.
- Freelance Writing & Editing: Especially for blog content, marketing, or technical writing.
- Graphic Design with AI Tools: Using Canva, Midjourney, or DALL-E.
- Low-Code Development: Creating simple apps or automations without coding.
Part IV: Remote Money-Making Opportunities in the Age of AI
Here are legitimate, flexible income ideas compatible with SSDI rules:
1. AI-Powered Freelancing
Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour let you sell services such as:
- Content writing (with AI assistance)
- Transcription and captioning
- Virtual assistance
- SEO optimization
- Voiceovers or video narration
You can use AI to enhance your output without violating terms of service—as long as you’re upfront with clients.
2. Online Reselling & Drop Shipping
AI can help identify trends in product demand. Tools like JungleScout (for Amazon) or Zik Analytics (for eBay) assist with product research. You can run a part-time eBay or Etsy store from home.
3. Print-on-Demand
Designing AI-generated T-shirts, mugs, or wall art using sites like:
- Redbubble
- TeeSpring
- Printify (integrates with Etsy)
AI art tools like DALL·E 3, Midjourney, and Canva’s Magic Design make this easier.
4. AI Tutoring and Prompt Testing
Companies pay people to test AI tools or write prompts that train language models. Look for opportunities with:
- Scale AI
- Remotasks
- Appen
- Hive Micro
5. Digital Content Creation
Even without a huge following, AI can help you:
- Create a YouTube channel using stock footage and AI voiceovers.
- Write eBooks with the help of AI and sell on Amazon KDP.
- Start a niche blog and monetize with ads or affiliate links (AI tools like SurferSEO help optimize content).
Part V: Investing Wisely with Limited Resources
Even on a fixed SSDI income, it’s possible to grow wealth over time by starting small and staying consistent.
1. AI-Related ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds)
These funds invest in a basket of AI-related companies and tech innovators:
- Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ)
- ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ)
- iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (IRBO)
Benefits:
- Low barrier to entry (buy fractional shares)
- Diversification (less risk than individual stocks)
2. Fractional Shares via Apps
Platforms like Robinhood, Public, Fidelity, or Charles Schwab allow you to buy slices of expensive stocks (like NVIDIA, Microsoft, or Alphabet) for as little as $5.
3. Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)
Invest a small, fixed amount (e.g., $20/month) into ETFs or stocks, regardless of market conditions. This strategy builds wealth while reducing the impact of volatility.
4. Consider “Sin Stocks” or Alternative Investments
Some SSDI recipients with niche interests may invest in:
- Cannabis stocks (legalized in more states)
- eSports and Gaming ETFs
- Green Energy ETFs
Caution: These are riskier, so invest only small amounts you can afford to lose.
Part VI: Leveraging Government and Nonprofit Resources
You don’t have to do everything alone. Many free or subsidized services can help you on this journey.
1. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services
Each state has a VR agency to help people with disabilities:
- Develop career goals
- Receive job coaching
- Pay for online classes or equipment
2. PASS Plan (Plan to Achieve Self-Support)
The SSA PASS program lets you set aside money for work-related goals without it counting against your benefits. You can save for a laptop, online courses, or even a home office.
3. Community Tech Hubs and Libraries
Local nonprofits and public libraries often offer:
- Free internet
- Access to premium courses
- Business workshops and AI info sessions
Part VII: Protecting Your Mental and Financial Health
The AI revolution, while exciting, can be overwhelming. SSDI recipients are more vulnerable to scams, misinformation, and emotional burnout. Here’s how to stay grounded:
Avoiding Scams
- Never pay upfront to “work from home.”
- Be skeptical of “get-rich-quick” schemes on YouTube or TikTok.
- Research companies on the Better Business Bureau or Glassdoor.
Maintaining Wellbeing
- Join online disability groups focused on freelancing, tech, or investing.
- Use mental health apps like Calm, Headspace, or Woebot.
- Schedule breaks to avoid AI fatigue and screen overload.
Conclusion: From Fixed Income to Future Growth
Living on SSDI doesn’t mean you’re shut out of the AI future. In fact, the flexibility and accessibility of AI-powered tools can level the playing field for many people with disabilities. The key is to:
- Understand your limits and rights.
- Start learning and experimenting from home.
- Build micro-income streams that align with your lifestyle.
- Invest cautiously and consistently, even if it’s just $10 a month.
- Stay informed, stay supported, and stay curious.
By 2030, it’s entirely possible for someone on SSDI today to become an AI-savvy freelancer, a micro-investor, or even a content creator with passive income. With the right mindset and tools, you can thrive in the age of intelligent machines—even on a modest income.
A Life Of Mental Illness 