Somehow, the human capacity allows for such “non-engagement engagement” — of being able to operate without being fully engaged with the world, yet at an acceptable and safe level such that you can still accomplish certain things intended. The “autopilot” is a mechanism of the subconscious which allows for performance without being fully conscious of engaging in that performance of actions.
Autopilot can occur in multiple and varied circumstances: Driving is a prime example, where we can be deep in thought and perform the mechanical actions of driving, and when we arrive at our destination, we wonder how we got there, as we were never fully conscious of being engaged in the act of driving.
Autopilot can also occur when we are multi-tasking — of typing furiously away while talking on the telephone, responding appropriately, yet not fully engaged. Or in general conversation when we reply with the pablum of autopilot’s routine: “How are you?” “Fine, and you?” “Good. Anything new?” “No, just the same old things.”
For Federal employees and U.S. Postal workers who suffer from a medical condition, however, being on autopilot becomes less and less of a capability; for, the medical condition itself often forces one to be fully aware, to be constantly engaged, to be heightened at all times because of the pain experienced, the anguish felt, the anxiety encountered. Without one’s autopilot, life can be exhausting.
Consult with a Federal Disability Retirement Lawyer and consider the possibility of a Federal Disability Retirement. It may allow you to have the time to recuperate so that your autopilot can be further engaged.
Sincerely,
Robert R. McGill, Esquire
OPM Disability Retirement, Et Cetera… 