【原创】“Will I be able to work until I’m 70?” Those were my first words when I learned in 2014, at the age of 50, that I had Parkinson’s disease. I had not planned for that question to pop out of my mouth, but it did. Perhaps I was worried about my money. The size of my retirement account makes early retirement seem impossible. But mainly I think I asked that question because work, for better or worse, has become central to my identity. The idea that my career as a historian would end soon felt truly disturbing.
As professors, we often complain about our jobs: we teach too much, we are paid too little, and the library needs more books. But I can’t imagine a better career. We teach young people, and we find the time to read and write about topics we love. We receive a degree of respect. Even my doctor calls me “Professor”.
And, most importantly, we have relative job security. When I received my diagnosis, my question about keeping my job was not ridiculous. In a market-based social system, the threat of job loss is terrifying. Imagine the pressure faced by a Parkinson’s sufferer with no job security. It could be disastrous for someone who needs manual dexterity at work, such as a construction worker.
In contrast, I am lucky: I have tenure(终身职位), which gives me a feeling of security that even popular entertainers may lack. Tenure does not guarantee me a job as long as I can perform y duties.
Will I be able to work until I’m 70? I think so. I know that my family and I will face new challenges, but I don’t expect a decline in my job performance. My students may find my appearance a bit odd, but if they do, then that will be a “teachable moment”.
What did the author worry about first when he learned he was ill?

A．He didn’t have enough money for an operation.

B．The disease would ruin his career.

C．He wouldn’t live until the age of 70.

D．He would be forced to retire early.

According to the passage, which of the following statements is TRUE?

A．Professors always complain about their jobs.

B．Professors have no time to do anything else but teach.

C．The author doesn’t know what he would do if he were not a professor.

D．The author thinks he is respected by others because of his work.

The underlined phrase in the third paragraph, “manual dexterity” probably means _____________.

A．the ability to use one’s hands

B．the ability to see clearly

C．the ability to use one’s mind

D．the ability to solve problems

The best title for this passage is _________________________.

A．Losing My Career to Illness

B．The Threat of Job Loss

C．Keep Away from Disease

D．The Pressure of Parkinson’s