When The Mighty Managing Editor, Renee Fabian, interviewed me about looking for a job when you live with a chronic illness, I was grateful to have the chance to share what I’ve learned. This was one of the first topics I wrote about and it continues to be one of the most pressing issues for my clients. Why? Because living with chronic illness is hard enough. We need to do the best we can to make the world we live and work in spaces where we’ve got the best chance of success.
For a quick read, read the article highlights with my own italicized notes of clarification. For more detail, read the entire article in The Mighty or in the Financial Yahoo News . FYI — If you haven’t checked out The Mighty, you should. It’s a terrific resource.
When you’re ready to check out your work options, Joffe said you need to first take stock of where you’re at with your health and abilities. (Note: Most people start with what jobs are available. But chronic illness creates challenges that are unique. Start by creating your personal profile so that you’re most likely to look for jobs that would be the best possible fit for you.)
- What kind of work Can I do ? “Let’s say a person has been employed and had to leave … they can’t do that job any longer,” Joffe said. “Now, the question is, can I continue to do the kind of work I’ve been doing?” (Do I need to make a career switch rather than just a job switch?)
- What kind of work do you want to do? After taking stock of what feels doable for you with work, it’s important to consider what you might actually enjoy, including what field or career might interest you. (When you’re living with waxing/waning debilitating symptoms, it’s much easier to push yourself to work when you’re highly motivated.)
- Figure out what you need in a job. The next item to consider is what you will need from a job to be successful. What kind of accommodations or work arounds will help you reach your goals? What are your ‘must haves’ versus ‘this would be great, if….(It’s useful to know your must have’s and your wants. The key is making a distinction so you can prioritize)
- Take a look at your resume. Gaps in your work history … can be difficult to explain on a resume. “… think about how are you going to look to a prospective employer? … What might they question about you? And how can you be best prepared for that?”
- Get Ready to Research Jobs. Research jobs considering how they fit your personal profile. (Remember that your greatest chance for success lies in the fit with your profile)
- Decide if you should disclose your chronic illness (before you have the job). Think about what would be in your best interest. (Since there isn’t a right or wrong , think about pros and cons to give you a picture of what works best for you in a specific situation.)
- (If) You Plan … to Disclose Your Illness… during the interview or hiring phase, prepare what to say and when. Stay professional and unemotional.
- Ask for what you need (Whether you disclose or not) (accommodations or workarounds) so you can maximize your chances of success. (Frame it by explaining these workarounds will allow you to deliver your best performance.) (See my Career Thrive GuideBooks, Are You Talking? for a detailed look at this.)
- Remember you have a lot to offer. You are still the same person you were before you developed … debilitating symptoms. (Make sure to remind yourself that.) . . .you have something specific to offer and what it is.
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