Chronic conditions are no joke, especially when they drastically change the way we live and experience our lives.
But beyond the daily lifestyle modifications, the expenses of treatments, and the continuing struggles of symptoms, flare-ups, and treatment side effects, there’s another vital aspect of disease management that people often forget:
Careers!
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For people living with a chronic condition, from diabetes to rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and so many more, flexibility in everyday life is key.
But what about at the workplace?
Whether you’ve been managing a condition for years throughout your career, or you were just recently diagnosed and have to change your future outlook, the right career choice can mean everything.
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Let’s detail five promising career choices for individuals with chronic conditions, and how they can make managing your condition (and living happily and successfully) that much easier.
1. Freelance Writing
Who wouldn’t like to have their own schedule, work from home, lounge on a beach, sit in the woods, all while being productive from their laptop or device? While not all jobs and careers are truly remote, even hybrid positions can make a world of difference for someone struggling to perform the typical 9-5.
Overall, freelance writing involves creating content, whether it’s articles, blogs, marketing copy, or technical documents, typically on a project-by-project basis. The best part is, you can often pursue interests and areas that are particularly right for you. Writers can specialize in niches like health, technology, or lifestyle, whatever floats their boat!
The reasons this type of career is so good for people with chronic conditions are multifold. Firstly, freelancers can more or less set their own schedules, which is crucial for managing unpredictable symptoms. Research has shown that flexible work hours may reduce stress by 30 percent in individuals with chronic illnesses, which is another way to control symptoms.
This type of work also often eliminates the need to travel, which cuts down on pains and aches from commuting. Better yet, freelance writing is often scalable, meaning you can adjust the workload up or down depending on how you feel, your area of expertise, and other concerns. Given its low physical demand, high ‘freedom factor,’ and appeal to intellectual interest, freelance writing is a particularly attractive option for many people with chronic conditions.
However, there are a few negatives to note. For instance, the income levels can vary greatly, anywhere from $20-$100/hour for most freelancers. Because of this unpredictability, stress may escalate, especially if you’re struggling to make ends meet already.
You also need to be highly self-disciplined, managing your work schedule and being productive at the right times. Finally, it’s important to realize that some freelancers find isolation and detachment a major negative after a while. If you’re a people person, extended freelance work might not be for you.
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2. Virtual Health Coaching
What’s a virtual health coach?
Put simply, virtual health coaches guide clients on wellness goals. It could be a weekly or monthly nutrition plan, an exercise regimen, or chronic disease management strategies. Typically done via video calls or apps, virtual health coaching is a great way to connect with others without having to constantly travel to see them in person.
Just be sure you’re certified, such as through ACE or NBHWC, which is required in most cases.
If you’re looking for flexible hours, meaningful impact, conservation of bodily energy (especially for people with conditions like MS), and an industry with a growing demand, then you should definitely consider virtual health coaching.
Just be mindful of some downsides, such as certification costs, which can range up to $5,000, and other costs, such as the emotional toll of supporting other people’s life goals. Research shows that at least a third of virtual health coaches report emotional fatigue and burnout, and given that income can vary widely from $30-$100/hour, it can sometimes be hard to stay motivated.
That said, if you’re an empathetic, self-driven, health-conscious individual, this career choice might just be the perfect choice for you.
3. Remote Data Analysis
Remote data analysts are number-crunchers!
If you like to interpret, analyze, and aggregate data using tools like Python, R, or Excel, then this could be the fit for you. The best part is, many industries – finance, healthcare, and tech – all need people in these positions. The roles are also quite varied, including everything from data scientists to business analysts, market researchers, and more.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a projected 35 perceng growth in data science jobs, with median earnings of $103,000/year. Not bad, eh?
Then you also get the perks of a flexible environment (i.e., home-based work) and a reduced physical strain. It’s remote, it’s intellectually engaging, and you can even adjust your workload, especially if you’re working on a project-by-project basis.
Just remember: there’s a bit of a learning curve. In most cases, you should be proficient in tools and programs like SQL or Tableau, both of which can require training totaling upwards of $2,000. Some of the more pressing cognitive tasks may also cause flare-ups in certain chronic conditions, such as lupus.
And then you’ve got the fact that this job can be very sedentary. You’ll spend a lot of time sitting and staring at a screen, with many tight deadlines and high-pressure projects to manage. If you’re an analytical mind and this sounds like something for you, take the dive and see how you like it!
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4. Online Education
Online educators are becoming more and more prominent these days, especially with the advent of remote programs and AI-driven curricula. Many educators, in fact, are teaching via platforms like Zoom or LMS, providing courses in everything from academic subjects to life skills and adventurous hobbies.
Best part, you can tap into roles ranging from K-12 tutoring to university lecturing and even course creation! The options, in many ways, are endless.
As an online educator, you also have the opportunity to teach part-time or pre-record content, the latter of which is a great option if you suffer from flare-ups. According to research from Education and Work, 70 percent of online teachers with chronic conditions report better work-life balance.
As with the other jobs in this article, you’ll also save time, money, and headaches by not having to commute. Your work is purposeful, your income is scalable, and your clients are people you care about. Typically, tutors earn $20-$80/hour, whereas some course creators can generate passive income up to $10,000/month!
Sound like something you’d want to try? Just remember, you’re going to need to plan ahead, as you may need plenty of preparation time, especially when you’re feeling sapped. You may also face certain technology barriers, which can contribute to cognitive fog and emotional fatigue. If you find yourself dealing with recurring exhaustion, remember that many of these educator jobs demand energy for student-teacher engagement.
If you have education experience, love to connect with others, and have a love for creative academic solutions, this career path could be yours!
5. Accessibility Consultancy
Never heard of this job title?
Basically, an ‘accessibility consultant’ is someone who advises organizations on making products, services, or spaces. These products, services, and spaces are specifically tailored for people with disabilities and chronic conditions, so if you yourself have a chronic condition, who better to know than you?
Roles in this career domain involve auditing websites, workplaces, or policies for compliance.
In one study from Disability and Society, researchers found that consultants with disabilities were 30 percent more effective in identifying barriers. The job is also easier on people with disabilities because of its flexible remote nature, and thanks to the fact that it’s a growing field – paying up to $150/hr – it’s definitely an attractive option for many.
Before you take the deep dive, make sure you understand a few key things. Various certifications can cost thousands of dollars, such as those for a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC). You will also face unique client pressures, often incorporating complex audits, strict deadlines, and ongoing physical and mental health demands.
Can you see yourself doing this? One way to get your foot in the door is by exploring freelance platforms like Fiverr or going directly to firms like Deque Systems.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to you.
Because chronic conditions can vary in impact, whether it’s fatigue, pain, brain fog, or other symptoms, only you and your doctor know what’s best. So don’t rush it. Do your due research, assess your energy levels, know your skillset, and always remember your financial needs.
Look into platforms like FlexJobs for remote roles, and definitely explore non-profits like Chronic Disease Coalition for career workshops. Vocational rehabilitation programs through the U.S. Department of Labor cover many of the training and other costs for disabled individuals.
So get going. Your new career is soon underway!
