Can You Have a Career with Chronic Illness? The Truth No One Talks About

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can have a career while managing chronic illness, let me tell you this: you absolutely can. But it’s not as simple as "just pushing through" or "finding the right job." The reality is more nuanced, and that's what we’re diving into today.

The Biggest Career Myths About Chronic Illness

Let’s bust some of the biggest myths that hold people with chronic illness back from pursuing a fulfilling career:

🛑 Myth 1: You have to work full-time to have a ‘real’ career
A career is about impact, growth, and financial stability—not how many hours you work. Part-time roles, freelancing, and remote work are all valid career paths.

🛑 Myth 2: Employers won’t hire someone with a chronic illness
Discrimination exists, but so do supportive workplaces. More businesses now recognise the value of diversity, flexibility, and inclusive hiring practices. The key is finding the right fit.

🛑 Myth 3: A ‘stable job’ is the safest option
For some, traditional employment works. For others, self-employment, consulting, or portfolio careers (multiple part-time roles) offer more flexibility and stability.

How to Build a Career That Works for You

1. Define Your Career Goals (Not Someone Else’s)

Success isn’t about climbing the corporate ladder—it’s about designing a career that aligns with your energy levels, strengths, and passions. Ask yourself:

✅ What kind of work excites me?
✅ What work schedule suits my health needs?
✅ What skills do I already have (or want to develop)?

2. Be Honest About Your Health Needs

Ignoring your limits doesn’t help—it leads to burnout. Instead, think about:

💡 Work structure: Do you need remote work? Flexible hours?
💡 Pacing: Can you break up your workload across the week?
💡 Workplace support: Will you need adjustments like ergonomic equipment or a quiet workspace?

3. Look for Flexible Work Options

Gone are the days when you had to be tied to a 9-to-5 desk job. Some career paths that work well for people with chronic illness include:

📍 Remote jobs (Writing, design, coding, admin, customer support)
📍 Freelancing or consulting (Coaching, marketing, virtual assistance)
📍 Creative careers (Writing, art, photography)
📍 Self-employment (Running an online business, selling digital products)

4. Build Financial Security in a Way That Works for You

Financial stability is critical when managing a chronic illness. Consider:

💰 Passive income: Online courses, digital products, rental income
💰 Savings buffers: A cushion for medical costs or time off
💰 Government/Workplace benefits: Understanding your entitlements

5. Manage Your Energy Like a Business Asset

Your energy is your most valuable resource. Prioritise:

⏳ Boundaries: Say no to work that drains you
⏳ Smart scheduling: Plan demanding tasks when you have the most energy
⏳ Breaks & rest: View rest as productivity, not laziness

The Bottom Line: A Career is Possible—But on Your Terms

Chronic illness may shape your career, but it doesn’t have to stop you from having one. The key is rethinking what success looks like, making work fit your life (not the other way around), and choosing options that support your health.

P.S.

Adulting Well was started to give people, just like you, more knowledge so you could make the best choices possible – even with chronic illness.

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