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Let’s be honest, life is tough without a chronic illness. Tack on a chronic illness and you get… chaos.

Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed, misdiagnosed, or living with a chronic illness for years, you may relate. But your dreams matter, including those that you have for your career. 

You might have well-meaning loved ones and doctors telling you that you should just let your dreams go, or that you need to change your plans for the future.

While they may have the best intentions at heart, ultimately only you can decide what is best for you, and you should never give up on your dreams.

It’s tough to struggle with a chronic illness, but sometimes your career can be the perfect distraction. It may be something you look forward to, and it may even provide fulfillment in your life.

If that sounds like you, or you think it might, then keep reading on. In this article, I’m going to provide you with 10 key tips you can use to help you navigate your career while managing a chronic illness. Use these simple tips and you’ll be well on your way to career success.

Why Your Career Dreams Matter

My Crohn’s disease diagnosis nearly 20 years ago brought on a mix of emotions, but the one that stood out the most at the time was fear. I had dreams for my future, and I worried that my diagnosis would hamper my dreams.

While it wasn’t easy, I still managed to build a successful career, which was incredibly important to me at the time.

My career brought me joy, pride, fulfillment, self-esteem, and financial security, among numerous other benefits.

Not only did my work benefit me, but it greatly benefitted my colleagues and company as well. I enjoyed working on the team, and I provided unique perspectives from my experiences.

Your perspective and efforts are worth sharing with the world too. As someone that struggles with a chronic illness, you can share your unique perspective and provide valuable insight that can change things for the better.

5 Benefits of Building a Thriving Career

Living with a chronic illness is challenging, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have a successful career. In fact, many people with chronic illnesses have found ways to thrive in their professional lives.

A thriving career can provide numerous benefits, like the following:

1. Financial security. 

A stable career can help you afford the best possible medical care and treatment. It can also give you peace of mind knowing that you have a steady income, even if your illness forces you to take time off work.

2. Self-esteem. 

Career success can lead to improved self-esteem and a sense of worth. It can show you that you are capable and valuable, even with a chronic illness. This can be especially important if your illness has made you feel isolated or less capable.

I know how a chronic illness can make you feel defeated, tired, and worthless at times, so having something that gives you pride can be a perfect boost to your self-esteem. 

3. A sense of purpose. 

A career can provide meaning and a sense of purpose in your life. It can allow you to use your skills and talents to make a difference in the world, even if it’s just in a small way. 

This can be a source of great satisfaction and fulfillment, even when you’re facing health challenges.

4. Social connections. 

The workplace can be a great place to build social connections with colleagues, clients, and other professionals. These connections can provide you with support, friendship, and a sense of belonging. 

They can also be a valuable resource to help you better treat your chronic illness.

5. A sense of control. 

If your chronic illness makes you feel out of control, you’re not alone. It may at times feel like your life is hanging on a thread, and medicine is barely keeping that thread intact.

A thriving career can give you a sense of control over your life. It can allow you to set your own goals, make your own choices, and achieve your own dreams. This can be especially important if your illness has made you feel like you have lost control of your life.

Balancing a career with a chronic illness can certainly add challenges, but the benefits can be significant.

10 Key Tips to Support Your Career Success Journey

Here are 10 tips to help you navigate your career while balancing a chronic illness:

1. Learn and understand your rights. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with disabilities from discrimination in the workplace. This means that you have the right to request reasonable accommodations from your employer, such as flexible work hours, telecommuting, or modified duties.

Don’t be afraid to exercise your rights if it means you’ll be more productive and capable at work.

2. Be open with your employer. 

Once you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic illness, it’s important to be open with your employer about your condition. This will help them understand your needs and make accommodations as needed.

While you don’t need to tell them all the gory details, make sure they understand the impact your condition can have on your life and potentially, on your work.

3. Manage your condition with a medical professional. 

You might be rolling your eyes at this one, but the truth is that the better you can manage your health, the more capable of an employee you will be.

Easier said than done? Undoubtedly! But make sure you’re following your doctor’s orders, taking your medications, and getting enough food and rest.

Also, if you’re finding that your medical professionals aren’t serving your best interests, then find someone else that will provide you with the support you need and deserve.

4. Set realistic goals and expectations. 

While you don’t want to give up on your dreams, you DO want to set realistic expectations.

There may be certain things you struggle with more, or that take you more time. Be realistic about your limitations, or where you might need more time and support.

You and your career will be better set for success when you set realistic expectations.

Psst… need a tool to help you keep track of the progress you’re making on your goals? I recommend using ClickUp.

5. Find a supportive workplace. 

Not all workplaces are created equal. If you’re not comfortable talking about your condition with your employer, or if you feel like you’re not getting the support you need, it may be time to look for a new job.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 

There are many resources available to help people with chronic illnesses succeed in their careers. These resources can provide you with information, support, and advocacy.

7. Take care of yourself. 

This means making sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Taking care of your physical and mental health will help you to be more productive at work.

8. Don’t give up. 

There will be times when it’s tough and you may want to give up but don’t give up on your dreams. With hard work and perseverance, you can achieve your career goals.

9. Celebrate your successes. 

When you reach a goal, take some time to celebrate your successes. This will help you stay motivated and focused on your goals in the long term.

10. Remember, you’re not alone. 

There are millions of people around the world who are living with a chronic illness. You’re not alone in this journey.

Reach out to your network, or find support groups if you find yourself needing more support. There are others like you that struggle, and it’s not always going to be easy, but it is possible if you focus on what matters and get the support you need.

If you’re struggling but intent on achieving your dreams, talk to your doctor, a social worker, or a career counselor for more support. There are also online resources available. 

With the right support, you can build a thriving career that is fulfilling and rewarding.

Navigating a career with a chronic illness can be challenging, but it’s definitely possible, and your dreams deserve your focus! By following these tips, you can achieve career success.

Additional Resources

• The National Organization on Disability
• The American Chronic Pain Association
• The Invisible Disabilities Association

Think achieving career success while balancing a chronic illness will FIRE Your Career? Check out the posts page for more ways you can FIRE Your Career and achieve financial freedom.

FIRE Your Career: Achieve Financial Freedom Through Your Career & Spend MORE Time Doing What You Love.

Products I recommend in this article:

ClickUp (my recommended goal-tracking and project management tool)