10 Tips to Enhance Your Professional Development While You Balance a Chronic Illness
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If professional development matters to you and you’re balancing a chronic illness, you’re in the right place.
It’s not easy to balance a chronic illness with your professional pursuits, but if career advancement matters to you then it’s important to consider your professional development.
So how do you balance your professional and health needs? It’s not an easy balance to achieve, and if you’re anything like me, then you probably have to make frequent adjustments on your journey.
You don’t need to sacrifice your health or your career, but achieving that balance is essential if you dream of advancing your career.
In this article, you’ll get 10 tips you can use on your professional development journey so that you can better balance your chronic illness and your career goals.
Why Does Professional Development Matter?
If your goals include climbing a corporate ladder, then professional development is essential to secure more advanced roles.
Climbing the corporate ladder isn’t for everyone, and in truth, I reached a point in my own career where I decided I didn’t want that next step.
Professional development only really matters if you’re planning on taking that next step – whatever it is for you.
Perhaps the next step for you is getting a job like your boss’s, or it might even be making a career transition.
In any case, you’ll want to have a professional development plan to secure the skills you’ll need to
- Look like an appealing candidate for future, more advanced roles
- Be successful in the new roles you eventually take on
Career advancement is challenging for anyone, but it’s especially challenging if you’re managing a chronic illness on top of it. If you think professional development is right for you, then keep reading on because up next are 10 tips you can use on your journey to success.
10 Tips to Help You Balance Professional Development with a Chronic Illness
It can be difficult to balance your career and personal life, even if your health is optimal. Add in a chronic illness and it becomes that much more of a challenge.
Despite the challenge, it is possible to achieve success if you’re willing to put in the effort (and if your health reasonably cooperates).
Here are 10 tips you can use to enhance your career and professional development while you balance your chronic illness:
Prioritize your health.
Easier said than done? Undoubtedly. While your health may not always be in your control, do your part to manage your well-being. Visit your doctor(s) routinely and follow doctor’s orders.
This is the most important tip on this list, ESPECIALLY if you have a chronic illness. If you aren’t taking proper care of your health then you won’t be able to be your best at work.
Communicate openly with your employer.
While it may be a difficult conversation to have with your employer, be open and honest about your chronic illness and how it can impact your work. This will help them better understand your health needs.
Your employer may be able to make accommodations for you, such as flexible work hours or a modified work schedule, which may also help you be a more effective employee (an overall win/win!).
Set realistic goals.
If you’re anything like me, then you may be too ambitious for your own good. It took me years to realize my ambitions were costing my health, so learn from my mistakes and set realistic goals for yourself.
Don’t try to do too much at once. Set small, achievable goals for your professional development and celebrate your successes along the way.
Psst… if you need a tool to help you keep track of the progress you’re making toward your professional development goals, I highly recommend using ClickUp (their free tier alone is AMAZING!).
Take breaks and delegate tasks where possible.
Don’t be afraid to take breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This will help you stay focused and productive.
Also, don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to others. This will free up your time so that you can focus on your professional development.
Find a support system.
It’s easy to believe you’re alone with your dreams and struggles, but you’re not.
There are others like you that dream of building a successful career while managing their chronic illness.
It helps to have others that understand what you’re going through. Connect with people on social media or with non-profit communities that support people with your diagnosis.
You can also talk to your friends, family, or a therapist about your challenges, and they can help you build a plan that supports your professional development goals.
Take care of your mental health.
A chronic illness can take a massive toll on your mental health. After all, it can be a burden to deal with frequent pain and recurring health issues. At times, it may feel like a nonstop battle.
Where possible, practice self-care, and seek professional help if you need it. There’s no shame in getting the support you need to be healthy and successful.
Take advantage of resources.
There are many resources available to help people with chronic illnesses balance their careers. These resources can provide you with information, support, and practical advice.
Research options that may be available to you and don’t be afraid to reach out to organizations that support individuals with your chronic illness. They are there to support you!
Don’t give up and be patient with yourself.
It may be challenging to balance your professional development needs and a chronic illness, but it is possible. Be patient with yourself and don’t give up on your dreams!
Ask for help.
If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’re never alone!
I’m also super passionate about supporting fellow chronic illness warriors, so tell me about your specific circumstances in the comments below and I’d be happy to lend you my support.
Celebrate your successes.
It’s important to celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. This will help you stay motivated so that you can keep moving forward.
Follow these tips and you’ll be well positioned to balance your professional development needs with your chronic illness.
Remember, you’re not alone. You may face health struggles, but there are people that are willing to support you.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you succeed in your career and with your professional development goals:
Find a job that’s a good fit for your health.
Depending on your health needs, you may want to find a job that is less physically demanding or less stressful. You may also find it helpful to work in a role that allows you to work from home.
Consider working from home.
Working from home can give you more flexibility and control over your work environment. This can be helpful if you have a chronic illness that requires you to take breaks throughout the day or if you have to adjust your work schedule.
Take advantage of sick leave and disability benefits.
If you have a chronic illness, you may be eligible for sick leave or disability benefits. These benefits can help you take time off work when you need it and ensure that you have financial security if you’re unable to work.
Don’t be afraid to ask for accommodations.
If you have a disability (whether or not it’s a chronic illness), you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation at work. These accommodations may make your job more accessible and manageable.
With hard work and determination, you can achieve your goals. Comment below with any of your questions. I look forward to supporting you and your success.
Good luck on your professional development journey!
Additional Resources
Recommended Reading:
How to Navigate a Career with a Chronic Illness: 10 Tips for Career Success
Top 10 Best Side Hustles for the Chronic Illness Warrior
External Organizations
- The Campaign for Disability Employment
- The Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
- The National Organization on Disability (NOD)
- The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
- The American Chronic Pain Association
- The Invisible Disabilities Association
Think advancing your professional development while balancing your chronic illness will help you 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.
Tools I recommend in this article:
ClickUp (my recommended goal-tracking tool)
