More than 30% of people in the U.K. live with chronic pain. Doctors define “chronic pain” as any pain that lasts for 3-6 months or longer. The pain can come from any source, with some common causes being accidents, surgery complications, arthritis, diabetes, migraines, fibromyalgia, and so on.
Whatever way your chronic pain manifests, it is something that can impede you from getting a job and staying in a job. Managing chronic pain can be difficult in the workplace and sometimes it can feel like there is no hope. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. There are lots of ways in which people with chronic pain can be supported in both recruitment and employment.
Keep reading to find out more.
Can I Work With Chronic Pain?
Absolutely! There are lots of jobs and roles that will be suitable for people living with chronic pain syndrome. Some of the most popular types of jobs amongst people with chronic pain include:
- Office work
- Remote work
- Freelancing and self-employment
- Customer service and call centre roles
- Accountancy and payroll jobs
- Software and development roles
The industry or job role that is best suited to you will depend on many factors outside of your health condition, including your personality type, interests, qualifications, and experience. Ultimately, what job you do should depend on what you want to do and not what you are limited to because of your chronic pain.
There is plenty of support out there to help you manage your pain while you are in employment too, so don’t think that your chronic pain means you are out of the game forever. Under U.K. equality law, employers are required to make the Reasonable Adjustments that you need to do your work comfortably and in a way that is equal to those around you. No matter what job you are in, you can be supported to make things better for you and the management of your chronic pain syndrome.
Your disability doesn’t have to keep you away from work, it simply needs to be managed appropriately and with respect.
How Do I Find the Best Jobs for People With Chronic Pain?
The best thing for you as someone living with chronic pain will be finding an employer that is willing to support you with your health condition at work.
Finding an employer that is Disability-Friendly can make a world of difference when it comes to managing chronic pain at work. If you are supported and cared for with the Reasonable Adjustments that you need, your happiness and well-being at work can dramatically improve.
It is all about finding the right company and the right employer. Luckily, you can find a live job board with job postings from all sorts of accessible and inclusive employers on Careers with Disabilities.
