Behind every chronic illness is just a person trying to find their way in the world. We want to find love and be loved and be happy just like you. We want to be successful and do something that matters. We’re just dealing with unwanted limitations in our hero’s journey. — Glenn Schweitzer
Living with endometriosis or any chronic illness can be an uphill battle, especially when it comes to juggling a demanding 9-5, full-time job. The unpredictable nature of flare-ups, persistent pain, frequent doctor's appointments, and tests can make every workday feel like an endurance test. Despite the challenges, many endo warriors persevere because of financial obligations or the love they have for their chosen careers.
If you're finding yourself in the predicament of having to rethink your career choice then I'm here to jump to the rescue. I've taken some time to think about some possible job options that you can consider, which offer flexibility and the ability to work from home, making it easier for most warriors to find a balance between health and career.
Consulting or Freelancing: Consulting or freelancing allows you to work on specific projects or tasks for different clients. This flexible arrangement lets you set your own schedule and work from the comfort of your home, making it ideal for managing endometriosis symptoms.
Virtual Assistant: With the rise of remote work, the demand for virtual assistants has soared. As a virtual assistant, you'll provide administrative support, manage schedules, and handle various tasks for clients, all from your home office.
Content Creator: If you have a flair for writing, creating videos, or engaging on social media, consider becoming a content creator. This job allows you to share your passions and expertise with the world while maintaining control over your schedule.
Digital Communications and Design: Working in the digital communications and design field allows you to utilise your creative talents from home. With digital tools and online collaboration, you can stay connected to your team and clients virtually.
Remote Customer Support: Many companies now offer remote customer support positions. You can assist customers, answer queries, and resolve issues from the comfort of your home, making it easier to manage endometriosis-related challenges.
E-commerce Business Owner: Starting an e-commerce business can provide a flexible source of income. You can sell products online, manage orders, and handle customer service from your home, tailoring your workload to your health needs.
Online Tutoring or Teaching: If you have a passion for education, consider online tutoring or teaching. With virtual classrooms and flexible schedules, you can support students and share knowledge while managing your health.
Health and Wellness Coaching: As an endometriosis warrior, you have valuable insights into managing health and wellness. Becoming a health coach or wellness consultant can allow you to empower others and provide support remotely.
Remote Project Management: Project management roles often offer remote options, allowing you to oversee and coordinate projects from your home. This job lets you control your schedule and workload, easing the impact of endometriosis symptoms.
Artist: Being an artist is a wonderful alternate job option if you're seeking a creative and flexible career that can be pursued from the comfort of home. As an artist, you can channel your emotions, experiences, and unique perspectives into your art, creating powerful and meaningful pieces. Whether you excel in painting, drawing, photography, digital art, or crafting, expressing yourself through art can be therapeutic and empowering.
You see, for endo warriors, daily life can be an exhausting rollercoaster of symptoms. The unrelenting pain, debilitating fatigue, and brain fog can severely impact work productivity and overall well-being. The constant need for medical appointments and tests adds another layer of stress to the already challenging situation. Coping with these symptoms while maintaining a regular work schedule can feel overwhelming.
Yet, many endo warriors push through the hardships because they have bills to pay and financial responsibilities to meet. Their determination and resilience drive them to endure the pain and discomfort, striving to succeed in their careers. For some, it's not just about the financial aspect but also the love they have for their job, the camaraderie with their team, or their passion for their chosen career path, which keeps them going even on the most challenging days.
Having a flexible work arrangement can be a lifeline for endo warriors. Working from home or having a hybrid model, like myself, allows for a better balance between health needs and job responsibilities. Since the onset of COVID and lockdowns, I've been fortunate to work from home for the past three years. It has been a perfect fit for managing my endometriosis symptoms and coping with anxiety, which has spiked during this time.
Working from home as an endo warrior has indeed been a game-changer, providing me with invaluable benefits that cater to my health needs. Taking a quick nap during lunchtime can help recharge my energy, easing the fatigue that often accompanies endometriosis, or to make up for sleep time lost due to painsomnia or just normal insomnia. The absence of office distractions allows me to focus better on my tasks, ensuring higher productivity.
On challenging days, I can comfortably work from my bed, which is a lifesaver when pain flares up. I get to wear super comfortable loungewear or remain in my cosy PJs all day, without worrying about dressing up for the office. Working from home also eliminates the need to conceal emotions like crying during tough moments, or using a hot water bottle for soothing relief on my lap or back on scorching hot summer days. These simple comforts make a world of difference in managing my endometriosis journey.
However, it's essential to clarify that working from home doesn't translate to less work or lazing around all day. Whether in online retail, handmade business, or any other work-from-home job, results and meeting deadlines remain crucial. While the above job suggestions offer flexibility, they still require dedication and commitment to deliver quality work. As an artist, entrepreneur, or consultant, ensuring productivity is vital to maintain financial stability.
Self-discipline becomes even more critical when managing your own schedule and workload. Despite the comfort and convenience, it's crucial to stay focused and driven to achieve your goals, ensuring that you can continue pursuing your passion and making a meaningful impact, even as an endo warrior.
With the world returning to a sense of "normalcy," the announcement of a full-time return to the office filled me with immense anxiety. The prospect of dealing with symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, pain, and insomnia in a traditional office environment was daunting. Thankfully, my employer understands the challenges I face, and my management has provided me with the flexibility to continue working one day per week and once ready, two days per week in the office, post-surgery.
In my role as a digital communications and design professional, I am fortunate to work in an online space, even with a hybrid model. My team is scattered across the globe, allowing for many virtual meetings and collaboration. This setup has been a game-changer for managing my health while contributing to my career.
I know that not everyone battling endometriosis has the privilege of working from home. Many find themselves in industries that don't allow for remote work, such as retail, banking, medical, sales, construction, engineering, and other face-to-face, client-facing roles. To these brave individuals, I offer my heartfelt support and strength. Pushing through the challenges, whether in your dream job or not, requires immense resilience.
Having a support system is essential for all endo warriors and those facing chronic illness. Emotionally, financially, mentally, spiritually, and physically, a strong support network provides the foundation for resilience and hope. We stand together, offering comfort and strength to those balancing multiple jobs to meet daily expenses or medical bills. For those juggling various roles, such as being a parent, partner, carer, breadwinner, employee, and/or student, we offer our solidarity and encouragement.
Finding the right job that accommodates your endometriosis needs can be challenging but not impossible. The key is to seek roles that offer flexibility and remote work options, allowing you to manage your health while pursuing a fulfilling career. I shared the above job ideas as possible options for you to consider, but there are many more possibilities to explore. Do your research, consider your interests and skills, and tailor your career to suit your health needs.
To all those persevering, whether you are in a remote job or not, remember that you are not alone. Lean on your support system, draw strength from their love and understanding, and know that we are all in this together. Together, we'll make it through the tough times and embrace the hope for a brighter, healthier future.
Signed
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