The struggle to find work that accommodates chronic illness and disability is not new. Many of us exist in a grey space — able to work, but not in the environments offered by our employers. We face a choice to either give up our careers and income or push through unhealthy situations for as long as we can, suffering throughout and eventually crashing. Maybe we’ve asked our employers to make a change and been denied. Or perhaps we’ve avoided the conversation because we can’t handle another denial contributing to the trauma of living in an ablest society. But without these accommodations — however minor — we simply cannot be our best selves, the best employees we can be.
These struggles are nothing new. We are, however, facing a reckoning in the American workforce that has the potential to change things in our favor! This is year two of workplaces being forced by a pandemic to radically change. Millions of people now work virtually, often on their own schedules. Millions more have chosen not to return to jobs that didn’t meet their needs. Employers are now forced to acknowledge two facts: they can make accommodations and still function, and, thanks to this “Great Resignation,” they no longer have the upper hand.
If you have been stuck in a work environment that didn’t work for your health but are waiting for the right moment to self-advocate, now is your moment! It can feel scary and isolating to make a move, so we’ve put together some tips to boost your confidence:
First and foremost, you need to know what accommodations would be helpful before you can ask for them! Each work day, think to yourself “what would make this better for me?” What moments feel unhealthy? Where do you feel your energy or focus waning? When do symptoms pop up and why? Don’t forget to notice the positive, too — there may be ways this job is very supportive of your health without you even realizing it. Write down ways in which you benefit the workplace. Bring positive reviews, projects you worked hard on, or ideas you had that led to successes. Don’t be afraid to really talk yourself up! Also bring evidence of other workplaces that have accommodated for employees and found success. We know that, despite the best preparation and timing, sometimes employers simply won’t (or can’t) meet our needs. If you find yourself in this situation, remember that you are not alone, and that it’s ok to prioritize your health. If you are considering looking for a new job that is a better fit for your body, make sure to check it out.
