If you have recently been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, you may be wondering how this will affect your career plans. Many people are able to manage the symptoms of MS well enough that they can continue working without any interruptions; however, just because you can keep working the same job doesn't mean you will want to keep working the same job.
Life changes are an opportunity to reevaluate a lot of the choices you made in the past. Learning that you have a chronic disease may be just the push you need to rethink what your career goals are. It's a good time to ask yourself some questions, such as:
- What parts of my current job do I love? Will I be able to keep doing them long-term if my MS symptoms progress?
- What skill do I have? Which skills will be unaffected by MS symptoms? What jobs call for those skills?
- Is my current workplace flexible? Will they work with me to implement MS accommodations I may need in the future?
- What training would I need to change careers?
You might want to consider your work-life balance, as well. If you have been focused on work more than friends or family, your MS diagnosis may inspire you to change that. You might want to look into work that requires fewer hours on the job so you can take advantage of more free time.
MS could also provide motivation to speed up progress toward a big career goal. You might have a new sense of urgency about your biggest goals. If MS is going to affect your ability to get things accomplished later, you might want to seize the moment now.
However you choose to address MS and career, you should educate yourself on your rights in the workplace. The Americans With Disabilities Act gives your legal protections on the job. Learn what accommodations will help you manage your MS at work and discuss them with your employer. If you establish good communications about your needs and your goals, you and your employer will be able to work together to make your workplace work for you.
