Best Jobs For People With Fibromyalgia (Tips & Strategies)
How are you supposed to find and hold a job when you’re stiff, hurt everywhere, and weighed down by crippling fatigue and depression? Fibromyalgia can be incredibly debilitating, so much so that even the smallest task can seem like an impossible hurdle. But we all need to make a living somehow, right? Luckily, there are jobs for people with fibromyalgia that allow you flexibility, minimal stress, and accommodating working conditions.
In this post, you’ll discover what these jobs are, plus learn about the types of jobs and working conditions that may do you more harm than good. But before we get to the good stuff, let’s get a better understanding of what fibromyalgia is and why it might make holding the average job a bit tougher for you.
WHAT IS FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME?
Believe it or not, fibromyalgia syndrome is the second most common musculoskeletal condition in the United States, with over 12 million sufferers, most between the ages of 25 and 60. [source] Women are 10 times more likely to get the syndrome than men.
So far, researchers haven’t been able to determine the cause of fibromyalgia, but suspected triggers include infection, hormonal disturbances, physical and/or psychological stress, and genetics (the condition does tend to run in families). Current wisdom suggests the condition is usually caused by a combination of several of these factors. [source]
Fibromyalgia can be hard to diagnose because it doesn’t appear in blood tests or x-rays. It’s called a syndrome because the condition shows up as a collection of symptoms — the same ones shared with several other disorders including osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis, to name a few.
Widespread pain lasting more than three months anywhere on the body may be the first red flag. Other symptoms might include:
- Lower pain threshold or tender points
- Debilitating fatigue
- Anxiety or depression
- Chronic headaches
- Difficulty focusing and concentrating (“fibro fog”)
- Abdominal cramping
- Numbness/tingling in the hands and feet
- Stiffness
Clearly, symptoms like these can make finding suitable jobs for people with fibromyalgia a challenge. Still, there are options available…
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE BEST JOBS FOR FIBROMYALGIA SUFFERERS
Before jumping into the job search, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your capabilities and limitations given your condition. For starters, ask yourself key questions like:
- Is your fibromyalgia mild, moderate, or severe?
- Are you able to commute, and if so, how far?
- How many hours per day can you stand or sit comfortably?
- Is telecommuting an option?
- Can you work for yourself at home?
Next, list your strengths, skills, and things you like to do. For example, you might already have a talent or hobby that you can turn into a job. Can you write? Are you good at crafts? Are you a natural-born salesperson or computer geek? It’s time to think outside the box!
WORK CONDITIONS TO AVOID FOR FIBROMYALGIA SUFFERERS
Now, odds are you already know the type of environments and situations that aggravate your symptoms. But just to be sure, here are some work conditions you’re better off avoiding and the jobs that match them…
- Jobs that require sitting in one place for long periods of time:
- Airline Pilot
- Data Entry Clerk
- Truck, Bus or Taxi Driver
- Jobs that require long periods of standing:
- Hair Dresser
- Manufacturing
- Postal Worker
- Retail Sales
- Tour Guide
- Jobs that require repeated bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, and/or lifting:
- Auto Mechanic
- Construction Worker
- Landscaper
- Physical Therapist
- Jobs with high-stress levels:
- ER Nurse
- Legal Assistant
- Payroll Clerk
- Police Dispatcher
- Wait Staff
- Jobs likely to trigger allergens:
- Florist
- Cosmetic Sales
- Custodial Worker
Above all, try to focus on jobs that offer flexibility (both scheduling and movement) and low levels of physical and emotional stress.
HOW TO COPE WITH FIBROMYALGIA IN THE WORKPLACE
Regardless of whether you land a fibro-friendly or non-fibro-friendly job, you’ll still need all the help you can get to reduce its effects in the workplace. Here are a few basic recommendations…
Stay rested – Fibromyalgia often makes it hard to fall asleep, but you can help yourself by sticking to a regular bedtime routine to prepare your body and mind for rest.
Dress in layers – Cold workplaces can cause flare-ups so always keep a sweater or jacket in your desk or locker to adjust for different temperatures.
Be sweet to your feet – Slip into sneakers or other cushioned, arch support shoes whenever possible. If your job requires you to sit for long periods of time, take regular breaks to move your body. If your job requires you to stand for long periods of time, take regular breaks to sit.
Use assistive aids – Look for ways to make your workspace more fibro-friendly. For example, a headrest or lumbar support for your chair or footrest that allows you to place your feet flat can make getting through the work day much easier.
10 BEST FIBROMYALGIA-FRIENDLY JOBS
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best jobs suited for fibromyalgia sufferers and why they may work for you (keep in mind, it’s hard to find perfect jobs across the board but these make for a good starting point).
First, here’s the criteria I used to identify fibro-friendly jobs…
- Freedom of movement
- No harmful physical exertion
- Regular breaks permitted
- Workplace accommodations available
- Set your own schedule
- Minimal stress
- No allergens
- Home-based job
And here’s a list of 10 jobs that come closest to meeting the criteria…
- Administrative Assistant
- Blogger
- Consultant
- Customer Service Representative
- Editor
- Freelance Graphic Designer
- Freelance Web Developer
- Freelance Writer
- Medical Transcriptionist
- Real Estate Agent
Now, let’s see how each job stacks up…
| Admin. Assistant | Blogger | Consultant | Customer Service Rep. | Editor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freedom of movement | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| No harmful physical exertion | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Regular breaks permitted | YES | YES | YES | DEPENDS | YES |
| Workplace accommodations available | YES | N/A | N/A | DEPENDS | YES |
| Set your own schedule | NO | YES | YES | DEPENDS | DEPENDS |
| Minimal stress | DEPENDS | YES | DEPENDS | YES | DEPENDS |
| No allergens | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Home-based job | NO | YES | DEPENDS | DEPENDS | DEPENDS |
| Freelance Graphic Designer | Freelance Web Developer | Freelance Writer | Medical Transcriptionist | Real Estate Agent | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freedom of movement | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| No harmful physical exertion | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Regular breaks permitted | YES | YES | YES | YES | DEPENDS |
| Workplace accommodations available | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Set your own schedule | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Minimal stress | YES | YES | YES | YES | DEPENDS |
| No allergens | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Home-based job | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO |
WHY WORKING FROM HOME IS THE #1 OPTION FOR FIBROMYALGIA SUFFERERS
As you can see from the tables above, having a flexible work schedule and the ability to exercise some control over your workplace/working conditions are important characteristics to a good job.
Now, here’s something the tables don’t include but still warrant your attention… whichever job you choose, try not to work in a vacuum. Everyone needs some contact with people, however small. Forming connections — be it personal or professional — can help you deal with the depression and anxiety that so often accompanies fibromyalgia.
That said, it’s no coincidence several of these recommended jobs allow you to work online from home. This setup puts all the control in your hands — you get to pick work you’re interested in and enjoy doing when and where you want to…
Have a flare-up and need a few days off? No big deal. Better still, you don’t have to worry about losing your job or experiencing guilt trips for missing a day or two.
And by working online, you don’t have to make nice when you don’t feel nice, not to mention the lack of a dress code! (More info below).
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN!
What job changes has fibromyalgia forced YOU to make? Did we miss any good jobs for people with fibromyalgia? Give a heads-up in the comments below!
UPDATE 1: Several Fibromyalgia sufferers have disputed some of my recommendations, namely medical transcription and administration assistant. I encourage you to read the comments below and come to your own conclusions!
UPDATE 2: A number of you have mentioned survey-taking as another good work-from-home opportunity. While not a big money earner, it’s certainly possible to make a few hundred dollars per month completing surveys. If you want to learn more about surveys, I encourage you to check out my guide to survey-taking.
