Fibromyalgia, a chronic debilitating condition affecting various areas of the body, oftentimes makes it difficult for an individual to maintain employment due to the pain, swelling, fatigue and other symptoms associated with the disease.

But this isn’t to say that jobs for individuals with this condition are unavailable. Many people, despite a Fibromyalgia diagnosis, wish to live as close to normal life as they possibly can.

This includes retaining their job. As long as you are able to control fibromyalgia symptoms, working, at least on a part-time basis, may be perfectly suitable for your lifestyle.

Jobs for Fibromyalgia Patients

According to Debilitating Diseases, Individuals diagnosed with Fibromyalgia may qualify for disability. While there isn’t a formal list of diseases that qualify for disability, your symptoms may or may not enable you to qualify for these benefits.

If you are unable to work, it never hurts to check with the Americans with Disabilities Act and learn more about applying for disability. You never know if you will qualify until you try, or at least learn more information.

If you desire to work, whether or not receiving disability, there are a number of positions and types of jobs that you may be able to perform.

Although some jobs may require accommodation, most employers will grant these extra accommodations to their great employees.

Such accommodations may include extended break periods, more frequent break periods and flexible work hours.

Remember, the ADA act profits you from being discriminated against in the workplace due to your disability.

Graphic Designer

Do you have a Knick for creativity? Why not get paid for it? Individuals with fibromyalgia will find work as a graphic designer rewarding and worthwhile.

This position is one available both at-home and at an on-site location. It is so much fun!

DIY and Sell

Websites like Etsy and eBay make it easy for anyone to create their own online store and sell any type of homemade item they like.

Why not put your talents to good use and create a few pieces to put up? The more items you list, the more potential for extra income to come your way.

In addition to selling your own personalized creations, you can also buy to resell and make some serious cash with these online websites.

Work as an Online Independent Contractor

Thanks to today’s excellent technology, online work is in high demand. It isn’t difficult for inexperienced individuals to find various jobs that can earn them cash, whether it is editing papers, writing for a magazine or operating an online sales business.

With an online job such as one of these listed, you can maintain an income coming in your home as well as the freedom to enjoy life and continue working.

You need a computer with Internet connection for such a job but have an ample number of benefits to enjoy, including the ability to work on your own schedule, which makes it easy to manage symptoms.

Online Tutor

Another great position for patients with fibromyalgia is an online tutor. Another position that requires only that you have an internet connection, a computer and of course a little bit of knowledge, work as a tutor online allows you to help others, make cash and work a fulfilling job setting your own hours.

Work as a Customer Service Agent

Customer service agents are needed in almost every industry. The job duties of the position vary from one company to the next, but most of the time those duties are still easy to perform by those with fibromyalgia.

Answering phones and typing on the computer are two important skills to possess if you wish to apply for a customer service agent job.

You should also have a pleasing personality and be willing to go the extra mile to help customers you are assisting. Consider an at-home customer service agent position, as many are now available.

We’ve listed just a handful of the jobs available for individuals with fibromyalgia. The sky is the limit –always remember that.

While you may be unable to control some aspects of your life, you can definitely take a stand and continue living –and enjoying- life for a long time to come.

Check some of the jobs listed above and use your own personal judgment to decide what is best for you.

Never let another person influence your decision! If you feel up to the task, a job can certainly extend your quality of life while adding cash to the bank account.

Tips for a Lasting Career with Fibromyalgia

Here are a few tips that should help you manage your job and your health condition effectively.

Let your boss know that you have Fibromyalgia, alerting him or her to the signs and symptoms the condition brings. More often than not your boss will be more than willing to work with you.

It is equally important to discuss the issue with co-workers. They’re far more likely to be understanding of any problems that might occur on the job if they know what you are going through.

Do not push yourself to the limits. Understand that you do, in fact, have this condition that affects you greatly. While you may still be able to work, there are likely many limitations you’ll also experience.

Do not be afraid to ask for any accommodations that you may need to perform the functions of your job.

Work only part-time. A few hours per week will enable you to earn cash, get out of the house and have fun without doing too much. Trying to work full-time may very well prove to be too much for patients affected by fibromyalgia.

Final Thoughts

Are there jobs for people with fibromyalgia? That question has been answered already, and you can certainly see that many different options are available.

If you are interested in supplementing your disability income, or simply continuing making money, there are many ways that you can do that and still manage your condition effectively.

Resources:

http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-work-and-disability?page=4

http://chronicfatigue.about.com/b/2010/12/11/job-seeking-with-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.htm

http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/ideas-careers-fibromyalgia-sufferers-19723.html