Balancing Work-Life and a Chronic Illness

Money makes the world go round. Although money is not everything, it is certainly important enough to help us survive. To make money, we need to have or get a job, but what does that mean for someone living with a chronic health condition? People living with Red Blood Cell Disorders, such as Sickle Cell Disease or Thalassemia, can struggle with their “invisible” illness. This article explores some helpful strategies to balance chronic illness along with work and life.

Whether you’ve just graduated from high school, university, or college or have taken a break, entering the workforce can be scary. Doing so with a chronic illness can bring added stress. It’s important to know that you are not alone in how you feel or think. Getting and managing a job can become less exhausting if you break it down into a step-by-step process.

Know Yourself

The first step is to sit down and consider your abilities, likes, and dislikes. A chronic health condition can sometimes make it more challenging to do specific jobs. It is essential to know yourself and your health limits so that you and your employer can manage your work expectations. Dealing with a medical illness while working can add stress to life. To avoid burning out both physically and mentally, consider a job that you are interested in or are passionate about. Working in a flexible or enjoyable field can add some relief to your day-to-day life.

Know Your Rights

According to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code, an employer has no right to ask about one’s health conditions during an interview. Additionally, once hired, an employer may only ask about information relevant to the work situation. Your health information is personal and private. It is still up to the employee to decide whether to disclose their medical condition or not. This means that it is the employee’s right to share what they feel is necessary or not. However, it is essential to weigh the benefits of sharing health information. If the symptoms you experience can interfere with your work, a brief discussion with your employer about your needs and boundaries can help establish their understanding. The detail in what you share is up to you.

It is your employer’s responsibility to ensure that any health information you share with them is kept confidential and that you do not experience discrimination. If you need help, consult a lawyer, legal clinic, or your union representative.

Balancing Work and Appointments

Communication is key. Knowing your professional and medical expectations will be helpful to speak up for yourself and balance the two. It can also be helpful to set a designated schedule, outlining your available work days and medical appointment days. Presenting this information to your employer and doctor can facilitate a smoother scheduling process.

Asking for Help is OK

Stopping and turning to the people around you can help if the going gets tough. Whether it is a university accommodations staff, your doctor, social worker, family, or friend - as long as it is someone you trust. There is nothing wrong with struggling and needing advice. Outside perspectives and experience can even lead to a direction you might not have considered.

Nothing is Permanent

Dealing with a chronic illness does not make you weak – rather, your lived experience informs numerous skills, abilities, and resilience that make you strong. Use your strengths to your advantage. You are not your illness – dealing with a chronic health condition while working is an accomplishment in itself. It is essential to be kind to yourself every step of the way. Plenty more opportunities are available if one job doesn’t work out the way you intend.

Learn More

Curious about chronic illness, work, and life? Check out the following articles!

What It's Like Living and Working With a Chronic Illness by Alex Haagaard
Turning Your Long-Standing Chronic Illness Into an Asset on Your Resume by Laurie Berenson
An Overlooked Dimension of Diversity: The Career Effects of Chronic Illness by Joy E. Beatty and Rosalind Joffe

Helpful Resources

Law Society Referral Service: Connects people looking for legal assistance with a lawyer or paralegal for a free 30-minute consultation
Community Legal Clinics: Use this database to find a nearby community legal clinic for free legal services for those who are eligible.
Human Rights Legal Support Centre: Provides human rights legal services to people in Ontario who have experienced discrimination.
ARCH Disability Law: A community legal clinic that practices disability rights law.

About the Author

Sogand Jalali-AD is a TMU journalism graduate.

Some people with Sickle Cell Disease may be at increased risk of experiencing stroke – which is when blood flow to the brain is blocked or there is bleeding in the brain. Stroke is life-threatening and scary. While stroke can result in many changes to one’s life, people can lead new and meaningful lives after stroke. This article describes the journey of one person with sickle cell disease who experienced stroke.

Accommodations, Advocacy, Sickle Cell Disease, Lifestyle, Health Information, Mental Health