Career Options With Multiple Sclerosis

Navigating the Workplace With MS

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Work can define our self-image, our role in the community and how others view us. When introducing ourselves to new people, we often describe the field we work in or provide our job title. More than likely, your career is also a key part of your financial future.If you live with multiple sclerosis and work, you may have unique factors to consider, such as your:

Ability to adapt how you do your job
Willingness to seek accommodations
Interest in changing the type of work you do, if necessary
Openness to additional training or education

To choose the best path, it’s important to understand your options. Be informed about your rights, including the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), workplace accommodations, employment strategies, symptom management on the job and disclosing your MS to your employer.

Ability to adapt how you do your job
Willingness to seek accommodations
Interest in changing the type of work you do, if necessary
Openness to additional training or education

Help With Career Choices

Finding Flexibility in Your Career Path

You may view employment issues and career transitions as existing on a continuum. However, not every person fits neatly within the sequence. For example, if you live with MS, you may go back and forth between working full time and part time. In addition, the accommodations you need may change over time.

A diagram depicting a continuum of certain events that may occur in your career path while working with MS.

Making Career Decisions With MS in Mind

CareerOneStop unemployment centers

State vocational rehabilitation agencies

Your local community college or university career center

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Making a career change can be complex and time-consuming. However, it can lead to rewarding work. Most people have more than one career option. To understand your choices, you’ll want to do a self-assessment. This can help you:

Identify your interests
Understand your personality
Determine your personal and work values
Pinpoint your transferable skills

Start by cataloging your symptoms and how they affect your performance at work. Identify your knowledge, skills, abilities, personal characteristics and overall competencies.Take advantage of personal coaching programs where they are offered. Options include:

CareerOneStop unemployment centers
State vocational rehabilitation agencies
Your local community college or university career center

CareerOneStop unemployment centers

State vocational rehabilitation agencies

Your local community college or university career center

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Identify your interests
Understand your personality
Determine your personal and work values
Pinpoint your transferable skills

CareerOneStop unemployment centers
State vocational rehabilitation agencies
Your local community college or university career center

Career Options

Navigating the Workplace With MS

Help With Career Choices

Finding Flexibility in Your Career Path

Making Career Decisions With MS in Mind

Additional Online Resources: Know Your Rights