Coping with Work
"My previous job involved a lot of running around. When I told work I had MS, they offered me a new job where I could sit down for more of the day."
Although having cash to flash is nice, we all know that work isn't just about earning money. Having a fulfilling job that you enjoy boosts your self-esteem, gives you stability, and can also add to your social life. Sometimes when you have MS socialising is one of the things that suffers and working in a job you enjoy with people you like is the one way of making sure you don't get out of touch.
So you should think carefully about changing your working habits too drastically on the basis of one or two relapses or symptoms, which may change again. If you want to work, there are many ways you and your employer can make it easier to cope with working life.
Once your employer knows you have MS, there are things they can do to help you cope better with working with MS:
- Flexible or altered working hours to help you with attending hospital appointments or increased travelling time.
- More regular breaks.
- Car-parking space by your nearest entrance to work.
- Improved accessibility, ramps or handrails if necessary.
- A workstation assessment.
- Potential for working from home.
When you have told your employer, the next decision is whether to tell the people you work with. There's no reason that the fact that you have MS should become common knowledge around the office, but you may choose to tell close friends and colleagues at work. Partly because if they don't know your circumstances, then they may think your boss is playing favourites if they treat you differently. Secondly if they know what the issues are they are better placed to give you support should you need it. Talk to your employer, they might be helpful in deciding when and how to tell the other people you work with.
Advice about work roles and the free funding of equipment is available from Disability Employment Advisers (DEA) normally based at local Job Centres. Jump to: What are the options if my current job is not suitable?
What are the options if my current job is not suitable?
"Having MS gave me the push I needed to think about a change in my working life. I always wanted to be a graphic designer, now I am taking a college course and hope to set up my own business."
Think about making changes to your existing work pattern, such as reducing your working hours by working part time or job sharing. You could consider a location move. More and more companies are embracing working from home as a viable option for people who find travelling difficult for whatever reason.
Is there a more suitable job in your existing organisation? Talk to your employer about whether there are any opportunities that would better suit your requirements. If you find that your present company is unsuitable, then you might find that a new start somewhere else would suit you better. Somewhere more geared to your needs.
If you have the appropriate skills becoming self employed is another idea. This means you'll have greater control over your working hours and location.