Disabled career advice

JamesP92

*I'm not writing this myself, I've got someone else to write it for me*

Hi all,

I have been diagnosed with sporadic hemiplegic migraines and my triggers are light, noise and postural based so I can't use digital screens, power tools and can't bend my neck otherwise I have an attack. No medications have worked so I'm currently having to manage the condition myself.

Because of this I am struggling to find a career. I'm currently working as a school minibus driver but it's only part-time and term-time so I'm not earning much.

I thought I'd ask on here to see if anyone has any ideas about careers that I could do. I'm open to retraining, going back into education, or anything else really.

Many thanks for any suggestions.

Jude57

As a fellow sufferer I really feel for you. I do hope you haven't given up on finding medical help managing your condition and would recommend, if you haven't already, that you have a look at Migraine Trust:

https://migrainetrust.org/

They have a helpline which might help to signpost you to local help and support.

There's also the Careers Service:

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/career-and-job-support-for-people-with-a-disability/

Disability Rights UK also have information:

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/careers-and-work-disabled-people

I hope you find a treatment that works for you and good luck with your search for a rewarding career.

tacpot12

I'm sorry to hear you are suffering. It might help if you could be more specific about the types of noise and light that trigger your migraines. Also, you say you can't bend your neck, but can you twist if from side to side? 

I'm stuggling to think of careers that don't require the use of any IT equipment; most careers will require a little use of computer screens. Could you use a computer, say, for 5 minutes every hour?

Also have you experimented with changing the settings on a computer so that the screen is black rather than white?   

It's unlikely that your condition would allow you to work in a safety critical task, as a migraine at the wrong time could incapacitate you. Most tasks involving design work require extensive work on a computer, but you might find something that can still only be done on paper (I have no idea what this might be though).

Retail work might suit you, providing you avoid employers that are going to expect you to do a long shift on a till. A shop where the sales people need to be very knowledgable and might only use a till a couple of times an hour might work. I'm thinking something like a HiFi Store, providing it doesn't sell Televisions!

Your problem is going to be that you will be competing for a job that is ideal for you with people who could do anything, but just happen to have picked that job. I think you could turn this to your advantage. I think if you explain to the employer why you want to work for them, and they realise that there is virtually no other job you could take, I think this would give an edge over an equally qualified candidate. You are not going to be an employee who can just leave a job at the drop of a hat.

Good luck, I hope you get some good ideas.