Best Jobs for People with Autoimmune Diseases and Arthritis

Understanding Autoimmune Diseases and Work Limitations

Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis can make certain jobs more challenging. These conditions cause the immune system to attack healthy tissues, leading to painful inflammation and other debilitating symptoms. While symptoms vary by disease, many people with autoimmune conditions experience fatigue, joint pain and swelling, muscle aches, numbness or tingling, and more.

These symptoms often make certain physical job duties difficult or impossible. For example, someone with hand and wrist inflammation may struggle with typing or equipment operation. Joint inflammation in the knees or feet can make walking, standing, or climbing problematic.

The good news is that advances in treatment mean more people with autoimmune diseases can continue working. Additionally, technologies like speech recognition software make some jobs easier on the body. However, those with autoimmune conditions still need to carefully evaluate potential careers based on their unique symptoms and limitations.

Best Jobs for People With Autoimmune Diseases

The following jobs are often good options for those living with autoimmune illnesses:

1. Computer and Information Technology Positions

Jobs in fields like computer programming, information technology (IT), web development, and software engineering often allow flexible schedules and telecommuting options ideal for people with autoimmune diseases. Additionally, tasks like coding and web development can be done even during disease flares.

Some examples of autoimmune-friendly tech jobs include:

• Computer programmer
• Software quality assurance engineer and tester
• IT support specialist
• Web developer
• Database administrator

While coding and keyboard use can pose hand and wrist problems for some, ergonomic equipment and regular breaks can make these jobs achievable.

Tips for Computer-Based Jobs

If you pursue a computer-focused career path, consider investing in assistive equipment like:

• Ergonomic keyboard and mouse
• Forearm supports
• Voice recognition software to give hands a break
• Large monitors positioned at eye level to avoid neck strain
• Standing or adjustable desk to alternate sitting and standing

2. Creative Jobs and Graphic Design

Like tech fields, creative careers in areas like graphic design and search engine optimization allow significant work schedule flexibility and telecommuting in most cases. Tasks like image editing, website design, content creation, and more can be done during flare ups.

Some examples of creative autoimmune-friendly jobs include:

• Graphic designer
• SEO specialist
• Copywriter
• Content marketing manager
• Virtual assistant

Swelling or pain in the wrists or hands may pose challenges for using a mouse or drawing tablet. Allowing adequate breaks and using ergonomic equipment can ease symptoms.

Tips for Creative Jobs

To make creative positions more achievable with autoimmune issues, be sure you have:

• An ergonomic drawing tablet if needed
• Forearm supports for drawing tablet or mouse use
• Large monitors properly positioned to avoid neck strain
• Screen reader software to give eyes a break
• Voice dictation software to provide hands a break when needed

3. Teaching and Academia

Teaching and school-based jobs provide work from home and flexible schedule options in many cases. While tasks like lesson planning, grading, and holding office hours can be done remotely, some positions require occasional in-classroom time.

Some examples of teacher and academic jobs manageable with autoimmunity include:

• Online university or community college professor/instructor
• Private tutor offering virtual or in-home sessions
• Curriculum writer and instructional designer
• Special education teacher with classroom aide support
• Virtual high school or elementary teacher

Occasional classroom time may require careful pacing oneself. Support staff can ease physical burdens for in-person teachers.

Tips for Teaching Positions

To handle teaching duties despite autoimmunity:

• Use chairs as needed during instruction
• Record lessons ahead for bad health days
• Have an aide assist with handouts, writing on boards, etc.
• Use speech recognition when lesson planning or grading

4. Social Services Careers

For those wanting to help others directly, several social services positions may work with autoimmune conditions. Jobs focused on counseling, care coordination, program administration, and more allow telehealth options.

Some examples of social service jobs manageable despite symptoms include:

• Telehealth counselor or therapist
• Health services administrator handling insurance paperwork
• Care coordinator for aging or disabled clients
• Social worker providing virtual or in-office counseling

In-person appointments with clients may require self-pacing and scheduling adequate rest periods. Administrative work can be done more flexibly.

Tips for Social Services Jobs

To succeed in social service fields with an autoimmune disorder:

• Offer both virtual and in-person client meetings
• Use speech recognition software to reduce typing
• Work split shifts to allow rest between appointments
• Have clients fill paperwork digitally before appointments

5. Writing and Editing Positions

Another fulfilling remote working option for the autoimmune population is writing and editing. Both freelance and staff jobs allow flexible schedules and telecommuting. Content creation, copy editing, proofreading, and more can be done from a laptop during flares.

Some examples of writing jobs include:

• Freelance writer and blogger
• Staff copywriter for marketing teams
• Newspaper/magazine proofreader
• Book editor

Hand and wrist pain from extended typing is the main limitation. Allowing adequate breaks and dictation software can help overcome this.

Tips for Writing Jobs

To manage a writing or editing job with inflammatory symptoms:

• Use ergonomic wrist rests and keyboards
• Take regular short typing breaks
• Use microphone dictation to give hands a rest
• Use text-to-speech to review articles

Finding Fulfillment With Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases present several obstacles in various careers. Fortunately, advances in remote work and assistive technologies open many doors that allow people to work comfortably from home.

Jobs in computer programming, IT, graphic design, teaching, counseling, writing, and editing often provide the flexibility and modifications needed when living with systemic inflammation and pain.

Listening to your body, allowing adequate rest, investing in accommodating equipment, and modifying duties during flares can help you find career fulfillment despite autoimmune setbacks.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.