If you’ve never received a chronic diagnosis, it’s hard to understand the way it can take over every aspect of your life. For the millions of people living with arthritis, psoriasis, epilepsy, migraines, and other chronic conditions, the effects of their health situations don’t just stop at physical symptoms. In fact, the U.S. unemployment rate for persons with a disability was at 12.5 percent in 2014, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They are also more likely to work part time, at 33 percent, compared to 18 percent for those with no disability.
Our health affects the way we live — including the way we work and navigate our careers. We asked our own readers how their health conditions have affected their work lives. Here are their stories.
Do you have a story you would like to share? Let us know in the comments or join one of our communities.