caret icon Back to all discussions

Employment with MS

Hello,
I need your feedbacks please regarding your jobs please: I got MS couple of months ago and I am on sick leave.
Happened that I lost my marketing job with Covid-19 last year. Few weeks later, the neurologist tells me I have MS. The symptoms are hard on me and the fatigue is huge every day. I stress and anxiety is very high today, I don't see myself working 8h per day in an office, my body doesn't allow it.
Therefore. I am wondering if I should think about considering "easier jobs"?
What jobs do you have? Can you handle a 9-5 job without any problems or stress? I need your help please



  1. Hi @Lisa-Sweden. A new diagnosis can be awfully overwhelming, especially during this pandemic. It's hard to say what kind of job might be easier for you. Every journey with MS is different and you might also feel differently in a month or two if this is a flare and you recover from it. Are you able to go part time? If so, do you think that might help? I would like to share two articles with you. This one is for people who are newly diagnosed with MS. https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/a-few-thoughts-for-the-newly-diagnosed This one is about tips for fighting MS fatigue. https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/tips-fighting-fatigue I hope this helps and that you start to feel better soon with treatment. Best wishes! - Lori (Team Member)

    1. Hello. I understand how you feel. I was like that when I first got diagnosed. So what I did was made a decision that this is not going to defeat me. And I am going to live. I found a specialist for Ms. While visiting the specialist I asked about an FMLA in which may be offered by your employer and it is a government document. So when you are really sick. You job is protected. I was diagnosed at 50 years old and no one else in my family has it. Take care of yourself please work with a specialist , ask all of the questions you need to ask. Even in reference to your medications for your Ms if one medication is not working for you , request to try another one until you are comfortable. PRAYING FOR YOU. MRS. BOOTH.

      1. I am glad you were able to reach that place of positivity, , and that you found such a great doctor. It sounds like you have been a good advocate for yourself as well. I hope you continue to thrive despite MS. Wishing you the very best. - Lori (Team Member)

    2. There are lots of resources to find work-at-home jobs. I mention some in my article "Six Ways to Earn Money after an MS Diagnosis at: https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/earn-money

      Subscribe to Holly the WAH Woman and receive her work-at-home job listings.

      Subscribe to SAVVY COOP for work-at-home job listings.

      Subscribe to Patients Getting Paid (PGP) for a monthly sum. Included in this membership is work-at-home listings for the chronically ill, including Holly the WAH Woman and SAVVY COOP. PGP is also the go-to place for resource workshops, training, podcasts, and more. Individual coaching, free during Member's Only zoom meetings twice a month. Kathy Reagan Young, the principal of PGP is an invaluable resource with a sales/marketing background. She is also a "chronic" who is in business for herself, and who is very generous with her knowledge so we can do what she did. Sign up now at $39/month, before there is a price increase.

      There are more places besides. Have you typed into your browser search box: Work at home jobs?

      You might also consider thinking about your passions/interests: Do you like pets? Volunteer at a rescue or shelter, and let them know you are looking for a paid opportunity. If you are reliable and they like you, they might either suggest another organization where you could apply, and they would put in a good word for you.

      Are you crafty? Consider a career selling your wares online and at in-person craft shows.

      Want to work in the career you left behind, only do it at home? Networking with former colleagues could get you an opportunity. Tell your peeps what you are looking for and they can help.

      Hope this helps. Cheers, Kim, moderator

      1. Though posted more than a year ago, the info in my response is good for anyone who is looking for a work-at-home opportunity, especially a person with a chronic medical condition.

        The other obvious thing a chronically ill person should think about doing is file a claim with SSA.gov for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). If you cannot work anymore, SSDI provides a marginally substantive monthly income you can count on while searching for earned income opportunities.

        Please read our rules before posting.