Career Prospects for People with Neuropathy
I’m not sure how to ask this so thank you for your patience.
Background: I was diagnosed with bilateral peripheral neuropathy in my hands in 2016 at the age of 22. It was at the start of my post-college career as an engineer, primarily trained in computer-based design work. The symptoms prevented me from continuing that job. I held out for as long as I could before I couldn’t meet the job requirements.
My neurologist recommended not pursuing any computer-based jobs as the pain and mental stress of the symptoms, which drove me from the first one, would be the same. I tried other lines of non-computer work, such as welding and metal fabricating, but the fatigue and cramping of my symptoms made that unworkable. Not only is working at a computer untennable, but so is gripping, pinching, grabbing etc. For the past 4-1/2 years, I’ve been living off family essentially just being useful enough to ‘earn my keep’. I have not been able to find a path forward to salvage my career or be financial independent.
My question: how can I find a list of careers/jobs suitable for my symptoms? I can’t lie to employers about my condition because at some point my tolerance for the pain will give out like at my first job. But if I tell them, then I either can’t fulfill the requirements (e.g. computer based design work 8 hours+ a day) or I won’t be hired. Essentially, what kind of jobs/careers are available to someone who can’t use their hands normally? Are there services who can look at my background and symptoms and come up with options?
I hope I’ve laid this out clearly. Thank you for any help you can provide.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.
I feel it is necessary to work and have interests within your abilities and not try to work outside or beyond your level of comfort. As stated, the severity is the key and how the PN impacts an individual. I my business, I limit my hours each day and over the years, I have made adjustments to how I work making it clear to others my abilities and limitations. Many of us with PN can carry on with their career making changes along the way, some minor and some major. Or, if needed, find something of interest even part time that will help keep you active both physically and mentally. Keep active all. If helps! Ed