10 Employment Opportunities for Those with Degenerative Joint Disease in 2020
The above picture is of a degenerative knee joint.
Degenerative joint
disease affects many Americans and their employment prospects. Did you know
that roughly 27
million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, one form of degenerative
joint disease?
For some, their
degenerative joint disease is so severe that they consider claiming social
security disability insurance. Just because you have arthritis or
osteoarthritis does not mean you should stop working. There are many employers
that will accommodate your medical needs.
Read on to learn about
employment opportunities for those suffering from this disability. Explore 10
potential jobs that allow you to conquer your degenerative joint disease.
1. Freelance Writing
This is a great job for
someone with arthritis or osteoarthritis. For starters, freelance writers
typically work from home. This means you will have access to your medicine and
all the conveniences of home.
In many cases, freelance
writers work at their own pace. There may be a weekly quota that has to be met,
which is great for schedule flexibility.
For these reasons,
freelance writing is growing increasingly popular. Nearly 30 percent of all
freelance writers earn more than $45 per hour.
2. Consulting
Over time, many people
develop expertise in a particular area. Subject matter experts are always in
demand.
Enter the highly coveted
career of consulting. One of the greatest perks about being a consultant is the
part-time hours. This works well for people with arthritis or osteoarthritis
because it is not too physically demanding.
In addition, consultants
often work remotely and do not need to come to the office every day. While
there are sometimes in-person meetings, consulting work is flexible and
convenient.
3. Software Developer
This is probably not a
job that you expected to see on this list. You are likely imagining long hours
at a computer writing software code.
However, the truth is
that America’s tech companies are amongst the best at accommodating disabled
workers. They have incorporated many wellness techniques and equipment designed
to improve employee performance.
On the equipment side,
this includes adjustable desks that transition between sitting and standing
postures. In addition, tech companies offer flexible scheduling programs. In
the view of Silicon Valley, traditional 9 to 5 hours are obsolete.
4. Photographer
America’s obsession with
social media has led to a demand for photographers. This is true for family
portraits, engagements, weddings, and pregnancy reveals.
Being your own boss is
the greatest advantage for people with degenerative joint disease. You can
accept as much work as you are comfortable with. In addition, you have the
ability to fit customers into your schedule. There is also significant earnings
potential as photographers can earn several hundred dollars in a single
session.
5. Administrative Assistant
This is another job that
does not appear to be a fit for those with degenerative joint disease. However,
the advent of telecommunication and digital tools has changed everything.
Many companies allow
their administrative assistants to work from home. Tasking such as data entry,
scheduling, and interacting with clients can be performed remotely. The
advantage for businesses is that they reduce overhead expenses while getting
the same level of support.
6. Accounting
A career in accounting
has many negative connotations associated with it. People assume that
accountants work long and draining hours.
If you meet the
qualifications, however, there are many upsides to an accounting career.
Because the field is so specialized, there is always a strong demand for
accountants. Many companies fill these positions with part-timers, which is
great for those with degenerative joint disease.
Accountants also earn a
competitive wage with a median salary of over
$70,000 per year. In many cases, accountants can perform work from
home.
7. Videography
In an entertainment
world dominated by YouTube and Instagram, videos are taking off. Many
individuals and businesses want to hire professional video services. There is
an entire industry that focuses on video marketing for corporations and small
businesses.
You can take advantage
of this market with training and the right equipment. Like a photographer, the
appeal to those suffering from degenerative joint disease is the schedule
flexibility. With a career in videography, you can choose your own hours and
accept as much work as desired.
8. Travel Agent
The 21st century is an
era in which millions of Americans travel each day. Whether it is a trip to
Disney World or backpacking through Europe, everyone is on the move.
In 1990, only 4 percent
of Americans possessed a passport. Now, 42 percent have one and they spend
roughly $135
billion on overseas tourism.
With this type of
expenditure, there is a great demand for travel agents. Like many of the other
careers described here, being a travel agent is appealing due to schedule
flexibility. You can work at your own pace and, in most cases, in the comfort
of your own home.
9. Tutors
As the college
admissions process gets more competitive, many parents are turning to private
tutors. There are many private tutor companies across the country that are
hiring.
This is a perfect job
for those suffering from arthritis or osteoarthritis. First, many companies
allow you to accept or decline assignments. This means you can work as much as
you like.
Another positive is that
being a tutor is a rewarding profession. What better feeling is there than
cultivating the minds of America’s youth?
10. Federal or State Employee
Nobody takes better care
of physically impaired employees than the government. Both the federal and
state government have unique programs in place to support disabled workers.
In fact, the federal
government actively recruits those with disabilities. They can appoint you to a
position through a process called Schedule
A.
While the government
hiring process is usually competitive, Schedule A allows a government agency to
waive the typical hiring process. Also, the government is required to provide
all the amenities you require to perform your job.
Working with Degenerative Joint Disease
One of the great perks
of the digital era is the ability to work remotely. Many jobs offer this
amenity, as well as flexible schedules, designed to improve work quality.
If you have degenerative
joint disease and are looking for a job, contact us today for
assistance or check out our job
postings.