Experiencing a severe health condition or injury that prevents you from working is a serious enough issue to deal with – not to mention the financial hardships and potential loss of savings and retirement funds that can come with it. Another struggle, albeit one that’s often overlooked, is getting oneself comfortable with the idea of returning to the workforce if you medically recover from a disability, no matter how badly you may wish to become financially independent again.
Sure, job hunting, creating a successful resume, and succeeding during an interview are challenging tasks. But sometimes, overcoming the mental anguish and anxiety that comes with embracing a new routine and returning to work after years of dealing with a medical condition can be even harder.
Fortunately, there are approaches to this process that can help you mentally prepare for this transition.
First, understand that recovery is different for everyone. Take your time and go at your own pace. You don’t need to apply for 50 jobs the first day you embark on a job hunt. Beef up your resume and cover letter, send out some applications, and prepare your answers to common interview questions. Keep it up and keep it steady.
Second, consider easing your way back into the workforce. Especially if your disability kept you from working for a few years, it may be a better option to locate a part-time position instead of a full-time job. This may provide protection from becoming immediately overwhelmed.
If you’re participating in the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, there is more good news. SSDI is a financial backstop paid for by your FICA taxes and managed by the Social Security Administration for people who are unable to work for at least 12 months due to a severe health condition. An important advantage of SSDI is the program known as Ticket to Work, which allows you to try to return to work without risking your SSDI or Medicare benefits. The program includes a Trial Work Period that allows you to attempt work and earn as much as you can. If you learn through this process that you’re not able to work just yet, you won’t lose the benefits you’ve worked so long and hard to receive.
Third, it’s important to take your specific disability into account, and think through how best to accommodate it when you return to work. If you have a behavioral disability, it could be worthwhile to talk to your therapist and/or doctors about how to handle work-related increases in anxiety or worry. If you have a physical disability, it might be worthwhile to increase your average activity level to what will be expected of you getting up and potentially going to work on a daily basis. This could include going on evening walks, or even just doing some more things around the house. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Finally, another approach can be to start volunteering. If you’re unsure of what type of work you would like to pursue following a disability, volunteering offers a low-level introductory activity that can open your eyes to new interests, while keeping you in control of your schedule. It’s great for mental health and wellness, for practicing social skills and collaborating with others, and the options are endless: playing with dogs or cats in shelters, serving at food banks, giving time to the American Red Cross. As long as you’re doing something you’re passionate about, and doing it slowly to prevent setbacks, you’ll be one step closer to fulfilling your goals.
Returning to work comes with both physical and mental challenges. By taking a thoughtful approach and keeping these tips in mind, you can absolutely overcome the hurdles.
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August 25, 2020 at 11:22PM
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Mentally Preparing To Return To Work With A Disability - Forbes
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