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A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Grand Rapids, MI

Has anyone had to change jobs due to RA if so what are some good suggestions for job choice. i currently clean in a hospital and feal im going to be faced with this decision sooner than later. i am overwhelmed with The thought of a job change at my age.

February 11, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members who have had to leave physically demanding jobs due to RA shared their personal transitions, including moving from restaurant work to... Read more

Members who have had to leave physically demanding jobs due to RA shared their personal transitions, including moving from restaurant work to office roles, retraining as a manager after being unable to climb cell towers, and ultimately going on disability when accommodations were not enough. Several members offered practical suggestions such as receptionist work, cashier positions, exploring internal hospital transfers to preserve benefits, requesting reasonable accommodations with a doctor's note, and building computer skills to open up less physically taxing opportunities. A recurring theme was the emotional weight of changing careers mid-life, the fear of coworker resentment over accommodations, and the importance of prioritizing one's own health over guilt, with many encouraging the original poster to advocate for themselves and explore all available options before making a final decision.

A myRAteam Member

Receptionist. That might be a good job. That's what I do. Still perform small task here and there. Sorting, collating, envelope stuffing, Greeting visitors and staff. Redirecting folks. I'd try that if I were you. Can't say I'm not tire "faking it, till I make it", but it's not to strenous, though I will admit, I do sometines take a name. UGH! :)

February 12, 2018
A myRAteam Member

yes Jimmy i do have all if the above and i have considered looking into something somewhere else within the hospital..and yes then i could keep all of my benefits

February 13, 2018
A myRAteam Member

Hi, That’s what I wanted to do but, they weren’t happy I couldn’t hear 100% I’m hearing impaired. Physical work was my best bet. I owned s cleaning company and then for yrs I’ve been cleaning on and off. I work for department store. I would say if your young retrain your self to be able to do some like of computer work. I’m old school and wished I had learned more about computers. I don’t type 45 words per min. Wish everybody luck wanting to look 👀 for you jobs. ❤️💜❤️💜

February 12, 2018
A myRAteam Member

So I was a cell tower climber when I was diagnosed. It got to where I wasn't able to climb anymore. I started classes and became a manager in the same field that I could transition to. Once I had the skill set and education I approached the company and explained the situation. They were extremely receptive and were thankful for the way I went about it by getting myself ready for a transition which was also a promotion.

February 12, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I'm in my mid 40's and had a job change about 4 years ago. I've worked in the restaurant business since I was 15. Around 40 (before my diagnosis) it was getting harder for me to work my normal 10 hour shift. I scaled back to 3-4 days a week and less hours per day. Then 4 years ago I found an office job in HR. But the commute and stirring for 8 hours proved to be too much. Last year I quit working and went on disability.

As you know, movement helps keep us loose. You can let your employer know about your RA and that you need responsible accommodation. You may need a doctor's note too. But then they will need to do things to assist you in doing your job or find other tasks that are easy for you to do with having RA.

Best of luck to you.

February 11, 2018

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