Working+with+Crohn's

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life ~ Confucius

This can include
 * Work** (an area of occupation): activities needed for engaging in remunerative employment or volunteer activities (Mosey, 1996, p. 341).[[image:rosie.jpg width="144" height="181" align="right"]]
 * Employment interests and pursuits
 * Employment seeking and acquisition
 * Job performance
 * Retirement preparation and adjustment
 * Volunteer exploration
 * Volunteer participation

32% of Americans with disabilities ages 18-64 are working. Two-thirds of those unemployed would rather be working (Joffe & Friedlander, 2008).

Why you should work? And remember “work” is not just a 9-5 paid position (see above) Work is good for the spirit and completes a sense of self. It provides structure to you day and occupies our mind so you are not just thinking about your illness
 * It’s therapeutic
 * Helps to promote recovery
 * Leads to better health outcomes
 * Reduces poverty
 * Improves quality of life and well-being

Life Balance? Yeah, Right! You can’t control whether or not you have Crohn’s or colitis, but you have the power to face the challenges and accept whatever is thrown your way
 * Ask yourself, is there anything I can change in my workflow to be more balances?
 * Can I create more flexibility in my schedule?

To Stay or Not To Stay? You are thinking about changing your job because Crohn’s and colitis symptoms are making it difficult for you to complete the work you are asked to do. Evaluate if the job is right for you If you’re planning on a career change ask you self all of the above and: And don’t forget about YOU! Think about your own functional/ vocational health assessment: Lastly, think about the best type of work environment for you:
 * Do I have the knowledge and skills to do this job well?
 * If not, what do I need to do to train and is it worth the expense?
 * Do I like what I do well enough to do it on both good days and bad?
 * Can I do my job when my symptoms worsen?
 * Is this job something I can do and want to do for the long run?
 * Are there options to make a move more affordable?
 * Have I done all the necessary research on the new job opportunities?
 * How much and what kind of experience will I need to get the job I want?
 * What is the range of my symptoms and how do they impact me?
 * What are the skills and physical/mental abilities that are required by my current job?
 * Do my symptoms limit my participation in anyway?
 * What matters the most for me? Work hours, commute, philosophy of the company, salary, benefits?
 * Is there an opportunity for growth and will my illness play a role in my ability to move ahead?
 * How flexible do I need my job to be? And will it be available to me?
 * Can I expect support from my boss?
 * Can I realistically find everything I’m looking for?