There are many people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis which is an autoimmune disease that may affect any of the joints or any other different body system and can make your daily works very difficult to perform. There are times when an individual suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis may feel so low and may also lack self esteem because the condition may not permit him to work or do jobs to make their own living. However, a positive attitude is very essential for everyone and it is most important if you are suffering from any chronic condition.
Even if you are suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis, you can perform your job and earn a very respectable life for self. Well! There are some best and worst jobs for rheumatoid arthritis which must be known to you. So, read below and know about them so that you can work accordingly and earn even with rheumatoid arthritis.
Best Jobs for Rheumatoid Arthritis:
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; people with Rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to lose jobs, retire early, reduce their work hour or struggle to find jobs than their peers without Rheumatoid arthritis.
It is absolutely true that symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may make you feel down at work; however you do not have to quit in life. Make sure you are trying the below mentioned professional jobs for self and taking a new career path in case you suffer from Rheumatoid arthritis. After all it is about earning in life.
-
Accountant(Part time):
If you are suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis then accounting would be a good profession for you. You may work part time as an accountant. You will require a bachelor’s degree in accounting for being an accountant. If not, you may find a job working as a bookkeeper in an accounting office, or as an accounts receivable or payable clerk.
-
Administrative Assistant:
Administrative assistants have a good pay, depending on the level of responsibility within an organization. If you have Rheumatoid arthritis, you can work as an administrative assistant, implies if you have computer skills, English grammar knowledge and a high school diploma. In case you are an Administrative assistant, you would have a lot of flexibility to structure your day performing tasks, such as typing, customer service and also data management.
-
Freelancing or Consulting:
You can become a consultant if you have Rheumatoid arthritis. You may also work from home to be more comfortable if you wish. This is really great for people with RA.
-
Running Your Own Business:
Running personal business would work well with Rheumatoid arthritis. You can at least become a small-scale business owner and can control the pace of your work and also can invest in few employees who would help you in your business growth and development.
-
Engineer:
A structural engineer who may require climbing in buildings, may be a poor fit for the job if he or she is suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis. However, other kinds of engineering, such as software engineering, can work out really in a perfect way. You may find it stressful as it may entail a lot of sitting; however you can request your employer for a standing desk if you are comfortable with it, and also move from time to time when you require.
-
Editor/Writer:
In case you are not suffering from pain in fingers or hands in Rheumatoid arthritis, then you can deal with typing and become a freelance content writer or editor and can work from home and accordingly have flexible schedule so as to fit your doctor’s appointment, sleep, exercise and so on.
In case you are working in an office then you will at least have some ability to make your workplace pretty comfortable and move around as required. You may take frequent breaks that can aid in preventing problems in your condition while working.
-
Other Profession Work:
Doctors, lawyers, veterinarians, and other highly trained professionals can generally continue to practice with Rheumatoid arthritis. In case you have all the subject knowledge, the training, education and expertise then you can train assistants so as to help you in work.
Worst Jobs for Rheumatoid Arthritis:
-
Landscaping:
Landscaping works such as pruning that involve frequent use of hand tools may cause pain in your joints. Moreover, landscaping also requires a lot of bending, kneeling and stooping over which can cause pain in knee joints. Finally, the job also involves lifting and hauling; which can cause back pain.
-
Truck Driver:
One of the poorest choices of job for someone with Rheumatoid arthritis is working as a truck driver. Whether driving long or short distances, a truck driver is actually trapped for a long time in a seat which really puts pressure on the back. There is little time to move around and stretch the painful joints in such a task.
-
Professional Athlete:
You may have a secret dream of becoming a professional athlete, such as a football or basketball player; however if you have rheumatoid arthritis then this job is actually not your dream job.
However, there are arthritis prevention strategies that are well tailored to the specific sport. You must be aware of them.
-
Dancer:
“Dance is really amazing!” But, over the years it may cause severe pain in rheumatoid arthritis and you may have arthritis in almost every joint. Ankles and hips are most likely to be affected most for ballet dancers when they grow older. You must know about best arthritis prevention strategies in order to prevent the pain in rheumatoid arthritis while dancing.
-
Musician:
If you have Rheumatoid arthritis, it may be hard for you to become a musician as it requires a lot of repetitive motion. Repetitive strain and pain is actually a risk to health for musician and can cause severe damage in arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. They usually have an increased risk of injuring their joints.
-
Healthcare Jobs:
Most healthcare jobs are not at all a good choice for people with Rheumatoid arthritis or any other chronic pain condition. These jobs bring increased stress, long hours and lots of time on your feet. Some of the jobs such as working in nursing homes, physical therapy, etc ate particularly very difficult for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Not only healthcare professionals spend a lot of time on their feet, but the jobs entail a lot of bending, moving patients, lifting etc. this could actually affect not only the back, but also many other joints of the body.
-
Construction Worker:
One more, worst job choice for people with rheumatoid arthritis would be working in the construction industry which actually poses a lot of risks. Lifting heavy weights incorrectly and without the proper assistance would worsen the condition in rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, people working here would have to use hammers constantly and this can be dangerous.
If you are working as a construction worker then become aware of some arthritis prevention steps and also take lots of breaks while your work.
-
Teacher:
Teacher’s profession is one more bad choice if you have rheumatoid arthritis. Teachers are the professionals who have to stay on their feet for a longer period of time. You can get good and comfortable footwear in case you have rheumatoid arthritis and working as a teacher.
-
Lumber Workers:
People who work in the lumber industry also have an increased risk of injuring themselves. Individuals who are lumber workers have to do heavy lifting that is not at all a good job if you have arthritis.
However, you can learn specific strategies to keep away from danger by knowing how to lift correctly, and also by encouraging self to stay fit and healthy.
-
Textile Industry Workers:
Individuals who work in mass production situations, like textile or clothing manufacturing; often find they end up with arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis or any other kind of chronic pain condition. So, this is a worst job choice if you have rheumatoid arthritis. However in case you are working in this textile industry then you can take breaks and do alternative tasks which can ease the stress on your joints and limit the symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis.
-
Jobs In Food Industry:
Another job that can be considered among the worst jobs for rheumatoid arthritis patients would be the jobs in food industry as people here have to deal with high temperature, repetitive motion and a lot of standing.
Moreover, working in a restaurant setting can also be as bad as working in a food industry. Here you have to stand on your feet for a prolonged period and also lifting plates and trays are actually going to exacerbate symptoms
-
Retail Industry Jobs:
Another worst job for Rheumatoid arthritis is working in retail industry. Here you not only have to spend a lot of time standing on your feet but also you have to stock products or bag groceries, you will spend your day reaching, lifting, turning etc. these repetitive movements can exacerbate painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
-
Auto Mechanics:
Working as an auto mechanics is certainly one of the worst jobs for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Using tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers etc can be impossible or nearly impossible for people with conditions like Rheumatoid arthritis that affect the hands. Mechanics also usually work in awkward positions all day- such as bending to work under the car hoods and sliding around under cars etc..
Conclusion:
If you are one of those who are suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis and want to live a happy and satisfied life then be sure that you need to remain employed. So, try out any of the best jobs that suit your study and experience and avoid the worst jobs which may worsen your condition in rheumatoid arthritis. If you feel that the condition of rheumatoid arthritis is causing considerable amount of functional limitations or disability in you which would force you to take off from work for more than 3 to 4 days in a month then it is advisable to hire a good disability attorney and apply for the disability benefits for arthritis.
Also Read:
- Can You Work With Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Disability Benefits For Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (Chronic Inflammation of Joints): Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Surgery
- Rheumatoid Arthritis of Hands: Symptoms, Signs, Treatment- Conservative, PT, Surgery
- Elbow Rheumatoid Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Surgery, Physical Therapy, Exercises
