Those who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often find their lives to be full of stress. The unpredictable and ever-changing nature of the disease can make it difficult to manage even the most basic tasks, let alone hold down a job. For many people, this stress can be overwhelming and lead to a decreased quality of life.
But what if there were jobs out there that suited those with MS? Jobs that would allow them to work from home without putting too much stress on their bodies? Such jobs do exist.
I’ve put together a list of the top 15 low-stress jobs for those living with MS. So, whether you are just starting out on your search or have been struggling to find the right fit, read on for some great ideas.
Should I tell my employer I have MS?
You will need to weigh the pros and cons of disclosing your MS to your employer before deciding. In some cases, it may be necessary to disclose your diagnosis to get the accommodation you need.
However, in other cases, it may be best to keep your diagnosis to yourself. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and should be based on your situation.
How does MS limit your ability to work?
The symptoms of MS can make it difficult to maintain employment, as they can interfere with your ability to perform your job duties. Fatigue, for example, is a common symptom of MS that can make it difficult to stay focused and alert at work.
Other symptoms, such as weakness and muscle spasms, can make it hard to stand or sit for long periods or to perform manual tasks. Bladder and bowel issues can also make it difficult to work, as they may require frequent breaks or limit your ability to travel for work.
Making mistakes at work due to MS, or being unable to complete tasks, can also be a source of stress for those with MS. This is because the symptoms of the disease can make it difficult to concentrate or remember things.
Now that we’ve got a basic understanding of MS, let’s look at some low-stress jobs for MS patients that might be a good fit for those living with the disease.
1. Freelance Writer
Are you a good writer? Do you enjoy writing articles, blog posts, or even short stories? If so, then a career as a freelance writer might be a good fit for you. As a freelance writer, you can work from home or anywhere else with an internet connection. You can also set your own hours, and take on as much or as little work as you want.
And best of all, there is no required amount of time that you have to spend sitting at a desk. So, if you need to take a break to manage your symptoms, you can do so without worrying about missing a deadline.
As a freelance writer, you can earn anywhere from $0.10 to $1.00 per word, depending on your experience and the type of content you are writing. For example, if you are writing blog posts for a client, you may earn around $100 per post. But if you are writing a more in-depth article for a magazine, you could earn $1,000 or more.
2. Social Media Manager
Do you spend a lot of time on social media? Do you have a knack for promoting content and engaging with others online? If so, then a career as a social media manager might be the perfect fit for you. As a social media manager, you would be responsible for creating and managing social media accounts for a company or organization.
This would involve creating posts, responding to comments, and monitoring activity on the accounts. You would also need to have a good understanding of how each social media platform works, as well as the ability to use basic design tools.
As a social media manager, you can expect to earn a salary of $53,049 per year, depending on your experience and the number of clients you have.
3. Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant provides administrative, creative, or technical assistance to clients remotely. As a virtual assistant, you could be doing anything from managing someone’s email inbox to bookkeeping to customer service.
There are a ton of different businesses and entrepreneurs who could benefit from having a virtual assistant, so there’s no shortage of work in this field. And since you can do it all from the comfort of your own home, it’s a great option for people with MS who need to limit their exposure to potentially triggering environments. Generally speaking, you should be pretty organized, detail-oriented, and good at time management.
The average hourly rate for a virtual assistant is $18-35, but this can vary depending on the work you’re doing and your experience level. And since you’re working remotely, you may be able to charge a bit more, since there are no overhead costs for the business you’re working for.
Read More: 20 Best Jobs For People With IBS
4. Data Entry
Data entry is a great option for people with MS looking for a low-stress job that can be done from home. The work is relatively simple and doesn’t require any special skills or training. And as long as you have a computer and a reliable internet connection, you can do it anywhere in the world.
Many companies hire data entry clerks, so you should have no trouble finding a position that suits your needs. Just be sure to do your research and only work with reputable companies.
To work as a data entry clerk, all you really need is good typing speed and accuracy. Some companies may also require you to have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office or other similar software programs. Data entry clerks can annually earn anywhere from $32,147 and $40,397, depending on their experience and the company they work for.
5. Proofreader
If you have a keen eye for detail and a love of reading, then working as a proofreader might be the perfect job for you. Proofreaders are responsible for reviewing written content for errors before it is published. This can include anything from typos to grammatical errors to factual inaccuracies.
To be a successful proofreader, you must have excellent attention to detail and a strong grasp of grammar. You will also need to be able to work quickly and efficiently to meet deadlines.
Proofreaders can expect to earn between $46,875 and $60,996 per year, depending on their experience and the type of content they are proofreading. And if you prefer to get paid by word count rather than a monthly basis, that’s usually an option too!
6. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is performance-based marketing in which a business rewards an affiliate for each new customer they bring in. The customers can be generated through various channels, including online ads, social media posts, and email marketing campaigns.
As an affiliate marketer, you will need to generate a lot of traffic to the business’s website or online store. And while this can be a lot of work, it can also be a great way to earn extra money from home.
For successful affiliate marketing, you will need to have strong written and verbal communication skills. You will also need to be well-versed in digital marketing techniques, such as SEO, PPC, and social media marketing. And last but not least, you will need to be patient and persistent in your efforts.
7. Social Media Influencer
A social media influencer has built up a large following on one or more platforms. This can be used to generate awareness for brands and promote their products or services.
As a social media influencer, you will need to be active on social media and have a strong understanding of how each platform works. You will also need to be creative and develop engaging content that will interest your followers.
Social media influencers can earn a commission on each sale they generate, ranging from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. The amount you earn will depend on the business you’re working with, the products or services they are selling, and your performance.
8. Library Assistant
As an MS patient, you may not be able to work a full-time job. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find part-time work to help make ends meet. One option is working as a library assistant.
As a library assistant, you will be responsible for helping patrons find the materials they need and checking out books and other items. You will also be responsible for keeping the library clean and organized.
To be a successful library assistant, you must have excellent customer service skills. You will also need to be well-organized and keep track of numerous items. Library assistants can expect to earn 30,146 per year on average, or $14.49 per hour, depending on their experience and the library’s location.
9. Personal Shopper
Personal shoppers help people find the perfect gifts for their loved ones (or for themselves!). This can be a great job for MS patients who want to work from home, as it can be done entirely online.
As a personal shopper, you will need to have strong research skills and be able to find the best deals on the items you are looking for. You will also need to be patient and have a good eye for detail.
Personal shoppers can earn a commission on each sale they generate, ranging from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. The amount you earn will depend on the business you’re working with, the products or services they are selling, and your performance.
10. Human Resource Manager
Human resource managers are responsible for handling the day-to-day operations of a company’s human resources department. This can include recruiting and hiring new employees, managing employee benefits and handling payroll.
Being an MS patient, you may not be able to handle the physical demands of this job. But if you have strong organizational and communication skills, you may be able to find a position working from home.
To be a successful human resource manager, you must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You will also need to be well-organized and able to handle a variety of tasks at one time. Human resource managers can earn a salary of $121,220 per year, depending on their experience and the size of the company they work for.
11. Event Planner
Event planners are responsible for organizing and coordinating all aspects of events, from small parties to large conventions. If you have strong organizational skills and enjoy working with people, this could be the perfect job.
As an event planner, you will be responsible for everything from finding a venue to catering. You will also need to work well under pressure and handle last-minute changes.
You’ll need to have excellent organizational and communication abilities to be a successful event planner. You will also need to be creative and have a good eye for detail. Depending on their experience level and the size of events they plan, event planners can make an annual salary of $21.16 per hour.
12. Recruiter
Recruiters are responsible for finding and screening candidates for open positions at a company. This can be one of the great jobs suitable for people with MS who want to work from home, as it can be done entirely online.
As a recruiter, you will need to have strong research skills and be able to find the best candidates for the job. You will also need to have excellent communication skills and be able to sell the company to potential employees. Recruiting 101: The Fundamentals of Being a Great Recruiter is a great resource for new recruiters.
Recruiters can earn a commission on each placement, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The amount you earn will depend on the company you’re working with, the position you are recruiting for, and your performance.
13. Counseling
Working as a counselor can be very rewarding, as you help people through difficult times in their lives. It can also be fairly low-stress, as long as you have a good support network. You may need to be licensed to practice, but many states have fairly lenient requirements regarding education and experience.
To be a counselor, you will need to have excellent communication and listening skills. You should also be able to empathize with people from all walks of life, as they may be going through some very tough times. It is also important to be able to maintain confidentiality, as many of the things that your clients will tell you will be very personal.
Counselors typically earn between $59,574 and $73,035 per year, with the potential to earn more if you have your own private practice.
14. Social Work
Similar to counseling, social work can be a very rewarding career where you help people through difficult times. It is also a one of the low-stress jobs for MS patients, as long as you have a good support network in place. You will need at least a bachelor’s degree in social work to practice, but many states have lenient requirements for experience.
Some of the key skills you will need to succeed as a social worker are strong communication and listening abilities. You should also be able to empathize with people from all walks of life, as they may be going through some very tough times. It is also important to be able to maintain confidentiality, as many of the things that your clients will tell you will be very personal.
Social workers’ salaries mostly fall around $57,660 annually; however, those with private practices have the potential to make more money.
15. Special Education Teacher
If you love working with children and have a passion for helping those with special needs, then a career as a special education teacher may be the perfect fit for you. It can be a fairly low-stress job, as long as you have a good support network. You will need a bachelor’s degree in special education to teach, but many states have lenient requirements for experience. A cane or walking stick provides extra support when you need it.
Special education instructors make $34,380 per year on average, with the potential for greater earnings if they operate their own businesses.
Final Thoughts
There are a variety of MS-friendly jobs suitable for people with multiple sclerosis. If you have excellent communication and listening skills, counseling or social work may be your career. If you love working with children, then a career as a special education teacher may be the perfect fit. Whatever you choose, make sure that it is something you are passionate about, as that will make the job much less stressful.
Read More:
No Comments