Building a Meaningful Work Lifestyle with a Disability, Without a Job
Like many people who have disabilities, my mental health issues have kept me from keeping a career or jobs long-term. At first, and at many times, this has proven frustrating, as finding a fulfilling career made up part of my identity. However, I have been able to adjust to it and manage my time in other ways, besides the conventional occupation or work position, including:
Volunteering (at hospitals, recreation centers, and financial coaching)
Writing and selling e-books (I have written 5 e-books)
Studying Spanish - with textbooks and Duolingo.com
Website development - founding this website (with guides, a blog, articles, e-books, and a resource page)
Investing - educating myself with books and YouTube videos on value investing
These pastimes worked for me, but anyone can find meaning in their disability, based on their own interests and skills, even with having to make lifestyle adjustments.
How you can, also:
▪ Review what skills and talents you have that you can use, even with your disability
▪ Consider ways you can educate yourself or receive training for areas in which you can increase your capable skills
▪ Think about what type of hobbies or interests you enjoy, that you can spend and/or expand your time on
▪ Determine if you need to increase your income, and ways you can do so - ex. through certifications, side hustles, a small business, selling e-books, investing in stocks or real estate, etc.
▪ Seek support and guidance with https://www.usa.gov/disability-services, and SBA and SCORE for small businesses.
Even if you are not able to fill your day with work or studying, you can still find meaningfulness in everyday activities, and spending time with others. There are organizations and clubs supporting people with disabilities, including accredited mental health Clubhouses, one of which I have been a member. You can also meet with a licensed counselor and outline a simple plan of success for yourself.
Having a disability that prevents you from working a typical job or career does not have to be debilitating. There are many kinds of ways you can fill your workday with meaningful activities, such as educating yourself, enjoying hobbies, or finding a different kind of work that meets your needs and goals. Then, you can determine the lifestyle you want by structuring your time and energy with the kind of work that works for you.