Impact on career choices and progression

Personal implications

The impact on career choices or progression can come through small or indirect ways that a condition or disability affects a person's life. This can include how confident people feel in particular circumstances, or the way that some changes have implicit consequences. For example, Jan gave up driving after being diagnosed with epilepsy, which she says has "kind of affected my independence".

Although growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia affected occasionally Ruth’s confidence, it did not stop her seeking career progression.

Lyn describes the effects of dyslexia on her confidence and how she sought to manage that.

Stella reflects that mental health problems can combine with general worries when it comes to career progression.

Jo wonders if declaring her disability has meant she has not been invited to interviews.

Paul explains that his anxiety can make a job interview a difficult process to go through.

Making big changes

Some of the people we spoke to told us how their condition or disability had, one way or another, had a profound impact upon their role or career. As Sue explained, at one workplace there was no possibility of being provided with a chair that would prevent the back pain she was experiencing. In the end, she said "I couldn't continue to manage the pain levels without doing something drastic. So I ended up leaving that job."

Milembe explained that before being diagnosed with cancer she was very busy with a full-time job, her part-time studies, and raising two children. She explained that this level of activity was not something she could return to saying, there is only "so much someone can do in 24 hours". Reducing her working hours was therefore a significant change to Milembe's life.

The need for flexibility in working practices led Verity to give-up her previous role.

Despite having made some changes to her previous role, Charlotte found that she needed to take more significant steps to help manage her IBS and C-PTSD.

Liz worries that having a long period off work might affect her research.

Finding the right role

For a number of people we spoke to they explained how important it was to have found a role that made the most of their skills or abilities or that could accommodate the needs of their condition or disability. In some cases moving to such a role meant a significant shift in career or field of interest. Others noted how finding such a position enabled them to progress their career.

Richard explains that he was fortunate that his research interests were not too limited by his diabetes.

Paul found he struggled in some jobs but now has a role that suits his abilities.

Kevin sought to choose a career path so that his disability did not hold him back.

Finding the right role was not always easy or possible.

Lyn found that her new working environment had particular expectations, which sometimes needed to be challenged.

Roberta reflects on how the working environment and the effects it has had on her health have not been worth the move.

Frances explains how she feels stuck in the wrong role, and unable to progress to one that emphasises her abilities.

Future considerations

A number of people we spoke to reflected upon how their past experiences of condition or disability – and the changes they had made to their lives or would need – might affect their careers in the future. As Jo Z explained, "If I decided to look for another post within the university, I think I would think twice about where I would apply. Because I would want to be sure I would get the same level of support".

Getting a diagnosis of dyslexia in adulthood helped Lyn make sense of past difficulties at school and develop strategies for future learning.

Devon’s manager ensured she could continue to publish in her new role, so she wouldn’t lose opportunities for career progression.

Susannah reflects on whether going part-time will have implications on her career.

Stella reflects how seeking stability to help maintain her good mental health may have consequences for what jobs she can apply for.

Maeve considers some of the practical issues that will affect her career progression.

John considers how working part-time may impact his future career.

Gabrielle explains that she is still exploring how her MS will affect her life and career progression.