Chronic Illness and Self Employment

Many of us have a desire to work for ourselves. For some, it may be just a thought in the back of our minds, while for others it’s a more prominent ambition. The advantages of being self-employed are clear. You get to decide upon the hours you put in and there’s nobody else to tell you when you can come and go. You have creative control over business decisions and have a much greater share in the company’s profits. It also provides a rare opportunity to turn something you feel passionate about into an income source.

This may sound preferable when compared to just working for a pay check at a job which doesn’t interest you. However, self-employment can have its drawbacks. To start with, the lack of guaranteed income can be a source of insecurity, especially in the early start-up phase. Secondly, self-employment can be more stressful than working for an employer. Many job roles require you to only focus on a few tasks. Running your own business can require a lot more than that. Your primary responsibilities usually include generating business, providing quality service, keeping customers happy and managing your finances.

For people with chronic illnesses, self-employment can seem off-limits due to the potential stress factors. The workload may be beyond what your condition will physically allow you to do. The stress and anxiety may also be too much for someone who is already in an emotionally fragile state. However, this chronic illness can make self-employment seem even more desirable. Traumatic life events can alter your core values, leading to new goals and purposes. Time away from work may get you used to levels of autonomy which are hard to let go of. Daily management of a condition can also require you to cultivate leadership skills such as resilience, organization, and planning abilities. Each of these strengths often translates into running a successful business. 

6 New Strengths That Can Be Applied

Below is a list of eight strengths you may need to cope with your chronic condition. These are also strengths which can help you to successfully launch a business. Take some time to consider how you may be able to apply what chronic illness has taught you to be self-employed:

1. Resilience

Chronic Illness can be a turbulent time both physically and emotionally. Consequently, your ability to cope will be tested like never before. Your experience in navigating the highs and lows of your condition is likely to make you a more resilient person. This will help you handle the stresses that go along with setting up a business. 

2. Organization

Activities such as having to manage medications and medical appointments will translate into having good organizational skills. These will be useful when it comes to business-related activities such as attempting to arrange to fund or set up client meetings.

3. Planning

When you are limited by a physical condition it means having to formulate routines which accommodate this. This skill is easily transferable to business planning, structuring work schedules and planning out marketing campaigns.

4. Goal Setting

A big part of managing a long-term condition is setting goals. Many of them will be short term, but small wins can help you find meaning in the challenge and keep you motivated. Goals will usually include improvements in lab results, a decrease in symptoms and being more physically active. Running a business also requires goal setting. This will usually revolve around marketing hits, sales targets and revenue generated.

5. Team Building

Successful management of a chronic illness relies heavily on having a support system. This means having to build a team of people which may include close family, friends, medical experts, health professionals, counsellors, and support groups. It is very similar when starting a business. You might not be in a position to employ anyone at first, but you will still need skilled professionals to turn to. This can include vendors, affiliates, financial experts, mentors, and other industry contacts.

6. Leadership

Many people don’t regard themselves as leaders, but leadership behaviours are more common than we think. Establishing and articulating the desired outcome is a leadership skill. The ability to plan a routine, communicate your needs to others and think proactively are also signs of a leader. Managing a chronic condition requires these behaviours and so does setting up a business.