There are not many jobs for people with fibromyalgia. Millions of people are affected by consistent or chronic pain and it prevents them from performing certain jobs.
Whether you deal with fibromyalgia or know someone who does, it is important that you know jobs would prove to be the worst.
I also have a related article for you – 10 Worst Jobs for Someone with BPD.
Since you require minimal psychical and schedule flexibility, it is crucial that you steer clear of the following jobs
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Top 10 Worst Jobs for People with Fibromyalgia
1. Photographer
One of the worst jobs for people with fibromyalgia is photography. Primary duties that a photographer must fulfill include using lighting, background, foreground, and other techniques for capturing images that elicit specific emotional reactions or tell stories.
The job is also not suitable for those suffering from ulcerative colitis, endometriosis, chronic migraines, multiple sclerosis, nerve damage, lupus, and sciatica as it requires one to travel to different locations to work.
2. Landscaping
Another job that people with fibromyalgia need to avoid in 2022 is landscaping. Even if you enjoy spending time in nature, you should limit your talent to your backyard. The fact is that landscaping tasks such as pruning involve the use of hand tools which can cause considerable pain.
Besides, the job also requires a ton of kneeling, bending, and stooping over which are bound to cause pain in the knees and joints. There is even lifting and hauling involved which is why it is best to avoid working as a landscaper.
3. Truck Driver
Working as a truck driver is not a job for everyone. People who suffer from fibromyalgia should not consider becoming a truck driver as the job would require them to drive long distances while being trapped in a seat for an extended period of time which would only place pressure on the body.
As there would not be much moving or stretching, the job would only prove harmful. Truck drivers are known for suffering from sleep problems which would only make things worse.
4. Manufacturing
Anyone who suffers from fibromyalgia should also not consider a career in manufacturing as these types of jobs require long periods of sitting or standing in one place and repetitive movements which only lead to excruciating pain.
Moreover, those working on an assembly line barely have control over their breaks. Hence, manufacturing would not make a good fit.
5. Elementary School Teacher
Teaching younger kids is anything but easy. It can easily take a toll on your body. It is common for grade-school teachers to experience fatigue and pain due to standing on their feet for an extended period of time. In addition to this, teachers constantly have to pick things up from the floor which would prove harmful.
6. Healthcare
People with fibromyalgia are also not advised to take up a job in healthcare as it comes with long hours standing on your feet and high stress. Some of these jobs can be extremely tough such as those requiring one to work in a nursing home or offer physical therapy.
It is important to note that the jobs would entail a lot of moving, lifting, and bending in awkward positions which is a recipe for disaster. Thus, you should remove healthcare jobs from your list.
7. Construction
When it comes to jobs for people with fibromyalgia, construction is a sector that should be avoided at all costs. According to the American Chiropractic Association, construction work is one of the few jobs that causes considerable back pain.
In fact, specialists like sheetrock installers and rock experience some of the worst problems. In addition to having to lift all day long, their work tends to be repetitive which can cause pain and constant flare-ups.
Besides, it is more common for construction workers to experience an injury. Therefore, construction jobs are not meant for people who have fibromyalgia.
Here is a nice video explaining about Worst Jobs for People with Fibromyalgia.
8. Retail
Retail work is also not suitable for people with fibromyalgia as most forms of retail cause chronic pain. The roles require you to stand on your feet most of the time stocking products and bagging groceries.
As you would have to lift, turn, and reach items, you would end up experiencing painful symptoms that are best to be avoided. Hence, you should look for work in a different sector.
9. Food Industry
If you think retail work is hard, the food industry is just as tough. There are only a few careers in the food industry that people with fibromyalgia can take on. For starters, you must steer clear of working in a food processing plant. People in the food industry are subject to prolonged standing, repetitive motion, and high temperatures. Not only is it hard to work in a food factory, but it is also difficult to work in a restaurant.
Besides, the jobs tend to pay low salaries and do not come with any health benefits. As you lift plates and stay on your feet throughout the day, you would only exacerbate the symptoms.
10. Auto Mechanics
Lastly, those suffering from fibromyalgia should never work as auto mechanics. The job is known for causing significant pain. Besides, it can be close to impossible for people with conditions like RA to use tools such as screwdrivers and wrenches.
Moreover, mechanics have to work in awkward positions throughout their shifts which can take a toll on your body. Having to bend to work under the car hood and slide under cars to perform necessary work is simply not recommended.
Top 3 Tips to Find Jobs for People with Fibromyalgia
Now that you know about the worst jobs for people with fibromyalgia, you should consider the following tips to find the right job.
- Flexible Schedule: When seeking employment while managing fibromyalgia, you need to set flexibility as your number one priority. It will help ensure that you are able to rest and recover.
- Remote Work: More and more companies are offering remote work. Therefore, you should consider applying for a remote job to maintain comfort and privacy.
- Health Benefits Program: Lastly, you need to apply for a job at a company that provides employees with health benefits. It will offer much-needed relief.
Here is a related article that might interest you on 6 Worst Jobs For Someone With Dyslexia.
Hi, my name is Eddie, I am a professional trainer specializing in the elderly population and I’m also a website designer. I love training in the gym, going to the beach, traveling, and having good food.
I combined my love for sport and website designing to make “DisabilitEase” whose purpose is to help elderly and disabled people live a more full and active life, have more fun, and enjoy their unique journey despite any disability.
