How to choose a new career after becoming physically disabled
Permanent physical limitations like quick fatigue and bad joints rule out physically taxing labor jobs like plumbing. Surviving a serious health battle often leaves people with no clear idea of what direction to take instead. Because they must avoid paths that cause further wear and tear on their bodies, finding a realistic new career is highly difficult.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1getting an MBADid this help you?
- 2working towards a JD and get in business lawDid this help you?
- 3getting a masters in hospitality managementDid this help you?
- 4looking into HVAC troubleshooting instead of plumbingDid this help you?
- 5working new construction with a crew where someone else handles heavy liftingDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“This job is physically taxing. I only have two bad knees and crawlspaces are a nightmare. Even with kneepads. The wear and tear on your shoulders and wrists is pretty shitty as well.”source ↗
“Got a question I’m 100% disabled veteran I’m 28 my body is pretty messed do you guys think it would be a good idea to give plumbing a try?”source ↗
“After my health battle, I feel like I have no clear idea where I want to go however.”source ↗
“I made a recovery, but am still disabled in that I fatigue quickly and I have slight mobility issues (I can walk, but a labor job is out of the question).”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 2How to choose a career when you have no passion
- 2How to invest for a young adult with disabilities
- 3Should I stay in public accounting after being fired?
- 21Should I get an accounting certificate or degree while working?
- 22How to know if you need a career pivot or just a new job
- 19Is teaching still a realistic option for me?