“I want a job that matches my skills and abilities, not a job based on my disability.”
Having a job can make you financially independent and help you participate in society. Work also provides many social contacts and can boost your self-confidence. A condition can affect your choice of education and your opportunities to find work. Living with a condition can create additional challenges.
“It is especially important when finding a job in my field of study. I deal with it by being realistic and accepting that some things just aren’t possible.”
Looking for a job can be difficult. Not every job is suitable, and some employers may be influenced by prejudice. You might worry that you won’t qualify for a job because you cannot always work 40 hours a week, or that others overestimate your abilities, that you work at a slower pace, or that you need extra guidance.
In this section of the website, you will find information on how to deal with these challenges and other work-related topics.
If you want to start working, it’s helpful to know what kind of work you enjoy, what type of company you would like to work for, and where.
Do you prefer one specific task, or do you want more variety?
What are you good at?
You may already have an idea of how much you would like to earn.
Think carefully about the kind of work you enjoy. Is it one specific task, or do you prefer more variety?
It’s a good idea to decide in advance what requirements your ideal job vacancy should meet, such as:
Field/sector (administration, design, hospitality, healthcare, IT).
(If you’re not sure which field suits you, you can take a career aptitude test.)
Work, thinking, and education level.
Province/region.
Requirements related to your condition, such as building accessibility, the number of hours you can work, and any necessary workplace accommodations.
TIP: Describe your preferences
Work: Your wishes regarding work, the number of hours spread over several days, preferences for paid work, volunteer work, working while receiving benefits, and any (additional) training you may need.
Independence: Do you want to carry out tasks independently, plan and organize your work, and continue learning?
Mobility: Do you want to arrange transport to and at work independently? Do you prefer sitting, standing, or walking during your work?
Also consider aspects such as: work pace, independently organizing your work, contact with colleagues or customers, accuracy or precision, making and keeping appointments, and taking responsibility.
The difference between what you want and what you are able to do can be significant, especially if you have a chronic condition. It’s always helpful to have a clear understanding for yourself of what you can and cannot do. When you start working, it’s useful to have this mapped out so your employer also knows what to take into account.
Energy
It’s important to determine how much energy you can spend on future work. This can be difficult, especially if you don’t yet have work experience.
It may help to create a schedule in which you describe what activities you do, when you do them, and what your energy level is at those times. The amount of sleep you get should also be part of this schedule. After one or two weeks, take stock. Which activities feel easy? Which ones cost you too much effort? Do you benefit from routine, or is structure not very important to you? Try to draw clear conclusions. It may be helpful to review this together with a parent/caregiver or a friend.
Dealing with disappointment
If you have clear ideas about what you want but these don’t align with what you can do, that can be disappointing. It can be hard to accept when something doesn’t work out. You may feel the need to push yourself beyond your limits to still achieve what you have in mind.
But be mindful of your health! It may sound boring, but it’s incredibly important. Try to focus on what you can do and explore alternative ways to still reach your goals.
“Every day of my internship was a struggle against headaches. Even with reduced hours, this field (geriatrics) turned out to be physically too demanding for me. When I told my mentor I was going to stop the program, it felt like failure. I was extremely angry with myself. It took a lot of effort to open my eyes to other fields. But in the four years that followed, I discovered so many new sides of myself. My advice: think broader!”
What should you tell your employer about your health?
This can be a difficult decision. At first, you may not want to bring it up immediately because you might be afraid of being rejected. On the other hand, you may worry that your employer will be upset if you only mention later that you have health issues.
In the Netherlands, employers are officially not allowed to ask about your health or past sick leave. However, if your health prevents you from performing all the tasks required for the job, you must disclose this. You should also inform them if you expect to be less productive than other colleagues, anticipate more sick days than usual, or need workplace accommodations.
When should you tell your employer about your health?
If you have a visible disability.
If you want to talk about your health.
If you want to be open and transparent.
When should you not tell your employer about your health?
If you don’t want your health to influence the hiring process.
If your health condition does not directly affect your job performance.
Even though it can be difficult for young people with a condition to find a job or part-time work, it is certainly not impossible—many have done it before you.
When looking for a job, it’s important to pay attention to the following points:
Be assertive.
Show your motivation.
Take initiative.
Demonstrate perseverance.
Know what you can and cannot do.
Take responsibility for yourself.
Put aside fear and insecurity.
Make sure you look presentable.
Build a network.
TIPS from chronically ill young people for finding a job
Make use of your own abilities, show what you can do, and be honest about it.
Give a practical impression of what working means for you in real life.
Show commitment and give it your all. If you have strong motivation, your disability becomes less of an issue.
Keep going, don’t let yourself be brushed off!
Be realistic and positive, believe in yourself, have self-confidence, and hold on to your dream!
Gain experience in practice, for example through short internships or trial days.
Make sure you know which organizations and support services are available.
Part-time job
Even as a student or pupil, you can work. You can look for a part-time job to earn some extra money alongside your studies. Your choice of job can depend on different factors, such as salary, location, colleagues, and how relevant it is to your future career. A part-time job can help prepare you for your later work. Colleges and universities often offer work placements related to your field of study, and you can also indicate your preferences at an employment agency.
Internship
In addition to part-time jobs, internships can also prepare you for your future work. Many vocational, higher professional, and university programs include internships as part of their curriculum. By working in a company, you learn about your future job opportunities and responsibilities. Sometimes you have to find the internship yourself, and other times the program offers internship placements.
Once you have found an interesting job vacancy or know of a company you would like to work for, it’s time to apply.
For more information about applying for a job, you can visit the website “Working with a Disability”. They offer a brochure with information on topics such as:
Preparing for the interview.
Writing your CV (Curriculum Vitae).
How to approach work.
Support in the workplace.
