A spinal cord injury (SCI) can be a life-altering event. It not only affects your physical abilities but also your professional life.
For many, the sudden shift in physical abilities prompts the question: What now?
The good news is that your career doesn’t have to end after an SCI. With the rise of remote work post-COVID, new possibilities are more prevalent than ever before.
These opportunities will allow you to continue your professional journey or even transition into a career path better suited to you and your needs.
In this article, we’ll explore how to adapt your current career to remote work and share some remote careers that you can consider that are well-suited for individuals with spinal cord injuries. We’ll also dive into how Aspire Law’s services can help you find work post-injury with our specialist team of legal advisors.
Return to work after spinal cord injury
Employment after spinal cord injury can be a challenging transition.
Returning to the workforce after an SCI might seem daunting, but it doesn’t mean you need to start from scratch. You might be surprised by the skills and knowledge from your previous career that you can adapt to your new remote job.
Below, we’ve listed a few ways in which you can make this return to work easier:
Shift to a remote-friendly role
Especially post-COVID, many industries offer remote or hybrid roles that enable you to use your existing knowledge and skills. Even if the nature of the job is slightly different, it can really ease the transition if your new role is similar to your previous one.
Focus on the skills you already have
Consider the parts of your previous job that you enjoyed or were proficient in. More often than not, these skills are transferable to new roles! Your strengths in communication, organisation, problem-solving, and project management are invaluable, regardless of the industry you want to work in.
Talk to your employer about accommodations
It’s important to have open conversations with your current employer about your options.
Depending on your specific needs, remote work can be considered a reasonable adjustment under the 2010 Equality Act. Your employer should be open to adapting your role to suit your new requirements, including a remote setup or more flexible hours.
Consider upskilling
With upskilling, the working world might open up more opportunities for you.
Empower your transition to a new role with a short course or certification, enabling you to fit the hiring criteria of the remote job you’re looking for.
Countless online programs offer affordable, flexible learning opportunities that can help you expand your skill set and enable you to work from home.
Remote careers that work well for people with SCIs
It can feel overwhelming when you consider the number of remote working opportunities you could do. Struggling to narrow it down? We’ve created a list of some remote careers that work well for people with SCIs:
Digital marketing or social media management
Do you have a creative mindset and thrive when working with technology? Digital marketing and social media management might be the perfect career for you.
These roles often involve campaign planning, social media account management, and ad copywriting. Many online tools are available to assist with content creation, allowing you to work from home and even specialise in the industry of your choice.
Online tutoring or teaching
Online tutoring is a flexible and fulfilling remote career option for those who love to teach.
You can use online teaching platforms to connect with students one-on-one or in small groups and even set your own schedule and teach students of all ages, from primary school to adults.
Customer service or technical support
Many companies offer remote customer service or tech support positions.
These roles often involve answering questions, troubleshooting issues, and helping customers via phone, email, or live chat. Customer service positions tend to be flexible, both in terms of hours and working from home, making them a great fit for people with various accessibility needs.
Content writing, blogging, or editing
If you have a passion for writing or have a knack for editing, there are countless opportunities in content creation.
Freelance writing or editing can be done entirely remotely! Whether you write blogs, articles, or website content, it can be a flexible career choice.
Virtual assistant or administrative coordinator
Alternatively, you can consider becoming a virtual assistant. Perfect for organised individuals who enjoy supporting others, you’ll handle scheduling, email management, data entry, and client communication.
These tasks often require basic office software skills, making this an excellent option for those looking to put their administrative skills to use in a remote setting.
Graphic design
For those with an eye for creative visual design, graphic design can be a fulfilling remote career.
With accessible design tools and assistive technology, you can create everything from branding materials to websites or promotional content.
Coding or IT support
So many positions in the tech field can be done remotely.
If you have a proficient understanding of technology, roles such as coding, quality assurance testing, or IT support might be a good fit.
Not an expert yet? No problem. There are a variety of online courses available for beginners, which can help you break into the industry with no prior experience.
Freelance or consulting
If you were self-employed or had specialised knowledge in a specific area before your injury, freelancing or consulting may be the perfect career option post-injury for you.
Whether you were a business consultant, project manager, or creative professional, offering your expertise remotely, and on your own terms, empowers you with flexibility while leveraging your years of experience.
Know your rights
It can be a complicated and confusing process to figure out what you’re entitled to in the workplace, especially as someone with a spinal cord injury. If you’re unsure about your rights or need help navigating the process, Aspire Law is here to help.
We can provide legal support and guidance to help you understand your rights, whether you are returning to work, retraining, or applying for a new job.
Supporting your career with Aspire Law
If you need advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our specialist team at Aspire Law for legal support and access to rehabilitation.
