When you’re chronically ill, you often have to find your own ways to make money. While those around you may have gone off to college, gotten a job, started up in the family business etc., you may not have had the same opportunities.
After all, you have less access, less mobility, and less energy to work with. It’s hard to try and get into the current job market and everything it demands from you when you’re not able to give the 110% they’re asking for in the first place.
So you’re likely to turn to self employment. You don’t have to work anywhere other than your own home, and if you’re able to access the internet, you’ve got a platform that’ll level the playing field.
But you’ll still have a chronic illness to navigate at the same time you’re building your new business. Here’s what to think about to make that easier.
Make Templates and Take Shortcuts
Any way you can take a shortcut in running your business, make sure you take it! It doesn’t mean you’re not putting the right amount of effort in, nor does it mean you don’t really care.
You’re chronically ill and you need to play to your own health needs – and no business should ever make you put those last.
Make templates for your documents, including invoices, reviews, and customer responses. The same goes for any social media or website content.
Put together a brand document that has your tone of voice, writing style, and spelling guide on it. Then, create a post template or two that you can easily adapt to the content you want to put out.
Could it Affect Your Benefits?
It is possible to both work and receive benefits – but the waters can get murky quite quickly. You need to make sure you understand what counts as both gainful employment under the program you’re in, as well as the threshold where your benefit payments will be cut off.
The reason it’s difficult? Each program works a bit differently, even though they all come under the social security umbrella.
You’ll need to find the specific rules for the type of benefit you’re getting, whether you’re receiving retirement payments or you’re part of special programs like Compassionate Allowances.
If need be, book a consultation with a disability lawyer before you go any further, just to make sure you understand what you’re getting into.
Don’t Overdo Things on Your Good Days
When you’re ill and running a business, you’re going to have good days and bad days. On the bad days, take it easy. On the good days, also take it easy.
Don’t overdo it and decide to commit to 3 months of work in 12 hours!
Get a bit ahead of where you need to be, of course, but don’t push yourself too hard. It’ll just make the bad days all the worse.
Chronically ill and building a business? Take shortcuts, take it slow, and check your benefits!
