National Career Development Month, observed every November, invites people at all stages of their working life to evaluate their current situations and future choices. Recent events have resulted in a spike in job vacancies across many industries and fields. Typically, people start to think about switching careers before the holidays in order to prepare for job searches in the New Year. It’s never too early, however, to plan.
Many factors influence a decision to switch jobs and/or career pursuits. Better pay and benefits, geographical location, and remote work opportunities are common, but physical health can also play a role. For those living with chronic joint pain, certain jobs may prove too stressful on the body. The decision to leave a position is often determined by the possibility, or lack thereof, of improvement in the workplace.
Before you update your resume, especially if you enjoy your current work, you may wish to leverage for ergonomic equipment to ease stiffness and aches in your hands or legs. If you have a desk job, improvement may simply be a matter of peripherals designed for easier gripping, or a comfortable chair that doesn’t put too much stress on your spine.
Jobs which require physical labor and long periods of standing or walking may require more compromise. When you hurt less at work, however, you are likely to improve overall performance and job satisfaction. A visit with your orthopaedic physician or therapist can help you determine if the changes needed in your life require only minor adjustments at your current job, or a search for the next one.
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