Growing up in a world that’s increasingly fast-paced and chaotic can be overwhelming for any young adult, but having a disability can complicate everyday things that most people take for granted. As a young adult, many people start thinking about entering the workforce and what type of career to pursue.
While employment prospects are much better today for people with disabilities than even a few years ago, figuring out where you can make a difference in the world is no small feat for today’s emerging workforce. Fortunately, there are many industries with career opportunities ideal for people with various types of disabilities.
Technology Jobs
Technology is everywhere in the modern world, and with the rise in technology comes an abundance of job opportunities. Engineering, software development, and data analysis are just a few of the opportunities that many people with disabilities could take advantage of. Look into a technology internship with a growing company to hone your skills and build your resume.
Fashion and Crafts
If you love to stay on top of the latest fashions or are skilled at creating beautiful jewelry, such as handmade bracelets, consider setting up your own shop on Etsy to sell your wares. Living with a disability can sometimes bring out your creative side, and working in this industry allows you to let your creativity run wild while building a lucrative career.[pullquote]While your disability may make certain tasks or situations challenging or even impossible, these limitations allow you to dig deeper and discover your true strengths. Finding the right match between your strengths, ambitions, and abilities will lead you to a prosperous career that brings you joy.[/pullquote]
Home Contracting
There are tons of job opportunities under the broad umbrella of home services. Starting your own home contracting company is one option that could prove to be a lucrative career opportunity for people with disabilities. If learning things such as complex computer code is challenging for you, but you’re particularly skilled with woodworking and similar projects, consider starting a contracting business.
Writing and Consulting
There are a multitude of examples of inspiring individuals with disabilities who have transformed their personal challenges into a way to inspire the world. From writing books (even with the help of a ghostwriter) to consulting and taking on speaking engagements, sharing your personal journey and how you’ve overcome your personal struggles can change the lives of many while giving you a greater sense of purpose.
Marketing and Market Research
If you have Asperger’s or a similar disability that makes intense social situations overwhelming, take advantage of the ability to work remotely from your own home with a career in marketing or market research. There are dozens of possible career paths in the marketing field, such as mining and analyzing marketing data to help companies make strategic business decisions, serving as an administrator for back-end marketing systems, or managing email or social media marketing campaigns, which allow you to have regular interaction with other people but without all the stress of social situations.
Jenny Wise is a stay-at-home mum and home educator. She and her husband decided to home-school when their oldest was four years old. During their journey, they’ve expanded their family and have faced many challenges. But they’re happy to have overcome each one. Jenny writes about her family’s experiences and home-school, in general, on her new blog: SpecialHomeEducator.com.
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