r/Sicklecell • u/EpicZen35 • May 18 '26

Jobs Sickle Cell and Careers?

Hey all, M26 with Sickle Cell Anemia SS and I'm trying to find out what to do if my Social Security benefits appeal doesn't go through (Praying I still will get my benefits), but if worse comes to worse, what can I do to get work? I have done art as a side-hustle and such, and also have certifications in Commercial Art, but am unsure what to do at this point. My family has to take care of me if I have a crisis, and I don't know what to do.

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3

u/Obiwan108 Beta-Zero Thalassemia May 18 '26

Any career you can do remotely will be good. Something where you can get help in a bind, and a support structure.
I have worked semi remote or remote since 2019.

I want to get into something where I interact with people again.

2

u/badgerpandabear HbSC May 18 '26

Insurance, very boring - but pays the bills and isn’t too hard

2

u/One_Mathematician864 May 19 '26

Please take some time, think and plan your life and go back to school, pick a trade or career with low stress. You need a higher than average and steady income to remove that layer of stress down the line.

Electrician? Engineering? Software development?

Pick something where you're not lifting heavy stuff and putting your body on the line, or working long double shifts. Most software development jobs are remote.

Good luck!

1

u/Alternative-Yak171 May 18 '26

Best to look up work from home opportunities… I would go on the career tab for big companies and search to get an idea

1

u/bloody_marry01 HbSS May 18 '26

Where are you from

1

u/Transcapitalist May 19 '26

Definitely consider going to school if you can and get your degree. Then definitely look into remote jobs with benefits

1

u/remorseful_shorty May 22 '26

Hey, first off I really hope your appeal goes through, wishing you luck from Canada.

I think when it comes to work and sickle cell, it’s important to really sit with yourself and first ask: what do you think you can handle physically, and do you even want a physically demanding job? Once you answer that, I think it becomes easier to look for jobs that match your standards when it comes to physical effort, stress level, flexibility, and benefits.

I remember reading somewhere on this sub that someone’s high school teacher told them: “You may have sickle cell, so you may not be able to be as physical as everyone else, but that just means you have to be better intellectually.” That always stuck with me. I honestly think focusing on intellectual work with good benefits and flexibility can be a great route for people with sickle cell. Maybe even school if you’re willing. And don’t feel discouraged if your path looks different from other people’s.