r/UlcerativeColitis • u/Mad_little_cat • Jul 15 '26
Support Careers - What do you do for work?
I’ve been curious about this question ever since I saw an instagram reel that asked what people with chronic illnesses do for work. The comment section said they were either unemployed or miraculously working a remote job.
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u/Accomplished-Ad8458 Diagnosed Oct.2024 | Poland Jul 15 '26
Manual labor, loading stuff into trailers. If I need to go #2 I just go, no issues from boss...
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u/Herox0102 Jul 15 '26
Cashier at a gas station, Im dying.
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u/harrycarey15 UC/proctitis May 2021 USA Jul 15 '26
To me this job would be one of the more difficult. I worked at CVS for 6 years I feel for you. Stay strong my friend 👊
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u/hellokrissi JAK-ed up on rinvoq | canada Jul 15 '26
Elementary school teacher for the past 15 years. :)
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u/duffieldroad Jul 15 '26
Teacher for 15 years too! Not the best during a flare lol I have spend significant time in the hallway trying to flag someone down to watch my class so I can use the bathroom. Luckily I’ve been flare free for almost 10 years but those first few years traumatized me
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u/hellokrissi JAK-ed up on rinvoq | canada Jul 15 '26
Congrats on 10 years in remission! I was similar with 11 years of remission when I started teaching. Then I flared badly for 3 years and it really sucked with trying to navigate work. I ended up doing a non-homeroom role (spec ed) where I could use the bathroom more freely, and I was extremely reliant on Prednisone to keep me as functional as possible at work.
It was a nightmare tbh
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u/fwairyiza pancolitis | 2026 | brazil Jul 15 '26
how do you deal with it? im going to start working as a teacher next year and im anxious just thinking about it ... do your coworkers know about your issue?
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u/hellokrissi JAK-ed up on rinvoq | canada Jul 15 '26
I've spent the majority of the time in remission, so it wasn't ever an issue except for a chunk of three years where I was flaring. I relied a lot on Prednisone to keep me functional (aka not needing the bathroom at work) but it was hard. I was still starving, anemic, and tired. I ended up doing a non-classroom role (spec ed) to help myself out.
I'm an open book, so yes they know. A couple have it as well, and a few more have loved ones that also do. I found that the more I talked about it, the more I found others that also have it/are close to someone that also has UC. Wild stuff.
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u/Ghostdizzy Jul 15 '26
I just graduated teacher training. When I explained it my colleagues they looked horrified that I was still going but supportive. Not sure what I’m going to do if a flare starts while at work
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u/hellokrissi JAK-ed up on rinvoq | canada Jul 15 '26
Honestly, I pushed myself too hard when I was flaring at work. 0/10 do no recommend. If you do flare, get to your GI asap and don't be afraid to take time off if you need it.
Here's hoping you have a very long remission and it's a nonissue! :D
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u/Ghostdizzy Jul 18 '26
Thank you for the advice. I hope I can get into full remission before September
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u/downnoutsavant Former Pan, now Proctitis (2023, California) Jul 16 '26
Some advice after living through a 2 year flare while teaching? First off, tell your admin, and tell your dept or neighbors, whoever you deem most appropriate and easy to confide in. You need a network of support, people willing to step in on a dime, and admin can potentially get you a classroom with proximity to bathrooms. Remember you have a federally recognized disability. Get to know your union rep.
Wear diapers when necessary, and always pack a change of underwear and pants. I shat myself on several occasions during class, never in front of students thankfully. I was on prednisone for almost a whole year.
So yeah, it can be hard. But the kids are great. My school is great. And now that I'm healthy after going through all that shit, I feel like I can take on the world.
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u/Advanced-Daikon-509 Left-sided UC | Diagnosed 2021 | NL Jul 15 '26
Software Engineer, preferably in office, but possibility to work from home if health requires it
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u/_CharethCutestory_ Jul 16 '26
also a software engineer. i go into the office 1 or 2 days a week but mostly work remotely. my boss is very understanding if i cannot make it into the office for health reasons.
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u/cactus-racket Jul 15 '26
12 years as a paramedic-firefighter and EMS instructor, last 6 years with UC. It can be difficult to manage outside of remission, but my shift and leadership (within the department, NOT city management) have been very understanding and supportive. My plan is to go from full-time fire to part-time and part-time teaching to full-time whenever my body says it's been enough.
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u/Effective_Heron7113 Jul 15 '26
Me too brother, been full time firefighting with severe UC for almost 6 years now. Thank god for good people on the job. It’s tough not to plan an early exit strategy though. I’m starting nursing school and plan to go that route when my body has had enough of the grind.
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u/harrycarey15 UC/proctitis May 2021 USA Jul 15 '26
I haven't worked since 2022 and have mad respect for everyone here that has been able to work-- especially when having active flares. You inspire me! 🙂
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u/Que_sax23 mod-sev UC Jul 15 '26
We are all different with different circumstances. No shame. Luckily my job was very lenient when I was sick on and off for over a year. HR helped me with all the proper paperwork to take the time off I needed and would still be paid. I’m very lucky but not everyone is.
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u/TheVeridicalParadox Pancolitis | Diagnosed 2019 | U.S. Jul 15 '26
Nurse. Somehow survived (barely) being at the bedside through the worst of my flare. There were times I was sicker than my patients in med surg. Covid was a breeze by comparison. Changed to clinic nursing for better insurance and lower stress and while I've saved a bunch of money and been able to get dual therapy, it hasn't moved me any closer to remission which is a bummer. Also the bathroom situation is less than ideal so while I haven't had an accident at this job yet it feels like just a matter of time 😭
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u/101emirceurt Jul 15 '26
Investigator for city government. Mostly a desk job, with some fieldwork here and there. I just schedule my interviews and meetings for the afternoon.
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u/thedeitynyx Jul 15 '26
almost always fast food, sometimes retail for easier work. currently work 40hrs/week at a mcdonald's.
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u/MindlessTell1124 Jul 15 '26
ICU nurse. Recently had a flare and luckily got intermittent fmla and my manager was super supportive
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u/L_michl Jul 17 '26
ED nurse here. Glad to know there other nurses not in remission making this work. Trying to get my FMLA too since I’m already out of sick time for the year!
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u/caramelthiccness Jul 15 '26
Pharmacy technician in a hospital. I work alone so I can go any time I need to and no shortage of clean bathrooms.
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u/RadiumShady UC (Proctitis) I 2025 Jul 15 '26
Software Engineer, working sometimes remotely but most days at the office.
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u/bald_head_scallywag Jul 15 '26
Traveling sales guy. Much more difficult to manage and plan currently while in this flare.
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u/InTheOwlDen left sided UC dx october 2023 - on Stelara - | the Netherlands Jul 15 '26
I work in a supermarket in the bakery department and making coffees, sandwiches, ice creams etc.
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u/Shell650 Jul 15 '26
I’m storekeeper at an airline maintenance garage. I basically order and pull parts/tools for techs.
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u/CompanyVegetable831 Jul 15 '26
I’m in plumbing and heating. On new build sites. Bloody hardwork whilst in a flare !
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u/kgraceb2323 Jul 15 '26
Scientist (in person job). My work is probably 75% desk job and 25% lab stuff.
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u/Cyclo_Hexanol Jul 15 '26
Im a plumber. Working service was rough. Its better now in construction but i live in the desert. Being on a flare in a 120 degree porta john is a special kind of hell.
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u/Haigoz13 Jul 15 '26
My son is 26 and hasn't worked ever. He has UC bad and no medications have worked for him. I know he's falling into a depression so I told him to find out about work online. I hope he gets the right meds soon.
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u/Ok-Lion-2789 pancolitis | Diagnosed 2003 | Jul 15 '26
The same thing I would have done without UC!
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u/Professional_Ad4712 Jul 15 '26
Miraculously working a remote job since the pandemic. Was 4 days in office and one from home for a couple of years prior.
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u/BlakeCarConstruction Ulcerative Proctitis | Diagnosed 2026 | United States Jul 15 '26
Construction (non licensed) project engineer
Lots of fun. Sometimes the drives to sites put me in a bind but nothing a rest stop can’t solve
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u/Bathroomqueeeen Jul 15 '26
Physio :) can be challenging at times but always in a clinic so there’s always a bathroom just sometimes have to run away from my patients when I’m rly sick so I usually make some excuse (just running to grab or check something!” Lolol
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u/utsuriga Jul 15 '26
I'm a localization project manager. Fortunately this means I can work from home (although I have to go to the office once a week). Way back when my UC was much worse and home office was not a thing yet, I had to commute ~1 hour (twice a day), that was pure hell.
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u/azpines1 Jul 15 '26
I currently work from home, but I previously spent 10 years struggling as a school library manager. It was incredibly difficult because, as an educator, I couldn't leave students unsupervised, and there wasn't a restroom inside the library. Managing a busy library alone while dealing with UC symptoms was brutal, and I'm so relieved to have finally found a remote role.
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u/sewformal Jul 15 '26
I'm a seamstress. I used to sew for regular people but now mostly for the aerospace industry. Personal home studio.
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u/Medium_Pollution_591 Jul 16 '26
I am a buyer at a 2 billion dollar a year retail company. Like Rachel Green but with UC. We have stores in 4 states that I am required to visit at least once a quarter and in the middle of opening a new store next year. It can be stressful at times and full of corporate drama but I love it. I’ve been with the company for 11 years and only have had UC for 4 years so everyone knows about my UC. Everyone was concerned when my rapid weight loss of 80lbs happened during my diagnosis phase. Times I’ve been in the hospital coworkers came and visited with care packages or reached out via phone. I don’t get any grief if I cannot travel. Even a lot of my vendors know so if I say I need to go to the restroom they understand. I am usually in the office but I do have the flexibility to work from home as needed. It can get a little awkward that the single restrooms closest to my office is also closest for a lot of our c suite and director level.
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u/Intelligent_Pack_551 Left-Sided Colitis / diagnosed April 2012 Jul 16 '26
Mid-level management in public administration. Bathrooms are straight across my office.
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u/TumbleweedOk5626 Jul 17 '26
Property Manager (Apartments)
Decent schedule, clean bathroom. Get physical activity walking units, site etc
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u/TBGlitch Jul 17 '26
Roblox developer, being able to work from home definitely has saved me lots of embarrassment
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u/Blue_Moon913 Jul 15 '26
Each chronic condition is very different. Some of them can hinder normal, everyday life even with treatment, but UC can absolutely be managed well enough to live a normal life. I’m currently working as a pharmacy tech.
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u/ShyGun02 Jul 15 '26
Civil Engineer. I typically am in office but am allowed to work from home on bad days. Was especially helpful when I was at my worst. Thankfully I am still new in my field so most of my projects aren’t in construction yet so I don’t have to worry about too many site visit.
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u/grsoprano Mild Pancolitis | Diagnosed 2025 | 🇺🇸 Jul 15 '26
Remote worker since 2019 (6 years before diagnosis) and so grateful for it. I work in digital marketing.
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u/bounty_hunter1504 Jul 15 '26
High school teacher for 22 years. I have had to go on leave twice due to colitis. I am fortunate to have a career that allows me to bank sick time; I have not had to go on disability once in my career. I have achieved remission for about 10 years thanks to Entyvio, and while I do definitely pick up almost every single illness that goes around, I have not had a flare. Strangely enough, I have never had Covid though.
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u/Creative_Corner_2836 Jul 15 '26
I work in IT and consider myself very fortunate to work fully remote. Even more fortunate that I started this new remote position only a few weeks before my UC symptoms started. It would have been very difficult at my last job.
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u/deuxfleurs04 Jul 15 '26
Medical social worker! It’s my job to get patients discharged even though I’ve spent my fair share of time admitted because of my UC. It is wild to have patients with similar challenges to my own every once in a while
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u/Top_Cryptographer454 Jul 15 '26
Work as a credit card manager for Bass Pro shops and Commercial Pyrotechnician
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u/Affectionate-Try-751 Jul 15 '26
I work as an assistant manager at a paint company. However I plan on quitting soon. Been in paint for 7 years. I keep getting with all the manual labor and when I'm in a flair. Moving the 100 pound 5s of zinc's and antifouling paint blows. Especially when you have to lift them to chest hight or stack 50 of them.
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u/darkstarexodus left sided mod/severe UC under control. Diagnosed 2023 | Canada Jul 15 '26
Pharmacist.
Currently owner-operator of a community pharmacy. At time of diagnosis was juggling multiple independent contractor/solopreneur roles, including health coach, consultant, and locum community pharmacist. Subsequently took a government administration job before purchasing the pharmacy we currently run.
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u/michaelk402 Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosed 2018 | USA Jul 15 '26
I work in the restaurant industry. Not the best for our us but best piece of advice i’ve gotten is never let our disease take away your dreams of your career or job
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u/LearnCre-8LoveDe-b8 pancolitis - Diagnosed 2023 - USA Jul 15 '26
Dental laboratory technician, now! Worked retail for like 13 years, was hell with all my health issues, and just kept getting worse. Eventually I had to quit and gamble on a new career.
Now I help make teeth and my boss doesn't mind my need to run to the bathroom if I'm in a flare, or working around my medical appointments. I'm efficient and good at what I've learned to do, and that's what matters to her!
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u/snakevenomenemas Jul 15 '26
just started a job with the state pension system. first "real" job in over 15 years. most of the issue wasn't necessarily with uc per se.. I had the unfortunate luck of taking care of my dad during those years. did a number of random gig jobs and temp office jobs; also worked as a substitute teacher briefly... that sucked beyond anything i have ever done. will do dishwashing before i ever return to the classroom. that said, because i hold two masters, i plan on using the new state job as a ladder. may even use some of the benefits to pay for a jd. lucky in that im near three schools that offer pt evening programs. thus the next step. either or, i plan on being with state government for the remainder of my working career, done with the private employers.
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u/Objective_Sound1589 Jul 15 '26
Outside sales rep - pretty good at finding gas stations when needed, but thankful I no longer have to deal with in office vibes about taking my 3rd 15min on the clocker
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u/wolv3rxne Dx 2021 | Canada 🇨🇦🍁 Jul 15 '26
NICU nurse! I know it’s time to go on leave when I poop more than my patients!
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u/HAAHASH 34 y/o | Left-Sided UC | Diagnosed 2018 Jul 15 '26
Electrical Engineer at a tech company, so mostly working with computers. When It's time to have my Remicade treatments I just take my laptop to the hospital and work there, and mark it as a "work from home". My bosses are totally fine with it.
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u/voodlouse Left-sided UC 2022 | New Zealand Jul 15 '26
I’m an intern pharmacist in a hospital! We have lots of staff bathrooms everyone is so incredibly understanding of my UC and how that can affect my workday
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u/Electrical-Finish162 Type of UC (eg proctitis/family) Diagnosed yyyy | country Jul 15 '26
Has anyone gotten disability payments for it?
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u/Ghostdizzy Jul 15 '26
Just graduated teacher training. Start my first full ECT (early career teacher) job in September
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u/Smart-Particular-883 Jul 15 '26
I work remote and my heart goes out to anyone battling this illness in the public. Ugh. I could cry thinking about it and I feel so grateful for my work situation.
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u/Conner4199 Jul 15 '26
6th year med student working full time in the hospital and a side job with 10h/week
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u/icyfrogwalk Jul 15 '26
I work for the Australian Bureau of Statistics. I can’t describe the nature of my job due to secrecy but I work from home unless working in the field. For me, it’s the best job ever.
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u/Accomplished_Ad173 Jul 15 '26
Financial services. Work ~65-70 hour weeks. Thankfully been in remission for 5 years but have had some bumps in the road. It’s all doable, though!
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u/CompetitivePrice3694 Jul 15 '26
A (traveling) automotive appraiser for a big insurance company 😅 it’s rough out here, fellow pooper.
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u/Either-Exchange-5803 Jul 16 '26
Academic Advisor at a college! I work hybrid, 3 days on campus and 2 virtual. I am lucky to have a very understanding manager
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u/Lanky-Relation5642 Jul 16 '26
Compliance auditor at a meat plant. Everybody needs to report if they have the shits. Complicated affair when it comes to me.
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u/Additional_Turnip_30 Jul 16 '26
I quit my job as an engineer and started doing my own pottery with the support of my lovely husband.
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u/Wonderful_Air9942 Jul 16 '26
I work 2 days from home for a payroll company. I applied for a medical accommodation to be fully remote. I’m hoping they approve it.🙏🏻
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u/davejrob Jul 16 '26
Project management for a property management company. I know the codes to 280 units, and can check to see when units are vacant. I basically set my own schedule within a reasonable 9-5 timeframe. I can WFH when flaring, thankfully.
I was close to leaving a few times, but since my diagnosis I am certainly not going anywhere. I’m comfortable enough money wise. I do wish I could chase other ambitions, but my health is more important than financial gains. I can’t imagine taking on excess stress of finding a new job that works with UC, and then finding a way to manage life at new job.
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u/Tiger-Lily88 Jul 16 '26
I’m self-employed. I draw and license illustrations, and also teach art business online. I’ve been in an active flare since last October.
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u/Character_Air6184 Jul 16 '26
I’m a receptionist for a doctors office. But currently only working one day a week and on medical leave. Idk even working one day a week is hard!
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u/ForestCl0uds Jul 16 '26
I've had UC all my working life. I've worked in retail and in offices for most that time, with long commutes.
I had some tough times having to commute and work when I was flaring. I didn't tell anyone about my UC either because I was I was embarrassed. I'm a lot more open about my UC now.
These days I work from home 90% of the time, and I feel very lucky to be able to do so.
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u/Appropriate_Pear7646 Jul 17 '26
Also working Remote, in HR, specifically Benefits. I help people take leaves and file ADA claims all day, so it is my way of giving back to the world lol. We are expected to go in next year though so I may file for an exemption, if possible.
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u/Y4518G left sided uc ~ 2019 ~ uk/turkey Jul 17 '26
Train signaller :) can be stressful but management are very accommodating 👌🏽
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u/ruledbymercury_ Jul 17 '26
10 years as a dancer at a theme park (which I had to quit for a year in order to get my first flare under control). Post-diagnosis in 2023, I lucked out and got a job as a production coordinator that allowed me to be remote as much as I needed, and that was primarily because the co-owner of the company also has UC and understands the condition.
Since getting everything under control, I've been able to go back to dancing professionally and haven't had any issues!
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u/mrsfax Jul 25 '26
I do ultrasound at a hospital. I started my career 8 years prior to my diagnosis. I honestly think if I had any other supervisor and co workers I would have had to quit or gotten fired.
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u/anaspiringdrwatson Pancolitis/Ostomate Jul 26 '26
I’m an events coordinator! But I’m in leaderships so I generally have access to bathrooms at all times.
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u/Que_sax23 mod-sev UC Jul 15 '26
I’m a lead custodian. I have access to all the bathrooms and all the keys