Returning to work: what to do and how to beat the current job market
I've been completely out of work for about 4-5 years, and its been about 8 years since I worked full time (currently in my late 20s). I have a bachelor's degree but little to no experience in anything besides retail. I keep trying to get more functionality back in my life, but work seems to be the one thing I just can't crack. Any advice or tips on working with moderate cfs is EXTREMELY appreciated!!!
The main problem ive run into is 1) jobs with the accommodations I need just not existing (or im not competitive for) and 2) number of hours (full time is definitely not an option yet, id prefer to start with something around 10 hours/week or less to see how i can adjust and give myself the best chance of success).
Right now I have time but extremely limited money (only get ssdi, no partner, living with family who are charging me rent based off my monthly check). I can try to learn some skill but I just worry about wasting money trying to invest in learning something and then have it fall apart (this is what happened a number of times towards the beginning of my illness becoming much worse). Im also concerned about being kicked off disability before I can try to see if working is actually sustainable or not. I would really like to improve my situation but between income requirements for disability and my previous experience trying to work making me much, much worse, its hard not to feel like I'm being punished for trying to get my life back.
Idk anyone else who has been in a similar situation so if anyone can speak on this or give me advice I would be so appreciative! If its relevant I do have a lot of the 'mystery' illnesses formally diagnosed (mcas, pots, eds, etc) but the cfs has always been the biggest barrier to work for me.
Things I think will be necessary for my success in a job: remote work, low stress, ideally low social interaction and ideally a schedule I can set for myself (although I can compromise on this since this type of job is basically nonexistent lol)
Posted Jul 10, 2026, 5:58 PM UTC