3 Major Ways Your Health Can Hurt Your Career

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Building a highly reputable and successful career is hard work. It demands years of study, dedication, and consistent effort. However, even with all of this preparation and focused effort, you could lose everything, or close to it, with just one serious health issue. I know this because it happened to me. I lost a well-paying job in a field I loved because I was sick.

Though there are some labor laws that protect workers, some situations nullify that protection. And, as unfair as that seems, it happens. Losing your job or credibility is a pretty huge hit to anyone’s livelihood. Hopefully, that never happens to you. Do be aware, however, that there are other major ways your health can hurt your career. Take a look…

When You Can’t Dress the Part

Professionalism plays an essential role in your career. It can skyrocket you to new heights. Though your behavior and your experience help to develop a sense of professionalism, it’s not all that you need. What you wear, and how appropriate it is for the work you do, has a significant effect on how others see you.

Unfortunately, certain health conditions might affect the way you dress, or even worse, what you can wear. For example, foot issues could dictate what types of shoes you can wear.  Bunions, plantar fasciitis, or other foot injuries could make it impossible for you to do your job. Find out more about one of these foot problems at justbunions.com.

Though this scenario might be more prevalent with factory or warehouse workers, it could be an issue for office workers, models, or anyone who is on their feet a lot. Similarly, issues like obesity or back issues could stop you from feeling and looking your best. Again, there are laws that protect you from discrimination, you could be subject to other types of discreet judgment.

When You Can’t Feel the Part

Depression and mental issues related to stress and high pressure are, unfortunately, extremely common in high-paced work environments. Most people don’t realize that they are depressed until it is too late. These conditions, even if they are temporary, can and will affect your job performance. You would be lucky to be employed by a company that cares enough to allow you time off to heal. If laws don’t protect you and there is no grace from employers, you could be quite without a job.

If you find yourself struggling to concentrate, feeling low and tired, or the inability to do your work, you might want to take a depression survey from seemypersonality.com. And, of course, if you are at all concerned about your feelings, consult your healthcare physician. Depression and other mental health issues will naturally affect the way you think and the way you behave. Take this seriously for the sake of your health and your career.

When You Can’t Play the Part

Your professional life may include business dates, traveling to meet clients and partners, sometimes even abroad. However, if you suffer from certain ailments, you could be at risk while performing some of these tasks. Allergies, asthma, heart problems, migraine disease, and other conditions can flare at the most inopportune times. While most people would be understanding, reoccurring instances where you can’t perform your job might get the higher ups thinking.

Always evaluate where you are with your health and the role it plays in your career. If you feel the two aren’t co-existing well, talk to your doctor to see if there are any treatment options. If not, you may need to consider a career shift or, at least, a job change.