Work Life
You may have been working for a while or are now looking for your first full-time job. It is important to know that many people with psoriatic disease find and hold fulfilling jobs.
For Teens: Work Life
Life On Your Own
Whether you’re headed to college, starting a new job, or moving out on your own, it can feel scary to be responsible for managing your life, let alone your psoriatic disease. No matter what path you choose, the best thing you can do is to prepare and take steps to set yourself up for success.
Before You Take a Job
Explore what skills and requirements are needed for the position. You can also speak with your health care provider to see if they have any concerns about the type of work you are considering. If you have joint pain and stiffness from psoriatic arthritis, some jobs may not be comfortable for you. If you can do a job comfortably, having psoriatic disease should not affect your ability to get a job.
Starting a New Job
As you start a new job it may be helpful to talk with your supervisor(s) about your psoriatic disease. Examples of topics for discussion include the need to take time off for appointments to see your dermatologist or tailoring your workspace to help reduce stiffness and pain associated with psoriatic arthritis. Your manager should understand the value of wanting to take care of your health to keep symptoms under control and be willing to identify solutions to help make that possible.
Know Your Rights
Know that you have a right to a safe and discrimination-free workplace. You should not be treated unfairly because of your psoriatic disease. You can learn more about your rights and managing psoriatic disease in the workplace by requesting your Workplace Guide.
Should I Tell Co-Workers?
Like friend and family relationships, work relationships require a certain level of communication and honesty. Your co-workers may have questions about plaques on your skin or if you mention joint pain or stiffness. It may help to teach them about your disease so they can help support you. How much and when you choose to share is up to you. Try to share information that is relevant to your job and answers their questions if you are comfortable doing so.
Create a Work-Life Balance
At times, work demands can be stressful, which in turn can impact your psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Find ways to help balance your life between work and other interests that help you leave the stress of work behind. Life can present many challenges but learning how to keep them in balance is possible. Maintain your treatment to help keep your symptoms in control. If you are having issues with your treatment discuss what the issues are with your health care provider who may have tips on how to manage your stress and keep your symptoms from flaring.
Additional Resources
Preparing for Life on Your Own: A Webinar for Teens
Listen as Melissa Leeolou, a young adult who knows what it’s like to live with psoriatic disease as a teen, offers practical tips as you transition to life on your own.
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