Many with a disability want to know how to work for themselves. This is understandable. With a disability, working in a structured environment can be almost impossible and the flexibility of working for yourself might seem like the answer. And being self-employed with a disability can be an answer but it’s definitely harder than it sounds. Here, I’m going to talk about how I started working for myself with bipolar disorder, and my current thoughts on disability and working for yourself.

Disability and How I Started Working for Myself

First off, I’ll admit two things:

  1. I wasn’t nearly as disabled when I started working for myself.
  2. It wasn’t my idea to work for myself.

In my case, of course, I’m a writer (as well as a speaker and author). Back in 2009, I was writing anonymously online. I had been doing so for six years. A writer friend of mine said I was “brilliant” and “saving lives.” I didn’t particularly believe him.

But then, in July of that year, I got laid off from my fancy job at a major technology company. I was pretty much decimated — as people tend to be after a layoff.

I tried to find work in technology, but I couldn’t. So then, my aforementioned friend said that I should be a writer. The conversation literally went like this:

Him: “You should be a writer.”

Me: “I can’t be a writer. I don’t know anything about being a wirter.”

Him: “Do you have $25 available on your credit card?

Me: “Yes.”

Him: “It’s easy, all you do is print up a card that says ‘writer’ on the front of it.”

And in all honesty, that’s pretty much what I did. I printed up some business cards, started applying for writing gigs on Craigslist, and just got at it.

In my case, I was lucky because I could do technical writing in addition to health writing. Technical writing kept me sustained for quite a while. (PS: It pays much better too.)

I will say I was also lucky because it was right at that point that HealthyPlace approached me about writing for them. HealthyPlace and I still have a very tight relationship to this day and I owe them a lot.

But that’s life. Life is hard work and luck mixed in.

When I Started Working for Myself with a Disability

As I said, I wasn’t as disabled at that time as I am today so I put in many hours working for little money. That’s what it takes to become established and built relationships. Remember: if you work for almost nothing and prove yourself, you can ask for more lucrative assignments down the road. That has pretty much always worked for me. You want to make what you’re worth, certainly, but a period of proving yourself is normal.

Being Self-Employed with a Disability Now

Being disabled makes working for yourself that much more tempting, but should you do it? Here are my thoughts on working for yourself with a disability.

Now, unfortunately, I can’t work the number of hours I used to, but I’m established now and have written all over and branched out into speaking, not to mention I have written a well-received book. This means I can plan a lighter schedule and work more when I can and less when I can’t. This is very important so that work doesn’t make me sick. I still have to push myself very, very hard to make it work, but I can make it work. (Remember to be careful with pushing yourself. Read here about writing a book and pushing myself too hard.)

Here are a few things to consider if you have a disability and want to work for yourself:

  1. Do you have enough time and energy to establish yourself in a field? If not, lower your expectations about making a living this way.
  2. Is there a niche you can target? It’s better to have a big piece of a small pie than a tiny slice of a big pie — not only is it more lucrative, you’ll eventually become an expert in a niche.
  3. Do you have or can you get the equipment you need for success? This includes a space where you can do your work — away from kids and other distractions — and a comfortable, ergonomically-correct chair so you don’t injure your body with long hours of sitting.
  4. Do you really have the motivation for this? Can you really work without extrinsic motivation (like a boss)?
  5. Do you know anyone that can help you with your first contract(s)? Many people start out this way.
  6. Are you comfortable selling yourself to people? Can you embrace the press? If not, this might not be for you.
  7. Can you create a schedule that will keep you well? Do you know your limits? You can learn this skill as you go, but you might pay a big price initially if you get it wrong.
  8. Do you know how to create an online platform (website, social media, etc.) or can someone help you with this? If you can’t or can’t find/afford help, you likely can’t get contracts.
  9. Consider the downsides: isolation, dealing with your own finances, taxes, etc., lack of benefits, etc.
  10. Consider the upsides: your own schedule, no commuting, good coffee, etc.

Remember, lots of people with a disability are self-employed as a hobby, rather than as a full-time career. Sometimes this is what a person can manage. Be honest with yourself about whether this is you.

One other quick note, if you want to work for yourself, do the research upfront. Don’t get taken in by “get-rich-quick” or “work-at-home” schemes.

In short, working for yourself with a disability is a great option for some but it is harder than many think. I work with people who want to do this and it’s a lot to get started. That said, it can work. Good luck.

Image by Flickr user Shimelle Laine.