Finding jobs for people living with chronic fatigue 

Living with chronic fatigue can make finding and maintaining employment feel challenging, particularly when your energy levels can vary from day to day. You may need to carefully balance work with rest, appointments, and other aspects of daily life.

However, having chronic fatigue does not mean you cannot have a fulfilling career. Depending on your needs, jobs with flexible hours, remote work options, manageable physical demands, and opportunities for regular breaks may be good options for people with chronic fatigue to explore.

The right role will be different for everyone. Your energy levels, skills, interests, experience, and support needs can all help determine what type of work may suit you.

In this guide, we explore potential jobs for people living with chronic fatigue, what to look for in a role, and the employment support available to help you find meaningful work.

Understanding chronic fatigue and employment
What to look for in a job when you’re living with chronic fatigue
Jobs for people with chronic fatigue
Support for finding employment
Tips for managing chronic fatigue in the workplace
Finding the right job is possible

Key takeaways for finding a job with chronic fatigue

• Chronic fatigue doesn't have to prevent you from finding meaningful employment.
• The right job will depend on your individual energy levels, skills, interests, and support needs.
• Flexible hours, remote work, and lower physical demands may make some roles more manageable.
• Many potential jobs for people with chronic fatigue exist across different industries.
• Employment support can help you identify suitable roles, prepare for work, and navigate workplace adjustments.
• Breakthru can provide tailored employment support through Inclusive Employment Australia.

Chronic fatigue can affect people in different ways. Some people may experience persistent tiredness, while others may also have difficulty concentrating, managing physical activity, or maintaining energy throughout the day. The impact can vary considerably, so no single type of job suits everyone living with chronic fatigue.

When looking for jobs with chronic fatigue, it can help to focus less on a specific job type and more on a role that fits your abilities, interests, and support needs.

For some people, this might mean working part-time or having greater flexibility around their hours. Others may benefit from a role that lets them work from home, take regular breaks, or spend most of the day seated.

The goal is to find employment that works with you, not against you.

Finding a suitable job starts with understanding what helps you manage your energy and what workplace factors may make your symptoms more difficult to manage.

Before applying for roles, consider the following:

• Workplace environment: You may prefer a role with a steady workload, clear expectations, and the ability to complete tasks at a manageable pace, as fast-paced or highly demanding environments may be difficult if you have limited or unpredictable energy.
• Working arrangements: Depending on your circumstances, you may benefit from shorter working hours, flexible start and finish times, working from home, or the ability to take additional breaks.
• Physical demands: Consider how much standing, walking, lifting, or other physical activity is involved. If prolonged standing leaves you exhausted, for example, a predominantly seated role may suit you better.
• Level of interaction: Do you prefer working independently or with others in a small team? Social interaction can energise some people and tire others.

‘Living with chronic fatigue doesn't mean you have to put your career goals on hold. The right employment support can help you identify opportunities that recognise your strengths while also considering the way you manage your energy. Our role is to work alongside each person, understand what matters to them and help them find a pathway towards work that feels achievable and meaningful’. 

– Kristen Towers, General Manager

There are jobs for chronic fatigue across many different industries. The best option will depend on your skills, experience, interests, energy levels, and workplace requirements. Some roles you may wish to explore include:

1. Flexible or remote roles

Working remotely can reduce the energy involved in commuting and may give you greater control over your work environment.

Potential options include:

• Administration and virtual assistance
• Data entry
• Digital marketing
• Social media management
• Graphic design
• Writing and editing
• Online tutoring
• IT support
• Web design and development
• Customer service

2. Seated or lower-physical-demand roles

If physical fatigue is one of your main challenges, a role performed primarily while seated may be worth considering.

Potential roles include:

• Receptionist
• Administration assistant
• Customer service representative
• Call centre worker
• Accounts or payroll assistant
• Library assistant
• Records or data officer
• Bank teller
• Digital marketing assistant
• Video editor

3. Roles that align with your interests and strengths

Your chronic fatigue is only one part of who you are. Your existing skills, experience, interests, and career goals should also play an important role in your job search.

Think about what you enjoy and what you're good at. Do you like helping people? Are you creative? Do you enjoy working with technology, organising information, solving problems, or working with numbers?

Starting with these strengths can help you identify employment opportunities you may not have previously considered.

You don't have to navigate the job search alone. Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is an Australian Government-funded specialist disability employment program that supports people with disability, injury, or other health conditions to find and maintain employment.

For someone living with chronic fatigue, having an employment professional who understands your individual circumstances can make the process feel much more manageable.

Depending on your circumstances and eligibility, support may include:

• Identifying suitable employment opportunities
• Preparing or updating your resume
• Building confidence for interviews
• Connecting with potential employers
• Exploring work experience opportunities
• Discussing workplace adjustments
• Developing a plan for transitioning into a new role
• Providing support after you start work

Breakthru's approach is centred on understanding the individual, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Our team can work with you to identify your strengths, goals, and support needs, and help you take practical steps towards meaningful employment.

Finding a suitable job is an important first step. Depending on your circumstances, workplace adjustments and workload-management strategies may also help make employment more sustainable.

Some strategies you may find helpful include:

• Understand your energy levels and plan your workload accordingly
• Take regular breaks before you become completely exhausted
• Prioritise important tasks and break larger projects into smaller steps
• Discuss reasonable workplace adjustments where appropriate
• Keep communication open with your manager or trusted colleagues
• Consider whether flexible working arrangements could help you maintain consistency
• Allow yourself time to adjust when starting a new role
• Ask for support if your workload or working environment becomes difficult to manage

It can also be helpful to remember that your capacity may change over time. What works for you when you first start a job may need adjusting as you become more familiar with the role and understand how it affects your energy.

Living with chronic fatigue may mean approaching employment differently, but it doesn't have to prevent you from pursuing your career goals. By considering your strengths, energy levels, and workplace preferences, you can focus your search on roles that are more likely to support your wellbeing and long-term success.

Get in touch with the Breakthru team today to learn more about Inclusive Employment Australia and take the next step towards finding meaningful employment.

GET IN TOUCH