Is it time to change jobs?

Working with a musculoskeletal condition can be a real struggle. Some people find that no matter how many accommodations or adjustments they make in their job, they can no longer perform their work duties to the required level. Or the job has become too taxing on their body, causing constant pain, fatigue and stress.

This can be a devastating blow, especially if it’s a job that you love. It can also be an extremely scary time as you contemplate a new future, with a different job.

The good news is that there are resources and organisations to help you through this process.

Job Outlook

Job Outlook is a great website and a good place to start when contemplating your next career move. It has a range of very helpful tools including:

• Skills match – this tool helps you find new jobs that use your existing skills. You simply add your previous jobs, including unpaid or volunteer work, and it’ll give you alternative jobs that use your skills.
• Career quiz – this simple quiz gives you a range of work scenarios. You choose the ones that appeal to you the most. The quiz provides a range of career paths that may interest you based on your answers.
• Explore careers – provides all the relevant information about different occupations including tasks associated with the job, salary, future growth, skills and knowledge required, and the work environment (including physical demands of the job).
• Links to training courses, job vacancies and other useful resources.

JobAccess

JobAccess is the Australian Government’s one-stop shop for information and resources for people with disability, employers and service providers. The section for people with a disability has a wealth of resources, especially on the Available Support page including:

• resources on finding or changing jobs – with lots of information on looking for work, applying for a job, interviews and more.
• financial support – including income support while you look for work.
• training and development – resources to help you develop your skills, find training courses, get work experience and more.
• disability employment services – the Australian Government employment service for people with disability, injury or a health condition.
• current vacancies – search for work through a range of websites including jobactive.
• videos of real life stories.

Australian Job Search

Australian Job Search is Australia’s largest free online jobs website. Lots of useful info and resources for job seekers.

Job Jumpstart

Job Jumpstart provides articles and tools to help you find jobs that suit your interests. Information is tailored to your stage of life:

• at school
• looking for a job 
• on a gap year 
• at uni or in training 
• just graduated 
• already working.

Department of Education, Skills and Employment

The Australian Government, Department of Education, Skills and Employment, provides information and support to help you with training and learning new skills.

• Career Transition Assistance – designed to help people over the age of 45 build their confidence and skills when it comes to finding a job, and becoming more competitive in their local labour market.
• Help with the cost of training – find out if you’re eligible for free or subsidised training.
• Skills and Training Incentive – for people aged 45-70 years of age, it provides up to $2,200 to jointly fund training to help you remain in the workforce longer.

My Skills

My Skills is the national directory of vocational education and training (VET) organisations and courses. It provides info on:

• starting a career
• upskilling 
• changing careers.

Careers counsellors

You can also get professional help making decisions about your career choice by talking to a careers counsellor. They provide information, advice and guidance to help you make realistic choices about work, including further training or upskilling. They can help you identify jobs that match your skills and interests, create a resume, provide info on where to look for jobs and more.

Visit Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA) to find a private career counsellor who can help you work out your best career options. Note – these services aren’t free. The CDAA advises that ‘all members are in business, they charge a fee for the services they provide. You are encouraged to contact 2-3 members and discuss your needs to make an informed decision about who could help you best.’

Contact our free national Help Line

If you have questions about managing your pain, your musculoskeletal condition, treatment options, mental health issues, COVID-19, telehealth, or accessing services be sure to call our nurses. They’re available weekdays between 9am-5pm on 1800 263 265; email (helpline@msk.org.au) or via Messenger.