8 great job ideas for people living with scoliosis or a spinal disorder

Physical demands

Look for roles that aren't physically demanding, such as those in office environments, to minimise discomfort.

Variety in tasks

Look for jobs that allow you to vary your activities and postures, reducing the strain on your body.

Flexible pace

Seek positions where you can take breaks as needed to manage pain and energy levels if needed.

1. Teacher

Teaching and educator roles often involve a mix of standing and sitting and have time for breaks. School and university teachers also have longer breaks over (term) holidays.

You may have skills from an earlier career that you can pass onto others as a teacher. For example, a nursing lecturer or an automotive instructor.

2. Self-employed

Being self-employed allows you to set your own pace, turning your passions or skills into a business venture.

You could turn your passion for writing, photography, or floristry into a business. Or you could use your skills to offer services such as tax return preparation, web-design or editing.

3. Fitness instructor

Experts say staying active helps people with spinal conditions manage pain. If you enjoy the benefits of exercise, why not turn it into a career, such as yoga instructor, group fitness instructor or swimming teacher.

4. Sales representative

Sales roles offer flexibility, combining desk work with active tasks like meeting clients. Consider the job structure and pressure of the role to see if it works for you.

5. Reseller

Start a business buying and selling items online, working from the comfort of your home at your own pace. You could resell anything from antique furniture and vintage clothing to collectables and books.

6. Mindfulness coach

Mindfulness practices have been shown to help people manage pain. If you find mindfulness helpful, you could help others experience the benefits as a mindfulness coach.

7. Administrative assistant

Many administrative roles involve a mix of desk work and errands, providing a balanced workload.

8. Project manager

You can find project managers in almost every industry. If you have skills and knowledge from earlier careers, you could put these to use helping projects go successfully.

* When considering these roles, it's important to prioritise jobs that offer flexibility, the possibility of remote work, and the ability to customise the work environment to meet ergonomic needs.

Reach out to us today to learn more about our Disability Employment Services program and how we can assist you in your job search journey.

Remember, you're not alone, and together, we can help you find your path to fulfilling employment.

Our support doesn't stop when you start working

We also want to make sure you and your employer have everything you need to be a success together.

Depending on your level of support and the job you start, we work together to make sure you’re able to work safely and effectively.

This can include helping you access training, job coaching, performance monitoring, and understanding the workplace culture and what is expected from you.

We also support workplaces with proactive education to be aware of any impacts your disability may have so we can help avoid any misunderstandings and create a culture of support and inclusion.

If you need ongoing support for long periods of time we will also discuss this with you and establish a support structure.

Our goal is to see you enjoy rewarding and long-term employment and ensure you have the right level of support to succeed.

Get in touch with our teams to find out more.