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Jobs for people with epilepsy

If you're living with epilepsy and looking for a job, the process can be challenging. That's
why helping you find a fulfilling job, in a workplace that supports your long-term
mental and physical wellbeing is our mission.

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Find a job that works for you

If you're living with epilepsy and looking for work, you aren't alone. Many Australians who are living with epilepsy are also seeking roles or are actively working in their desired field. 

Searching for fulfilling work while managing physical challenges can be daunting, and it’s our mission to support you to not only find meaningful work, but also thrive in your workplace.

Finding meaningful work while living with epilepsy is worthwhile as it can:

  • Give you a sense of independence and control
  • Enhance your quality of life with routine and structure
  • Allow you to have financial independence
  • Build your confidence
  • Develop new skills to contribute toward personal growth

Below, you’ll find advice on understanding how to identify your strengths, learn what you really need from a job and get ideas of job roles that may fit your needs when living with epilepsy.

Your journey and situation are your own, and discovering what will work for you is an essential part of that journey.

Keep reading for tips on finding a job while living with epilepsy.

Get support

Register for APM Disability Employment Services

 
 

What to look for in a job when you have epilepsy

People living with epilepsy are capable of finding fulfilling work in a range of different job roles and workplaces.

Symptoms, skills and interests vary from person to person. In your job search, you should focus on finding a job that enhances your individual strengths.

It’s important to remember that some jobs are usually not open to people with epilepsy for safety reasons. These include:

  • Pilot
  • Fisherman or deckhand
  • Bus, train or truck driver
  • Heavy machinery operator

Other than that, you should think about your seizures and the types of environments you can be in. The type of jobs that you can do largely depend on:

  • The type of seizures you have
  • How often they happen
  • When they occur (time of day)
  • The level of seizure control
  • Whether you’re taking medication
  • The potential risk to yourself, co-workers or the public (e.g. working at a height or operating heavy machinery

While everyone’s experience living with epilepsy is different, you may like to consider the following job features:

How much stress does the job involve?

For some people, high-stress jobs can be a trigger for seizures.

Try to look for roles that offer a manageable workload with a low-stress environment.

Are there opportunities for remote work?

If you find it harder to focus and maintain productivity in a work environment, you may benefit from working remotely.

This way you can control your environment, remaining comfortable and reducing potential triggers.

What type of environment do you need to manage your seizures?

Depending on what your triggers are, you will need to think about the overall environment of a potential role.

Bright lights, loud noises, and certain physical demands could be something to avoid when job seeking.

Get support

Job ideas for people with epilepsy

Everyone experiences epilepsy differently, so there is no one-size-fits-all list of the best jobs for you.

However, here are some ideas to get you thinking about what might work for you.

When looking for the best options for work, you should consider your individual strengths, skills, needs and capabilities.

It’s important to remember that the kind of job that is right for one person may not be right for everyone.

If you would like more support, speaking to an Employment Consultant at APM can also help you discover other opportunities you may not have considered before, or that may be more suitable specifically for you.

DES participant Mitchell sits at desk talking to his APM Employment Consultant

Jobs with a controlled environment

  • Call centre operator
  • Lab technician
  • Medical receptionist
  • Accounting
  • Researcher
  • Paralegal
  • Office administrator
  • HR assistant

Low-stress jobs

  • Librarian
  • Bookkeeper
  • Gardener
  • Teaching assistant
  • Museum docent
  • Technical writer
  • Translator

Remote jobs

  • Freelance writer
  • Web developer
  • Online tutor
  • Remote customer support agent
  • Graphic designer
  • Digital marketer

* Please note that these job suggestions may not be suitable for everyone with epilepsy. These job suggestions may suit some people depending on their circumstances including, but not limited to, their current experience with epilepsy.

What employment support can I access?

If you're living with an injury, illness or disability, there is support available to help you reach your goals.

If you are eligible for Disability Employment Services, (epilepsy is a supported health condition), APM can provide support to assist you to find work.

Disability Employment Services is a government-funded program designed to help you find and keep work and is provided at no cost to participants.

We can help with:

  • Career advice
  • Finding suitable job opportunities
  • Meeting local employers
  • Writing resumes and job applications
  • Preparing for job interviews
  • Accessing training
  • Accessing mental health support
  • Ongoing workplace support
  • Accessing funding for things like uniforms and transport
  • Accessing workplace modifications to help you succeed at work
  • Workplace assessments to help identify what support is right for you
Get support
An APM employee in a black polo smiles in conversation with a DES participant

Ready to get started?

Register now to see if you’re eligible for our, Disability Employment Services program and start your employment journey.

Get support

Success stories from people who achieved their goals through Disability Employment Services


"APM was a big help in achieving my goals."

Video transcript | More success stories

Maddy's story


“I feel the future is pretty
bright.”

Video transcript | More success stories

Louis' story


“It gave me an opportunity to learn and develop new skills.”

Video transcript | More success stories

Kristie's story

Get a personal job plan

APM can help you find fulfilling work by building you a job plan that’s tailored to your needs.

Identify your strengths:

  • Many strengths can come from your life experience, including living with epilepsy (rather than just your work history). It’s important to identify these as they can be valuable in the workforce.
  • Your strengths could include things like problem-solving, resilience, adaptability, creativity, empathy, dedication and much more that can be valuable in many roles.
  • Identifying your strengths on your own can be hard. If you need a hand, our team at APM would love to help—our goal is to help you find a job that suits your strengths, skills and interests, and we are committed to supporting you throughout the entire process.

Building a job program around you:

  • Explore realistic job options where you can succeed
  • Develop a personal strategy that includes job searches, resumes and interviews
  • Discuss your support needs with your employer
  • Look at any requirements for equipment or workplace modifications to help you perform a specific job
  • Consider what support you might need when you start working

Get started in three easy steps

Step one

Register with us, and we'll be in touch in the next few days to discuss your eligibility and how to join DES with APM.

artwork of a job seeker registering for DES with APM
Step two

If you're eligible, you'll meet your APM employment consultant and tell them your interests, goals and challenges.

artwork of a DES participant meeting an APM consultant
Step three

You get to work with your employment consultant and start your plan for new skills, training or a job that’s right for you.

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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 successful 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 or tools for the workplace as well as understanding the workplace culture and what is expected from you.

We also support workplaces with proactive education to be aware of any impacts your epilepsy may have so we can 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.

Get support
DES participant Ngaire with her employer and APM consultant walking outside a rural property

Other advice and resources that may help you find a job

How to craft the perfect resume for people living with a disability

In this guide to resume writing for people with disability, you will find information about what to put in your resume, how to structure it and ways to make it stand out.

Read more

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How to find your dream job

Explore various strategies to find your dream job. From internet searches to networking and cold calling, discover effective job-hunting techniques.

Read more

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Tips for a successful job interview

Get tips for a successful job interview. Learn how to prepare, answer common questions, and make a positive impression on your potential employer.

Read more

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About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Disability Employment Services in Australia.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

If you have any questions or feedback about the content of this article, visit our Feedback page to get in touch or email support@apm.net.au.