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Jobs for people with Crohn's disease

Banner feature Jobs for people with Crohn's disease
Jobs for people with Crohn's disease

Living with Crohn’s disease can make finding the right job feel challenging, especially during flare-ups or when you’ve got regular medical appointments. 

But you’re not alone. With the right support, you can explore work options that are more flexible, manageable, and suited to your health needs.


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Discover work that’s flexible, supportive, and right for you

Managing Crohn’s disease while planning for work can feel tricky, but you’re not facing it alone. Crohn’s disease affects more than 100,000 Australians, and it can bring unique challenges, especially when it comes to finding and keeping a job that works with your health, not against it.

From managing flare-ups and fatigue to scheduling regular medical appointments, work can feel overwhelming at times. 

But the right job, with the right support, can help you build confidence, create stability, and feel more in control of your daily routine.

At APM, we work alongside people to explore job options that fit their strengths, lifestyle, and support needs. 

Whether you’re ready to work now or want to take smaller steps, we’re here to help you move forward at your own pace.

Finding the right job when living with Crohn’s disease can help you:

  • Build confidence through routine and purpose
  • Feel more independent and financially secure
  • Work around medical appointments and flare-ups
  • Connect with inclusive employers and supportive workplaces
  • Contribute in a way that’s meaningful to you

Below, you’ll find tips to help you recognise your strengths, understand your workplace needs, and explore job ideas that support your wellbeing.

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What to look for in a job when you’re managing Crohn’s disease

Living with Crohn’s disease means dealing with symptoms that can be unpredictable, from flare-ups and fatigue to medical appointments that interrupt your routine. 

That’s why it’s important to find work that supports your health, gives you flexibility, and fits around your life, not the other way around.

The right job should allow you to take care of your health, maintain balance, and make space for the good days as well as the more difficult ones.

Because Crohn’s disease affects people differently, it’s worth thinking about what kind of work setup helps you feel most in control. 

Considering things like hours, environment, and support can make your job search feel more manageable and less overwhelming.

Below are some helpful questions to think about when exploring job options.

Can I manage my symptoms easily in this role?

Some roles offer more flexibility and comfort than others, especially when it comes to managing symptoms like urgent bathroom needs, fatigue, or pain. 

Jobs that allow work-from-home arrangements, access to nearby facilities, or flexible breaks can make it easier to manage flare-ups and side effects throughout the day.

Does the job allow for flexibility when I need it?

Crohn’s disease can mean time off for medical appointments or sudden changes in how you feel. 

Jobs with flexible hours, part-time options, or understanding management can make it easier to take care of your health without added pressure or guilt.

Will I feel supported if my health needs change?

It’s helpful to work somewhere you feel safe to speak up when you need support, whether that’s adjusting your workload, working from home, or taking time off during a flare-up. 

A supportive manager or team can make a big difference when it comes to staying in work long-term.

Job ideas for people living with Crohn’s disease

When you're living with Crohn’s disease, the right job can make a real difference, helping you maintain your health, feel more in control, and build confidence over time. 

You might prefer roles that offer flexible hours, the ability to work from home, or access to your own space when needed.

Because Crohn’s disease can involve unpredictable symptoms and periods of fatigue, jobs with routine, understanding employers, and low physical demands can help you feel more supported at work.

Thinking about your strengths, interests, and how you like to structure your day can help uncover roles that feel manageable and even enjoyable. 

You might already have skills that transfer well into a different type of job or work setting that better suits your health needs.

If you’re not sure where to start, our employment consultants at APM can help. 

Through Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA), you can access tailored job support, explore good jobs for people with Crohn's disease that work for your situation, and connect with inclusive employers who understand your needs. 

Register now to get personalised job support and advice. 

Here are some ideas for some good jobs for people with Crohn's disease:

Jobs for people with Crohn's disease with flexible hours

* Please note that these job suggestions may not be suitable for everyone living with Crohn’s disease. Each person’s experience with Crohn’s is unique, and what works well for one person may not suit another. These ideas are intended as general guidance and may suit some people depending on their individual health needs, circumstances, and stage of managing their condition.

Jobs with flexibility for your health and routine 

Jobs with flexible hours or remote options can help you manage flare-ups, fatigue, and medical appointments. Having more control over your schedule can also reduce stress and make it easier to take breaks when needed.

Here are some job types that offer more flexibility in hours or location:

  • Virtual assistant
  • Freelance writer or editor
  • Graphic designer
  • Online tutor or trainer
  • IT support or remote tech roles
  • Web designer, software developer, or computer programmer
  • Digital marketing or social media coordinator
  • Bookkeeper or accountant

These roles may also be suitable if you need time off for infusions, procedures, or specialist appointments. Some can be done part-time or from home, giving you the comfort of your own space and access to your bathroom when needed.


Jobs with a calm environment or low physical demands

Managing Crohn’s disease can be easier in workplaces that are quiet, predictable, or low-stress. If you experience fatigue or require quick access to bathroom facilities, these job types may feel more manageable day to day:

  • Data entry clerk
  • Records or document officer
  • Administration assistant
  • Library assistant
  • Lab technician
  • Warehouse or retail stock worker
  • Nightfill or restocking roles
  • Gardener, landscaper, or florist

Some roles may also allow you to work close to amenities or offer reduced physical demands. Think about whether the setting helps you feel calm, supported, and in control of your schedule.


Jobs that support team coverage and time off

If you're working with a team, it can be easier to take time off when needed, especially during a flare-up. These roles may offer a team-based structure or shared responsibilities that reduce pressure if you need to take leave or schedule adjustments:

  • Customer service (remote or in-centre)
  • Call centre or phone-based support
  • Team-based administration roles
  • Receptionist or front desk coordinator
  • Retail assistant (in a supportive team environment)

Check the sick leave policy of your employer and ask whether the team can step in when you're unwell. A supportive workplace culture can make a big difference in your long-term success.


Jobs where you can work for yourself 

Working for yourself may give you more control over your hours, work setting, and the pace you work at. This could be a good fit if you value independence and want to build a routine around your health needs.

Self-employment options might include:

  • Freelance graphic designer or writer
  • Photographer, jewellery maker, or other creative business
  • Translator or editor
  • Yoga instructor or personal trainer (with flexible scheduling)
  • Bookkeeping or online consultancy
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Support through Inclusive Employment Australia for people with Crohn’s disease

Living with Crohn’s disease can make the journey to finding or staying in work feel complex, especially when your symptoms are unpredictable. But you don’t have to do it alone. 

There’s support available to help you take the next step in a way that works for your health and lifestyle.

If you’re eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia, a government-funded employment program, you can access free support to find, secure, and stay in meaningful work. 

Many people living with Crohn’s disease may qualify for the program.

Whether you’re returning to work after time off, looking for a new role that better suits your needs, or exploring work for the first time, APM can help. 

We’ll take the time to understand your health needs, strengths, and goals, and create a tailored plan that supports you every step of the way.

Through Inclusive Employment Australia, you may be able to access:

  • Personalised job advice that suits your goals and routine
  • Help finding flexible, inclusive job opportunities
  • Support with resume writing and interview preparation
  • Access to training or skill-building courses
  • Workplace assessments and practical recommendations
  • Assistance with workplace adjustments or flexible work arrangements
Get support
An APM employee in a black polo smiles in conversation with a DES participant

Start exploring work that fits your health and lifestyle

Living with Crohn’s disease doesn’t mean you have to give up on meaningful work. If you’re ready to explore job options that support your health, we’re here to help. Register today to check if you’re eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia with APM.

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Finding work that supports your health and goals

A personalised plan to help you feel work-ready

At APM, we support people living with Crohn’s disease to find job opportunities that align with their strengths, preferences, and health needs. Here’s how we can help:

Recognising your strengths and lived experience

Your strengths aren’t just based on your resume; they come from everything you’ve learned through life. 

Living with Crohn’s disease may have helped you develop qualities like resilience, planning ahead, managing uncertainty, and staying calm under pressure, all of which are valuable in many workplaces.

We know it’s not always easy to see your own strengths. That’s where we come in. APM can help you identify your skills and explore job options that feel manageable, meaningful, and realistic for your situation.

Shaping a role that works with your condition

  • Explore job opportunities that support your physical health and routine

  • Build a personalised plan to guide your job search, resume, and interviews

  • Talk with potential employers about your needs and flexible work options

  • Identify workplace adjustments, equipment, or supports that can make work easier

  • Plan for the extra support you may need when starting or returning to a role

3 steps to help you find work that fits your health

Step one

Register with APM to see if you’re eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia. It’s a simple first step toward exploring job options that work with your Crohn’s symptoms, routine, and lifestyle. 

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

You’ll meet with an APM employment consultant who’ll take the time to understand your experience living with Crohn’s disease, including how flare-ups, fatigue, or medical appointments might affect your work. 

Together, you’ll explore the types of roles, hours, and environments that could best support your health and strengths.

Disability Employment Services Step 2
Step three

With personalised support from APM, you can explore job ideas, build your confidence, and take practical steps toward finding a role that supports both your wellbeing and your career goals.

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Success stories from people living with Crohn’s disease who achieved their goals 

"Once I had that resume together, everything kind of just started clicking and falling into place for me."


Video transcript | More success stories

"They said we’ll be here for you, and they have, it’s been fantastic."


Video transcript | More success stories

Support that continues after you start work

Ongoing help to make work more manageable with Crohn’s

A new job can be exciting, but when you're living with Crohn’s disease, it can also bring challenges, and that's where having the right support matters.

We’ll continue to support you well beyond your first day. Our team works with you and your employer to help create a workplace that’s understanding, flexible, and suited to your health needs. 

This might include adjusting your routine, planning for flare-ups, or creating a clear communication plan for time off or medical appointments.

Depending on your role and your preferences, we can help with:

  • On-the-job coaching
  • Access to training or upskilling
  • Practical workplace adjustments
  • Advice to employers about Crohn’s-related needs

We also support your employer with helpful information so they can better understand Crohn’s disease and offer flexibility, empathy, and inclusion from day one.

If you need longer-term support to stay in work comfortably, we’ll help build a plan that works for you. 

Our goal is to help you succeed in a role that’s sustainable, meaningful, and supportive of your wellbeing.

Ongoing support is a feature of Inclusive Employment Australia
Register now

Other advice and resources that may help you find a job

What is Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease symptoms can range in intensity and may come and go over time. Some people experience flare-ups that can last days, weeks or even months.

Read more

What is Crohn's disease?
Living with Crohn's disease

Explore what Crohn’s disease is, how it can affect you, and ways to navigate everyday challenges — including work.

Read more

Living with Crohn's disease - learn more
Understanding Crohn’s disease: how to spot the signs early

 We look at the common Crohn's disease symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, when to see a doctor, and where to get support.

Read more

Understanding Crohn’s disease: how to spot the signs early

About this article

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