Finding a job with a disability

[swisspatrik]

Hi everyone

This is my first post. I am so excited and happy.

Currently I am about to complete the JavaScript Algorithms and data structures certificate. I am in the section on Functional Programming. I already completed the first certificate in the curriculum. My roadmap is to continue the curriculum until the Back End and APIs certification. After that, I want to build up my portfolio and begin looking for a job. Is this a good plan so far?

One challenge that is probably rare and particular in my case is that I have a mental health diagnosis. I have schizophrenia. However my recent progress in the curriculum indicates to me that it should still be possible to get a job as a web developer. I completed a BA in law, but after that my mental health issues worsened and I was “out of business” for some years. Working full time would probably be pretty challenging, but currently I can learn for 3 hours each day. That should at least enable me to work a part time job. I receive a disability pension and live with my parents. My financial and personal situation is solid.

I ask myself if my plan is realistic. Sometimes I have doubts, because it is challenging to find a job. Isn’t it too difficult if I want to succeed in finding a job despite my illness? I just want to make sure that I am not pursuing something unrealistic. If you would say that it is not realistic, I would try to change into another topic in programming like helping open source projects. I really like programming and it is a beloved hobby. I won’t quit my programming journey, if you say that web developer is too challenging. I would consider other jobs if web developer isn’t “the thing” for me. Or maybe I would just accept my situation that I won’t get a job anytime soon and make the best out of my situation.

My psychiatrist is favorable of my plan to become a web developer. He doesn’t think that it is unrealistic, but he doesn’t have hands-on experience how it is to find a job as a web developer without a degree.

I want to become a web developer. If it is possible to accomplish it, I will try. If it isn’t realistic, I will change my plan. Thank you in advance for your advice!

[miketandy]

I think only you will know whether the career is right for you or not. What you say sounds positive so I would continue on your programming journey with the goal of getting a job.

If you find it’s not for you or too much to handle down the line, then you can quit and pursue another path.

But only you can really make that call and understand how the job affects you.

there also good and bad employers in this industry. From experience I think most are good but a sizeable minority are bad, so the quality of jobs varies, and different jobs may have more or less a positive or negative impact on your mental health.

[AlexiaGo]

I also thik that this decision should be made only by you. It is hard to give advice. Anyway, you can try this career path, especially if you are about to complete the certificate. In case you understand that it is not for you, it will be time for changes.