After suffering from an injury, the process of returning to work is not always straightforward. In fact, how you return to work can differ vastly based on a number of factors like your injury and job field.
But there are certain steps you can take to return to work safely, and ensure that you do not exacerbate your injury.
Know your physical limits
Forbes talks about the process of returning to work after an injury. First, when deciding what industry to pursue, consider not only your strengths, weaknesses and job history, but also your current capabilities. You might not realistically be able to keep up with the physical demand of certain jobs, and being honest about that from the start will save you a lot of trouble later down the line.
Do not be afraid to seek accommodations
Next, remember to seek job accommodations when possible. If you are legally disabled now, there are accommodations that jobs must make to ensure that you have a fair chance of being your best self as an employee. You must be provided with numerous basic aids, and things should be ADA compliant.
Dealing with barriers
Make sure to know and prepare for potential barriers to entry, too. For example, many employers may find a large gap in your work resume to be undesirable or even suspicious. Prepare your explanation for these issues in advance, so you can eloquently explain and smooth out misunderstandings before they get out of hand.
In keeping expectations realistic and understanding the potential hurdles you face, you can make re-entering the workforce an easier experience.