Back to work & IBS

It’s hard dealing with work and IBS. But what if the job itself is actually making your IBS symptoms worse? And if it is, what can you do about it?

We do what we think we have to do. But maybe we are doing what seems to work for others, but not truly what works for us. If your work energises you, all is well. However, if what you do drains your energy, this is a warning sign.

IBS and work: What happened to me

I had had IBS for a number of years when my symptoms became chronic.

In my last job, different parts of my body started bloating. I need to do a job that is concrete, doable and useful. This was so far removed from what I was living at work that my body reacted.

I wasn’t listening, so I ended up looking like the Michelin man, with bloated legs, arms neck, even head, giving me migraines. I looked awful and felt awful.

My digestion got progressively worse, and I felt tired and sluggish.

The cause and effect was easy to see – yet I ploughed on in the hope that I would be able to turn the situation around somehow.

When my contract came to an end I was so relieved. And I decided that I was never working like that again.

I discovered how to release my IBS symptoms, retrained, and became a highly fulfilled online IBS Coach.

What this may mean for you

If you are in a job that does not fit with who you are, or your values, your IBS will probably continue.

If you are working, and interacting daily with people you find difficult, your IBS will probably continue.

Your body will let you know and attempt to protect you. You will likely feel more tired, your symptoms may get worse, and you may get new symptoms.

If this sounds at all familiar, here are 2 ways of dealing with this: change jobs, or change your IBS.

The best jobs with IBS

What type of jobs are better suited to IBS sufferers? Here are a few ideas for inspiration.

Teacher or Coach for adults

The advantage of teaching adults (in companies, in-person training, higher education or evening classes) is that you don’t usually have to spend long hours with the same group. And because they are adults, they don’t need constant supervision – so you can give them something to work on while you slip out for a bathroom break if you need to.

Remote working

There are a multitude of ways you can work from home, and use your own bathroom at your convenience. It tends to be much quieter too, which can really help focus and reduce overwhelm.
If you earn a salary this way it takes away the financial pressure.
Jobs include being a writer, graphic designer, an accountant, and many IT related roles.

There are a range of possibilities including being an online coach, virtual assistant, content creator, web developer, video editor, social media manager – or even an artist. Although these tend to be more common as freelance roles.

Working Freelance or as an entrepreneur

If you work freelance or as an entrepreneur, you can earn much more and structure things your way. So in that respect, it is easier to work around your IBS up’s and downs.

However, you may find the financial up’s and down’s of not having a regular pay check trigger your IBS.

I’m an online coach, now I have beaten IBS. But beforehand I think it would have been challenging.

It looks easy, but you have to stay focused and keep a cool head – which is hard in the midst of IBS flare-ups.

If you love your work, but hate IBS

I gave up my dream job of being a product manager because of IBS. And I know other people who change how they work – or change the work they do entirely- to be able to accommodate IBS.

I personally LOVE what I’m doing today. Being an IBS coach has a powerful WHY to it.

If I had known before what I know now – that it is possible to beat IBS – I would have taken the plunge a long time ago.

It’s a shame that so many IBS sufferers with so much potential decide to just carry on as they are. (Like I did for so long.) When they could unleash their full creative and earning power. And have so much more fun too!