Why a Traditional 9-to-5 Job Became Impossible with Chronic Pain and Neuropathy

The Truth

I’m not going to lie—I’ve never been great at sugarcoating things. “You’re too straightforward” is something I’ve heard my whole life. But hey, someone’s got to tell it like it is, right? Especially when it comes to working with chronic pain.  So, let’s call it what it is.

Most companies aren’t built for people with chronic pain. Period. Do they try? Yes. Do they understand? No. If there’s one sit/stand desk in the entire building, you’re lucky. Maybe there’s a yoga ball to balance on all day. . But that’s not real support—it’s a temporary fix for a permanent problem. "Those fancy gadgets that look like companies providing a solution are just masking the true problem: "chronic pain is unpredictable, relentless, exhausting, and isolating." It can not be fixed by just a few tools".

Nobody Cares

For a long time, I tried to fit into the traditional 9-to-5 mold, pushing through the pain and pretending everything was fine. But the truth? It was slowly breaking me down.

The desks that were too low, the screens that were too high, the lunch breaks too short, and the hours too long. Not only did the neuropathy kill me, I started to develop other pains in my body because I was overcompensating. In the end, I was just barely making it to work everyday, and even though I tried to explain to my managers that I couldn't sit all the time and need a special approach; nobody really cared. They need numbers, not people complaining about pain.

The Problem with the 9-to-5 Structure

So let's just look at the facts. Why does a 9-to-5 make it so hard for us who have chronic pain?

Traditional office jobs come with expectations: sitting at a desk for hours, attending back-to-back meetings, and working under rigid schedules.

For someone with chronic pain, this setup is more than challenging—it’s unsustainable.

Here’s why:

1. Prolonged Sitting: Sitting for long periods worsens neuropathy symptoms, causing stiffness, numbness, and intense discomfort.

2. Lack of Flexibility: Chronic pain isn’t predictable. Some days are better than others, but a strict work schedule doesn’t leave room for the rest and recovery we need.

3. Limited Breaks: The typical workday allows for minimal breaks, which isn’t enough to manage flare-ups or perform necessary physical therapy.

4. Commute Stress: Getting to and from work adds another layer of exhaustion, often triggering or worsening symptoms.

5. Lack of Proper Equipment: Most companies skip investing in ergonomic gear, turning everyday tasks into a painful challenge for those living with chronic conditions.

6. Pressure to Show Up: The fear of losing your job forces you to push through pain, even when your body is signaling you to stop, adding mental stress to physical discomfort.

How Chronic Pain Made Me Rethink My Career

After years of struggling, I realized that forcing myself into this structure was doing more harm than good. I wasn’t just sacrificing my physical health—my mental well-being and sense of purpose were slipping away too. Endless nights of no sleep and the worry of not being able to work became as powerfull as the pain itself.

The stress of “keeping up” in a world that didn’t understand my limitations became overwhelming. I needed a change. Not just for comfort, but for survival.

Finding Freedom Through Remote Work

Not only did my pain motivate me to change, my urge for freedom surly helped. One day I decided it was time to put my fears aside and aim hard for a Remote Career. And so I did.

The next six months I spent day and night building a remote career, while still having a "normal job" on the side. It was madness, but I knew I had no other choice. I'm still not sure how I managed to do it, but it was this underlying frustration and despair that fueled me deeply within. When I discovered remote freelancing, it felt like I could finally breathe again. I wasn’t tied to a desk or a rigid schedule—I could create a work routine that fit around my health needs.

Here’s how remote work transformed my life:

1. Flexible Hours: I could work when my body felt its best, taking breaks when needed without guilt. Sometimes I feel strong in the mornings, other times in the evenings. Now I could act on my "good moments"!

2. Ergonomic Workspace: Setting up my home office to suit my physical needs made a HUGE difference in managing my pain. I can stand, walk, lay down whenever I want.

3. No Commute: The stress of commuting disappeared, giving me more energy to focus on work and self-care.

4. Control Over Workload: As a freelancer, I could choose projects that aligned with my energy levels and interests, avoiding burnout.

5. Personalized Breaks: I could take breaks exactly when I needed them—whether that meant stepping outside for fresh air, doing light stretches, or simply resting without having to justify it to anyone.

6. Health-First Priorities: I could prioritize my health appointments, physical therapy, and self-care routines without rearranging my entire schedule or feeling like I was falling behind at work.

You’re Not Alone—There’s Another Way

I felt I made it to the other side. Sometimes I still don't know if I'm dreaming or not. At the same time, it makes me sad. The world is not made for the "weak." But what if that could change? What if companies became more aware and started to dive deeper into providing ways of employing people with chronic pain and creating the right work environment? Untill then, we have to take control in our own hands! If you’re struggling with chronic pain and feeling trapped in a traditional job, know this: there’s another way.

You don’t have to sacrifice your health for a paycheck. Remote work and freelancing can offer the freedom and flexibility you need to thrive, both professionally and personally.

The Neuropathy Freedom Blueprint

Through Cold Country Traveling 2025, I’m not just sharing my journey—I’m building a platform to help neuropathy warriors like you find your own path to freedom and have a succesful career.

With tools like the Neuropathy Freedom Blueprint, I’m here to guide you from feeling stuck to thriving in a career that fits your life and health, not the other way around.

Ready to reclaim your life and career? 

Follow along and let’s take this journey together. I would love to hear in the comments how you deal with your 9-5 and chronic pain!

Learn More About The Blueprint