Energy and Summer Volunteer and Employment Positions: Navigating Work Options with Chronic Illness

Finding a summer volunteer or work position as a teen can feel like a rite of passage. But for teens managing chronic illness, the usual options often come with physical and energy demands that make these jobs difficult or impossible. The challenge is real: how do you find work that fits your health needs while still gaining experience and feeling productive?

This post explores practical ways to approach summer volunteer work and jobs when your energy and physical abilities vary. You’ll learn how to assess volunteer demands through an energy audit, discover accessible remote and flexible volunteer ideas, and understand your rights when discussing accommodations with employers/supervisors. The goal is to help you find summer volunteer positions that respects your limits and supports your well-being.

Understanding the Energy Audit for Volunteer Positions

When you have a chronic illness, managing your energy is crucial. The concept of an energy audit helps you evaluate whether a position's demands fit within your available energy.

What is an Energy Audit?

An energy audit means looking closely at a job description and breaking down the physical and mental tasks involved. Ask yourself:

• Is the job mostly dynamic (moving around, standing, lifting) or static (sitting, desk work)?

• Will you be on your feet for long periods, or can you sit and rest when needed?

• Does the role require high mental focus or allow for breaks and pacing?

• Are the hours flexible, or is there a strict schedule?

  
  

For example, a childcare position often involves standing for hours, quick movements, and multitasking under pressure. This might be too demanding if your illness causes fatigue or pain. On the other hand, a remote crisis line position lets you work from home, sit comfortably, and take breaks as needed.

How to Use the Energy Audit

1. List your energy limits: Know how many hours you can work and what activities drain you.

2. Match job tasks to your limits: Compare the job’s physical and mental demands to your list.

3. Prioritize jobs that fit your pacing: Choose roles that allow you to conserve energy and avoid flare-ups.

   
   

This approach helps you avoid burnout and find jobs that are sustainable over the summer.

Accessible Summer Volunteer Ideas for Teens with Chronic Illness

Many traditional summer positions are not designed with chronic illness in mind. Luckily, there are alternatives that offer flexibility, lower physical demands, and opportunities to build skills.

Remote and Flexible Positions

• Crisis Line Counseling (volunteer for most)

Organizations such as Crisis Text Line offer crisis line counseling positions that look great on a resume and only involve texting.

• Data Entry (can be paid)

Many small businesses need help organizing data or updating records. This work is usually desk-based and can be done remotely.

• Freelance Graphic Design (can be paid)

Using tools like Canva, you can create social media posts, flyers, or logos for local businesses. This job lets you work at your own pace and build a portfolio.

• Social Media Management (can be paid)

Small businesses often need help managing their social media accounts. You can schedule posts, respond to comments, and track engagement from home.

• Content Writing or Blogging (can be paid)

If you enjoy writing, many websites and blogs look for freelance writers. This job is flexible and can be done in short bursts.

• Digital Products (can be paid)

Creating digital products or guides on something you are knowledgable about, such as disability advocacy, knitting, your favorite coffee recipes, etc... is a great way to make some passive income. For people interested in working with children, Teachers Pay Teachers is a great option! For others, Etsy is lovely too.

• Print on Demand (can be paid)

Print on Demand stores handle the packaging, printing, creating, shipping, and sometimes even marketing for your products! If you're an artist or someone who enjoys design, all you have to do is drag and drop your image, artwork, or design onto the screen, set up payment methods like PayPal, and set a price to allow for a profit!

Local Opportunities with Accommodations

Some local jobs may be possible if they offer accommodations:

• Library Assistant

Libraries often have quiet, low-stress environments with options to sit and take breaks.

• Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

If your energy allows, caring for pets can be rewarding and flexible. Some options may involve working from the owner's home and simply feeding the pet or watching over them.

• Craft or Art Sales

If you have a creative hobby, selling crafts online or at local markets can be a low-pressure way to earn money.

A person working remotely. Courtesy of Unsplash.

Knowing Your Rights and Talking About Accommodations

You have the right to request accommodations that help you perform your job safely and effectively. Knowing when and how to discuss this can make a big difference.

When to Mention Accommodations

• During the Interview: You don’t have to disclose your illness unless you want to. If you do, focus on what accommodations you need to do the job well.

• After a Job Offer: This is often the best time to discuss accommodations. You can explain what helps you work best without going into personal medical details.

• Once You Start: If you didn’t mention accommodations before, you can request them anytime during your employment.

  
  

How to Ask for Accommodations

• Be clear and specific about what you need. For example, “I need a chair with back support” or “I may need short breaks every hour.”

• Focus on how accommodations help you do your job better.

• Remember that employers are required by law to provide reasonable accommodations unless it causes undue hardship.

  
  

Examples of Common Accommodations

• Flexible work hours or part-time shifts

• Ability to work from home

• Ergonomic chairs or desks

• Scheduled rest breaks

• Modified duties or reduced physical tasks

  
  

Tips for Success in Summer Jobs with Chronic Illness

• Plan Your Schedule Around Your Energy

Work during your best times of day and rest when needed.

• Communicate Openly

Keep your employer informed about your needs and any changes in your health.

• Set Boundaries

Know your limits and don’t overcommit.

• Use Technology

Tools like calendar reminders, task lists, and apps can help you stay organized without stress.

• Build Skills Gradually

Choose jobs that help you grow without overwhelming you.

With the help of accommodations, energy audits, and remote work, you may be able to work in ways that you never thought were possible! For a more in-depth guide to finding volunteer and paid work as a teen with a chronic illness or disability, stay tuned for our new online course (launching soon).