Being an employee with chronic illnesses!

Being in your 40s can feel like a midpoint in life, especially when it comes to health—everything requires a little more effort. Now, add HIV, diabetes, and hypertension to the mix. As a professional managing these conditions, I often wonder what aging with chronic illnesses will be like, especially while working every day.

Let’s be real! Aging is a journey we will all experience, but for professionals with chronic conditions, it comes with unique challenges. Balancing a career while managing a chronic illness or two can affect our health, work-life balance, and financial security. However, aging with a chronic illness doesn’t mean slowing down—it’s about adapting and living intentionally. It’s about creating a fulfilling life that aligns with our health, goals, and dreams, despite the challenges.

My Experience

I was diagnosed with HIV in my late 20s, and years later, I developed diabetes and hypertension. I feared these conditions would limit my personal and professional growth—but they didn’t. Over time, I learned not to be defined by my circumstances. Now, in my late 40s, I’m living what I see as my life beyond chronic illness, intentionally building a life that reflects my values and purpose.

But my journey isn’t without challenges. At work, I’ve always had to navigate balancing my health with my professional responsibilities - while managing my energy and staying on top of my well-being. Despite disclosing my medical conditions, sometimes I would even feel like nobody cares (imagined). But through it all, I learned that living beyond chronic illness requires intentionality and a willingness to redefine what aging in this context means. Here is what I think you should consider as a professional living with chronic illnesses

1. Health Monitoring is Essential

   Living with chronic illnesses like HIV, diabetes, and hypertension requires consistent health management. Regular check-ups, staying informed on medical advancements, and proactively addressing aging-related illnesses is crucial. I’ve created a health schedule through regular check-ups that helps me stay ahead of potential complications. This structure not only gives me peace of mind but also allows me to focus on my career and personal growth.

2. Mastering Energy Management

   Chronic illnesses can impact energy levels, making it essential to prioritise tasks and listen to my body. As a professional juggling multiple responsibilities, I’ve learned to say no when necessary and make time for rest and recovery.

3. Prioritising Mental Health

   Aging with HIV or any chronic illness can bring fears and anxieties, especially about the future. Therapy has helped me process these emotions, and joining a support network of professionals living with similar conditions has given me a sense of belonging and resilience. I host my own sessions.

4. Adapting in the Workplace

   Managing a high-pressure role while living with chronic illnesses requires balance. I’ve chosen to disclose my condition to colleagues and advocate for reasonable accommodation when needed. This hasn’t made me any less professional; it has strengthened my leadership by allowing me to work with authenticity.

5. Staying Financially Prepared

   Chronic illnesses often come with increased healthcare costs. I’ve learned the importance of financial planning, ensuring I’m prepared for unexpected medical expenses (medical savings run out) and long-term goals, such as homeownership and retirement.

6. Fitness and Nutrition Matter

   Exercise and a balanced diet have been game-changers for me. Incorporating movement and proper nutrition into my routine helps me manage fatigue, stay strong, and improve my overall well-being.

7. Building a Support Network

   No one can do this alone. Surrounding myself with supportive colleagues, family, and friends has been key to my success. Connecting with other professionals living with chronic illnesses has also given me the motivation to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible.

8. Acceptance as a Foundation for Growth

   Acceptance has been a crucial part of my journey. Embracing my condition rather than resisting it has helped me take control of my health and career with confidence. Self-acceptance fosters resilience, allowing me to thrive despite challenges and continue making meaningful contributions in my field.

My Point:

Living your age doesn’t mean comparing your journey to others. It means celebrating what you’ve achieved, no matter how small. For professionals like me, it’s about breaking the stigma that having medical conditions and aging equates to limitation.

I choose to take on this phase of life with confidence, resilience, and a commitment to living beyond my conditions. Not just for me, but for my family too. And if you're on a similar journey, know that you, too, can redefine what aging with chronic illness looks like.