Living with myasthenia gravis means saying ‘no’ to some careers

I might be the most curious worker on the planet. I love learning new things, discovering novel industries, and exploring what makes people tick through their work. That’s one of the things I enjoy most about working in social media. Depending on the client, I get to dive into different fields — from marketing to education to hospitality. It keeps my brain active and gives me that satisfying feeling of learning something new every day.

But lately, I’ve been saying “no” more often. Not because I don’t care, or because I’m not interested, but because some jobs simply require more energy than I can offer. Filming on construction sites, following athletes all day, running from one event to another — it sounds exciting, but it would completely drain me. And the truth is, I can’t afford to be drained. Not with myasthenia gravis (MG).

This led me to an important realization: I’m lucky to be able to choose what I do for a living. But what if I couldn’t? What if I were a seamstress, a line cook, or had a career that depended on physical endurance and strength? What would happen if I didn’t have the privilege of saying no?

Recommended Reading

August 4, 2025 Columns by Shawna Barnes

My breakup letter to myasthenia gravis: It’s time to move on

Jobs I avoid

Ever since I was diagnosed with MG, I’ve had to redefine what work means to me. Not in terms of passion or ambition — I still have plenty of both — but in terms of capacity. I’ve learned to set boundaries that help me protect my health and avoid false hope or disappointment. The types of work I try to avoid are:

Physically demanding jobs. MG doesn’t like repetitive motion or long periods of muscle engagement. I avoid anything that involves constant standing, lifting, or repetitive movements. That means no tailoring, no physical therapy work, no hairstyling, and no marathon cooking shifts. As much as I admire these careers, they’re not meant for me.

Jobs with inflexible schedules. I don’t mind a 9-to-5, as long as I can rest when I need to. But jobs with rigid expectations, no flexibility, or no understanding of what a flare-up might mean? That’s not sustainable. I need to work with people who understand that some days, I’ll be at my best, and others, I might not.

Jobs that require peak physical condition. Some careers come with nonnegotiable health requirements. Pilots, sailors, surgeons — they need their bodies to be 100% reliable at all times. I admire them deeply, but I also know that this isn’t my lane.

What works for me

Digital work is where I thrive. It allows me to use my mind, my creativity, and my communication skills, without constantly testing the limits of my physical strength. But even with a digital job, I’ve learned to set rules. I take breaks. I nap if I need to. I pay attention to how long I stare at a screen. I stay aware of my posture and environment. These little things help a lot more than we may think.

I’ve also found that when I’m passionate about my work, my body responds more positively. There’s something about being mentally and emotionally engaged that helps me feel stronger overall. I won’t pretend it’s a cure, but it’s definitely part of my strategy.

Running a small business can also be a good fit, especially when you have control over your own schedule. It’s not always easy, and it comes with its own kind of pressure, but when managed carefully, it can offer the kind of autonomy someone with MG really needs.

Not a limitation, an adjustment

Sometimes people talk about chronic illness like it’s a life sentence. But the more I live with MG, the more I realize that it’s not about giving up on dreams; it’s about adapting them. It’s about choosing the settings that allow you to thrive, even if they’re different from what you first imagined.

I don’t see this list of jobs I avoid as a limitation. It’s more like a default configuration I’ve accepted for my system. And just like I wouldn’t drive a sports car off-road, I’m not going to push myself into a career that’s incompatible with my health.

These are my personal choices, not universal rules. But I wish someone had told me this earlier. It would’ve helped guide my career path more gently, with fewer bruises. And maybe it would’ve made me feel a little less alone in the process.

Note: Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Myasthenia Gravis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to myasthenia gravis.