Retraining: When To Shift The Goal Posts?

A rehabilitation provider may be appointed to your claim to assist you in identifying alternative long-term occupations. They will help you clarify your skill set, and what occupations might be appropriate for you. Equally important, try to identify what qualifications or skills you currently lack which could increase your employment prospects. The time available to you while recovering from an injury or surgery can be an excellent opportunity to acquire further qualifications. If you have a high demand physical job, it is important to bear in mind that very few people continue in those occupations until retirement age. Regardless of how your recovery is progressing from the current problem, it is always good to have a fall back plan for the long term. Now is the time to turn your thoughts to what job you might do later in your career.

You are best positioned to understand what jobs you would like to be doing in the longer term and what positions would provide you with satisfaction and the salary you require. Many people fail to realise that there is no barrier to looking for a new job while you have an active workers’ compensation claim. Your claim remains open even if you find appropriate alternative employment for yourself.

Throughout the entire claim management period, remember that one of your top priorities is to have a meaningful job to go back to at the end of your recovery.