Going Back to Work After a Stroke or Brain Injury

hether you’re returning to your old job or searching for a new one, going back to work after a stroke or brain injury is no small feat. It takes courage, patience, and self-compassion — because this isn’t just about a paycheck anymore. It’s about redefining how you function, contribute, and thrive in a work world that wasn’t designed with survivors in mind.

Hi! I’m Radhika, a 25-year-old healthcare researcher and stroke survivor. I live with left arm weakness and lingering speech fatigue — and I built Young Stroke Survivors for people like us. Here's everything I wish I’d known about re-entering the workplace, and everything we’re still figuring out together.

✨ PART 1: BEFORE YOU GO BACK — GROUND YOURSELF

1. You’re Allowed to Ease Back In

You don’t have to dive into 40-hour weeks. Start part-time, ask for project-based work, or trial shorter hours. Some people even volunteer or freelance first to test their endurance.

2. Know Your Triggers

Fatigue, overstimulation, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses — identify what throws your brain or body off, and build safeguards early.

Create your "non-negotiables" — like:

• No back-to-back meetings

• Protected nap/rest time

• Option to work from home on bad brain days

🧑‍💼 PART 2: IF YOU’RE JOB HUNTING POST-STROKE

1. Look for Accommodating & Disability-Inclusive Employers

Here’s what to research before applying:

• Do they have diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies?

• Are they listed on websites like Disability:IN, Chronically Capable, or The Valuable 500?

• Do their job descriptions talk about accessibility, flexible work, or mental wellness support?

Don’t be afraid to Google:
📍 “<Company name> disability inclusion policy”
📍 “Neurodiversity at <Company name>”
📍 “Flexible roles in <your field>”

2. Don’t Hide Your Needs — Frame Them

If you’re comfortable, disclose what you need, not just what’s wrong. For example:

“Due to a mild stroke, I occasionally experience cognitive fatigue. I thrive best in environments with flexible hours and clear task delegation.”

You’re not asking for sympathy. You’re offering transparency + solutions.

3. Prepare for Interviews with Gentle Honesty

Use this mindset:

• “This is how I work best.”

• “These are the tools I use to stay on track.”

• “Here’s how I adapt in real time.”

Confidence + clarity beats overexplanation.

👀 PART 3: INVISIBLE DISABILITIES — HOW TO NAVIGATE THE UNSEEN

Not all wounds are visible. And that’s often the hardest part. You might look “fine” — while struggling with:

• Aphasia or word-finding issues

• Processing delays

• Emotional overwhelm

• Sensory sensitivity

• Mental fatigue

And people might not get it.

Tips to Cope:

✅ Keep a go-to script ready for when you need to pause, repeat, or ask for time
✅ Use gentle affirmations (“I am doing my best with what I have today”)
✅ Educate one person at work who can quietly advocate for you
✅ Set boundaries early (e.g., “I take short breaks to reset — it helps me stay effective”)

Remember, you don’t owe every detail to everyone. Your worth is not in how well you mask your symptoms.

🔄 PART 4: BACK TO WORK — ON YOUR OWN TERMS

Real-Life Hacks That Help:

🧠 Use timers for focused work (Pomodoro technique)
🗂️ Break tasks into “tiny wins” — what can be done in 5 minutes?
📝 Keep a “brain dump” list so you don’t have to hold thoughts in your head
🧃 Keep snacks, hydration, and sunglasses/noise-cancelling headphones nearby
📱 Use voice-to-text or dictation tools if typing becomes exhausting

Build a Work Routine That Protects You:

• Morning = creative focus? Schedule important tasks early.

• Afternoons = slow? Use for admin/light work.

• Feeling “foggy”? Create email templates, checklists, or prep ahead for calls.

🫶 PART 5: ON THE DAYS YOU FEEL “NOT ENOUGH”

You will have days where your brain lags. You might slur or forget things. You may compare yourself to the “before” version.

Here’s what I want you to remember:

🌿 You’re not behind — you’re surviving
🌿 You’re not broken — you’re adapting
🌿 You’re not a burden — you’re rebuilding

You are showing up — and that’s more than enough.

📣 What’s Coming Next at Young Stroke Survivors

We’re working on a FREE Stroke Survivor Toolkit, filled with:

• Easy planners & trackers

• Self-advocacy scripts for work & life

• Exercises for energy, speech, and confidence

• Real stories from survivors who’ve returned to work

Want to contribute your own story? Email us at 📬 info@youngstrokesurvivors.com

And come say hi on Instagram 👉 @youngstrokesurvivors — we’re always sharing tips, wins, and memes to make your healing journey a little softer.

🧡 Final Words

Going back to work is not just a milestone — it’s a message to yourself. That you’re still here. Still capable. Still writing your story.

It won’t be perfect. But it will be yours.

Let’s take it one small step at a time — together.