8 Strategies to Build Career Resilience with Vision Loss 

Career resilience is a skill I have developed during nearly 30 years of working with vision loss. I began my career with low vision while working in corporate human resources. Later I lost my vision completely but continued working, eventually spending many years in the disability nonprofit community. 

These experiences, along with the rapid changes in my vision, helped shape my resilience and long-term career success. 

What Is Career Resilience? 

Career resilience is the ability to adapt, recover from setbacks, and continue growing in a changing work environment. It involves developing new skills, maintaining a positive mindset, and taking an active role in shaping your career path. 

During my career, I have experienced job loss, industry changes, and unexpected challenges. Instead of allowing those obstacles to stop my progress, I used them as opportunities to grow. 

Career resilience is not simply about enduring difficult situations. It is about building the tools, networks, and confidence needed to move forward and succeed. 

Career Resilience and Vision Loss 

It is impossible to talk about career resilience without acknowledging the role that vision loss plays. 

I began my professional career with normal eyesight. Over time my vision decreased to low vision and eventually to total blindness. These changes significantly affected how I worked and how I navigated the workforce. 

My success came from advocating for workplace accommodations, building a strong network of blind and low vision professionals, and developing solid technology skills. 

Strategies for Building Career Resilience 

1. Be Flexible and Adaptable 

The workforce is constantly changing, and professionals must change with it. Stay aware of industry trends and be prepared to adjust your skills when necessary. 

Continue building professional connections and keep your technology skills current. 

When I started working as a freelance writer and blogger, artificial intelligence (AI) was not part of the conversation. Today it has become a centerpiece of how writers, bloggers, and journalists approach their work. 

Recognizing this shift encouraged me to learn more about AI so I could apply it to my own work and career path. 

2. Maintain a Growth Mindset 

Work setbacks can feel discouraging, but they do not have to define your future. 

When I was downsized from my corporate human resources position, I returned to my first love – journalism. That decision led me to a new career path as a writer and blogger in the disability community. 

Part of building a growth mindset is self-reflection. Focus on your successes from past work experiences and the skills you used to overcome challenges. 

Many people who are blind or low vision develop strong problem-solving skills because we learn to navigate a world designed primarily for sighted individuals. Those same skills can help you succeed in your career. 

3. Build a Circle of Professional Support 

Connecting with other blind and low vision professionals can provide encouragement, guidance, and valuable career insight. 

Job seeking and maintaining employment with vision loss can sometimes feel challenging or isolating. A strong professional network can help you stay motivated and discover new opportunities. 

Mentors can be found through professional associations, online communities, and organizations such as the National Federation of the Blind, the American Council of the Blind, and resources available through CareerConnect. 

Seek out individuals who have more career experience or who hold leadership roles. Their advice and connections can help strengthen your professional network. 

4. Become a Lifelong Learner 

Career resilience requires a commitment to continuous learning. This includes both career development and adaptive technology skills. 

Learning opportunities might include courses through LinkedIn Learning, career podcasts, or workshops offered by organizations like Hadley. 

For example, when I began focusing more heavily on freelance writing, I realized my typing skills needed improvement. I enrolled in a typing workshop for people who are blind or low vision through Hadley to refresh those skills. 

Professional development opportunities such as training programs, workshops, conferences, and continuing education can lead to job stability, advancement, and new career opportunities. 

5. Advocate for Accessibility and Inclusion 

Advocating for yourself in the workplace is essential. 

Early in my career I learned that employers may not always understand what accommodations are needed. I researched assistive technology and prepared to explain how it would support my work. 

When meeting with management, I focused on how the right accommodations would improve productivity and help me achieve my work goals. Presenting the conversation this way helped ensure my requests were understood and supported. 

6. Document Your Achievements 

Tracking your successes and accomplishments is an important part of career growth. 

In many of my positions, I documented my achievements so I could share them during performance reviews or when requesting a raise or promotion. 

Employers want to see measurable success and how your work contributes to organizational goals. 

Understanding how promotions work within your organization can help you prepare for future opportunities. 

7. Process Job Loss or Major Changes 

Most people experience major career changes or job loss at some point. 

When I was downsized from my HR position, I took time to process the situation and seek professional advice before moving forward. 

Once I had time to reflect, I developed a plan that ultimately led to a successful new career path. 

If you are experiencing job loss, consider connecting with unemployment services, vocational rehabilitation programs, or career centers for guidance and support. 

8. Plan for the Future 

Setting long-term career goals is an important part of building resilience. 

Stay informed about industry changes and the skills required to remain competitive. Establish career milestones and review them regularly. 

Financial planning is also important. Creating an emergency fund and investing in retirement accounts such as a 401(k) or IRA can help provide stability during career transitions. 

Final Thoughts 

Career resilience is a lifelong practice. 

By staying adaptable, continuing to learn, building strong professional networks, and planning for the future, you can create a career that continues to grow and evolve. 

You never know – your next great opportunity may begin where the last one ended.