Work and cystic fibrosis: The transferable skills living with CF has taught me

Jane worked for the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) for over 30 years and was awarded an MBE in 2003. 

I started at the DWP in 1981 and worked there for over 34 years. With hindsight, I wish I’d told colleagues about my CF earlier, but back then life expectancy was still short, and I didn’t want to be treated differently. Advances in care enabled me to carry on working until my early 50s. 

Living with CF has given me lots of transferable skills, like communication skills. I learnt to discuss complex issues with medical teams from a young age – friends would say our clinic conversations sounded like doctor to-doctor briefings. As an inpatient, I chat with everyone from cleaners to clinicians, and those communication skills are very useful at work. 

CF also brings practical problem solving; if your needle stops working on a Friday evening, you have to change your routine to get it sorted. And we also learn to understand complicated instructions, like how to mix IVs and administer them, manage drug side effects, and have great time management skills to fit everything in our normal day. Most importantly, we know when to act independently to solve our problems and when we need to seek help – just like in the workplace. 

I’m a great believer in using our CF experiences in the world of work. It’s about finding examples that show employers you’re the right person for the job. I know work isn’t an option for some people, but for me it has made a real positive difference to my life.

Charlotte works in HR and has experience supporting people in employment. 

Living with CF can present unique challenges, especially when it comes to employment. Balancing work with medical appointments, scans, and blood tests is demanding. My health is my most important priority – when you’re well, you can contribute effectively. 

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked five days a week, but I ended up in hospital a lot more because I was always exhausted. I moved to a four-day work week to better manage my health. The pandemic and treatments like Kaftrio have helped me reassess my work-life balance; working four full days lets me stay productive and healthier. 

The skills gained from managing CF, like resilience, time management, discipline and acute observation, are invaluable to employers. Don’t assume CF puts you on the back foot.

Work Forwards is our programme of free tailored careers information, advice, and guidance for people with CF and their loved ones. Work Forwards can offer;

• one-to-one employment support for people with CF and for carers, covering careers advice, job search, CVs, applications, interviews, and workplace issues 
• Career Flavours webinars where people with CF share their industry experiences 
• webinar sessions on different employment topics, from transferable skills to confidence building 
• guidance and peer networking for people starting or growing their own business 
• video resources about employment rights, including a video to share with employers to help them understand CF 
• a chance to share experiences of work and CF through our Employment Stories library, to inspire and support each other. 

Find out more