Purpose & Passion: Defining Work

By Colin Butler, MS, CSCS, ACSM-GEI, EIM and CF Warrior

First things first: work doesn’t have one specific look. Full-time with benefits? Great. Part-time or freelance? Also great. Need to find something that allows you to take breaks for treatment or recovery? Completely valid.

Your value isn’t defined by the hours you log. CF might shift how your career unfolds, but it doesn’t change your talents, passions, or worth. The real question is: What matters most to me? Whether it’s creativity, helping others, intellectual challenge, or financial independence, your work can be shaped around those values.

Thanks to the rise in remote work, there are more opportunities than ever to find jobs that offer flexibility, safety, and comfort which is important when managing a chronic illness. Working from home can make it easier to fit in treatments, conserve energy, and avoid unnecessary exposure to germs.

Here are some roles that often allow for remote or flexible work:

  • Writing, editing, or blogging
  • Graphic design or digital illustration
  • Tech support or software development
  • Virtual assistant or online administrative help
  • Social media management and marketing
  • Online tutoring or customer support
  • Research or data entry

Freelancing, contract work, or running a small business from home are also great options if you prefer to set your own schedule. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, or course platforms like Teachable can help you turn your skills into income. If you prefer more structure, job boards like We Work Remotely, FlexJobs, or Remote.co can help you find something that fits your lifestyle.

Bottom line: look for roles that respect your need for flexibility and downtime. Your job should support your health, not compete with it.