What jobs can I do with a back problem?

[Snugglemonster84]

Hi there I've been a SAHM for 5 years now and I would ideally like to go back to work somewhere starting afresh. Don't have a career or anything. I worked for a gas/elec company previously. I have a criminology degree but haven't used it.
My problem is I have back problems and I'm waiting on surgery. My back controls my life, I cannot sit for longer than a few mins, I have to keep moving. I cannot bend forward and I cannot lift anything at all. This will never be completely fixed even after surgery. When my back is at its worst I'm bedridden for 2 weeks.
We really need more money coming into the house as my husband is the only earner, we don't qualify for benefits or tax credits. Any ideas as to what jobs I could do?maybe working from home?

So, what can you do at home? Can you sit at a desk for a while? What level of activity can you do? This might help as a starting point to give you ideas of what you can bear.

If you've been a sahm with the back problem, what about a job in a preschool?

Could you do an office based job with a moveable desk? Access to work will supply you with one (mains powered which raises up and down) so you can stand or sit as suits you.

(I live with chronic back pain and have left a few jobs because of it but have found a happy medium now)

Sorry abit more info, my children are at school so I'm home alone during the day. I just potter around doing gentle cleaning each day or go out for a slow walk with my dog.
I cannot sit at a desk at all, not even for 5 minutes.

If you were based in an office at a standing desk, or worked in a shop, would standing fairly still for a while also be painful?

I think some jobs that might be feasible if you find a brilliant employer could be totally non-feasible if the employer is crap, if that makes sense. So in my place we have around 10 people using standing desks, we are encouraged to move around and talk to people instead of emailing, meetings are often short, standing affairs and we can work from home whenever we want. If I was working for someone more draconian I'd be in agony and wouldn't manage it.

How long are you likely to have to wait for surgery? Is it worth waiting until afterwards then seeing how strong you'll be with a robust physio/strengthening plan in place?

Sorry, cross post. So shop work is likely a no too?

Walking delivering ? Leaflets? Papers?

We have someone at work with pretty bad back - she has a standing desk. Would that be an option?

Dog Walker?

Could you sit on a checkout? Virtual PA with a standing desk at home.

What about a sales assistant at a customer kiosk type setting? They stand, they serve customers and walk back and fourth to get items. You could maybe just do 2-3 hours a day so it's not too much?

Petrol station standing behind the counter

My friend set up charlotte and susans giftery . Not sure how you go about all that bu t worth a thought . Online selling might be easier for you

I was going to suggest a kiosk job too. I used to do one in a supermarket with no chair and I was always moving.

My DH has a chronic back problem and he is a baker. There is some leaning forward involved but not for long and he is always moving around so his back never has the chance to seize up. He sees a chiropractor regularly which helps.

Shop work at a till? Office / telephone work with A special desk as someone has mentioned like a stand up desk?? they’re pretty expensive though, and would generally need an occupational health assessment to agree you needed one.

It really depends on the company that you choose rather than the job itself. You need one which can enable you to work comfortably. Standing desk etc if that would suit you.

Tour guide?

Chances of finding such a job are slim mind you.

Standing desks available in my office (professional services / accountancy). Just find a good employer. Make yourself employable and they will accomodate you.

Good employers would offer you a workplace adjustment - ie a sit/stand desk for example, or a chair designed to suit your needs.

Pharmacy dispenser? Always on your feet and moving around with gentle stretching to reach. Also part time is really common so 4 hours a day for 3 days is OK if that's something you were looking for. Usually a bit of lifting of stock involved but it would not be a problem in my experience not to lift if medically inappropriate

Thank you for your suggestions. I'm trying to open my mind to what I can do instead of focusing on my limitations.
I was mainly worried about going to an employer and they wouldn't employ me because I'd inevitably have to have time off