How I Stopped Migraine from Sabotaging My Career

Many people know that a daily routine with chronic migraine can be vital. With stress as a leading trigger for migraine attacks, following a strict working, eating, and resting regimen can help your body find stability. 

But, as she followed a strict migraine-friendly routine for years, Ciara O'Rourke realised how much this safety net was sabotaging her career. Was it time to take a few risks? Today, Ciara shares how she adjusted to a new dream job – despite chronic migraine.

I have been a nurse for over 20 years and love my job.

You can't pursue a nursing career without a passion for healthcare and helping others. Being a nurse is a core part of who I am, and I take the responsibility of this profession very seriously.

I've worked as a clinical nurse specialist for 13 years. The role has allowed me to grow as a professional and, over time, has provided much of the stability I need for managing chronic migraine.

In other words - I've done the job for so long that I'm rarely taken out of my comfort zone!

This is a blessing in many ways. Stress is one of my migraine triggers, and I depend on routine (at home and work) to manage my condition.

That said... While routines lessen my chances of a migraine attack, years without change can get dull. I had to face the truth: I felt stagnant in my current nursing role.

Should a "migraine-friendly" routine come at the expense of career advancement?

I'd felt like this before. Yet, as I was juggling the usual busy lifestyle, I convinced myself that the "status quo" at work was what I needed. The last thing I needed was to jump into a job change and deal with any professional or financial fallout due to migraine.

I have lived with this chronic condition for so long that it is a core part of my identity. Over the years, my boss has made huge strides in understanding and accommodating migraine. That's not something you throw away for a bit of excitement!

But the feelings of stagnation didn't go away as they usually did.

Then, a post became available over the summer at the hospital where I work.

It was a management position, away from the hands-on nursing I'd known for so long. I've looked at similar job listings before, but I've always managed to talk myself out of applying. This time, however, the pros were definitely beating the cons. I looked at the job advert daily and imagined what I'd do if I got the post.

But then I'd think of chronic migraine, career advancement, and the stress that both would put on me... and I'd close the tab.

I almost let migraine sabotage this opportunity. I was pretty much sabotaging myself. I dallied for so long, the closing date for applications came, and I still needed to send in my CV.

Last-minute encouragement made me apply for the job post

As time ticked on, I decided to ask my colleague about the role and whether I should out in an application. Thank goodness I did - they were encouraging and supportive, giving me the boost I needed. I spent the next few hours updating my CV - squashing 13 years of experience into a few bullet points was a task and a half!

Thankfully, I got the application to Human Resources in time. Looking back, I'm grateful for the mad rush. Although stressful, I didn't have time to brood on the supposed cons and talk myself out of applying (again).

From there, everything went quite smoothly. I was invited to interview and used the few weeks to prepare. My interview was successful, and I got offered the role!

I was thrilled. Instead of the usual guilt that I was stagnating or sabotaging myself, I could revel in a huge confidence boost.

I worried that the job change would worsen my chronic migraine

But, after this initial rush, the joy turned to fear. Over the next two days, I had a horrible attack that caused severe headaches, nausea and vomiting. I spent most of the time in bed, lights out and curtains drawn, waiting for the worst to pass.

I had yet to start the role, and the stress was getting to me. Were my fears well-founded, or was I piling on the pressure when it wasn't needed?

I worried about adjusting to my new hours, the increased responsibilities, and managing a team. Worse, what if my new boss didn't understand my condition and how it could impact my ability to work?

I returned to the hospital to tie up the loose ends with my current role and prepare for my transition.

Looking for the positives of change rather than the negatives

I was fortunate to work with the person leaving my new role, which helped ease my worries. They filled me in on some expectations of the position ahead of time, which was invaluable.

I also reasoned that my new post was at the same hospital. I'd skip the stress of relocating and not have to build stakeholder relationships from scratch.

Reminding myself of the above quietened some of my qualms about migraine and my career. Plus, I couldn't overthink too much, as my last few weeks as a clinical nurse specialist were so busy. Rushed off my feet, I had to ensure I spent my "free time" getting enough nourishing food, water, and rest. I couldn't afford to push myself into illness through excessive worry.

I started my new role in early September. To say I was nervous on my first day is a complete understatement!

I was upfront about migraine with my new boss and colleagues

I met with my new manager during the first week and told them about the full extent of my condition. Amazingly, she was so understanding! She even gave me great advice for caring for myself and not putting too much pressure on myself in the new role.

It was such a relief to me to know that I had the understanding and support of my manager, as I'd had some bad experiences with illness-related stigma in the past. I advised her that I would keep her updated on how I was feeling and let her know if I needed time.

I also called my nurse specialist for tips. She, too, gave me some great pointers for managing migraine with career advancement, along with advice for some lifestyle changes and medication management.

The new role has been a massive change for me. But, honestly, I am so grateful to work with a fantastic group of colleagues. They all helped make my adjustment period so much easier.

I can still achieve my dream career – even with chronic migraine

It hasn't been all plain sailing; my migraines and daily headaches were very much present during the early weeks of the move. Likewise, post-migraine fatigue can be a struggle as I adapt to new people, responsibilities, and hours. I don't think I have ever been this tired!

But my health is at the forefront of my mind as I want to be successful in this position. Migraine isn’t sabotaging my career this time; I'm working within my limits and being kind to myself. Putting my foot on the gas and trying to grasp everything within a few weeks is 1) setting myself up to fail and 2) a guaranteed way to exacerbate my attacks.

But I don't regret the move at all. Even with the stress and pain of migraine, this career advancement has been worth it. I have always tried to live with migraines rather than let them take control. Facing challenges allows me to achieve my dreams, even with a chronic illness!

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The individual(s) who have written and created the content in and whose images appear in this article have been paid by Teva Pharmaceuticals for their contributions. This content represents the opinions of the contributor and does not necessarily reflect those of Teva Pharmaceuticals. Similarly, Teva Pharmaceuticals does not review, control, influence or endorse any content related to the contributor's websites or social media networks. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice or recommendations. Consult a qualified medical professional for diagnosis and before beginning or changing any treatment regimen​. 

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Date of preparation: August 2023
D: COB-GB-NP-00179 (V1.0) / T: COB-GB-NP-00219 (V1.0) / M: COB-GB-NP-00199 (V1.0)