Is Job Change Difficult for People with Disabilities? An Explanation of the Current Situation and Strategies for Success!

"I want to change jobs from my current workplace, but is it difficult because it's a disability employment?"

"Are there any companies that would hire someone with a disability?"

For individuals with disabilities, changing jobs is often perceived as more challenging and difficult compared to those without disabilities.

As a result, many people may endure working in a place that doesn't suit them, thinking that changing jobs is too difficult.

However, with the right preparation and direction, individuals with disabilities can find a workplace that suits them.

This time, let's explore the reasons why changing jobs is considered difficult for individuals with disabilities, and discuss strategies and preparations for successful job transitions.

1. Is Changing Jobs Difficult!? Investigating the Current Situation of Job Changes for Individuals with Disabilities

According to the "Employment Referral Status for Persons with Disabilities through Public Employment Security Offices" compiled by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for the fiscal year 2022, the number of new job applications was 233,434, an increase of 4.2% compared to the previous year (223,985).

Additionally, the number of job placements was 102,537, a 6.6% increase compared to the previous year (96,180).

Looking at past data, the number of job openings for individuals with disabilities has been increasing annually, except during the COVID-19 pandemic, making the job market favorable for those seeking employment under disability employment.

Therefore, depending on the job type, the job environment for individuals with disabilities is improving.

Furthermore, when examining the job retention status of individuals with disabilities by type of disability, the following results are observed:

Reference: Chart Summary-2: Trends and Composition Ratios of Workplace Retention Rates by Disability Type (for those employed through disability or general job openings)｜Research on Employment Status of Persons with Disabilities

Retention rates vary by type of disability, but on average, about 20% leave within 3 months, and about 40% leave within a year.

In other words, it's not uncommon for individuals with disabilities to leave their jobs, and since the job market is favorable, with proper preparation and job search efforts, you can find a workplace where you can work comfortably.

2. Reasons Why Changing Jobs is Considered Difficult for Individuals with Disabilities

2-1. Limited Number of Job Openings for Disability Employment

Although the number of job openings for disability employment is increasing annually, it is still less than the number of general employment openings.

This gap between general and disability employment openings is why changing jobs under disability employment is considered difficult.

Moreover, many job openings for disability employment are in office work or light labor, with a bias in job types compared to general employment.

However, as previously explained, the employment situation for individuals with disabilities is improving annually, making job transitions relatively easier.

2-2. Aspiring for Unexperienced Occupations

If you are aspiring for a job in an unexperienced field, job hunting can be challenging.

This is because companies often seek candidates who can immediately contribute, considering the job types the applicant has previously experienced.

For example, between someone with office work experience and someone without, the former is more likely to be seen as immediately valuable by companies and thus more desirable to hire.

However, even if you lack experience in your desired job type, having qualifications or skills can increase your chances of being hired.

2-3. Mismatch Between Disability and Job Description

For individuals with disabilities to settle in a workplace without frequently changing jobs, it is crucial that the job description matches their abilities.

If there is a mismatch between one's disability and the job description, motivation may not last, leading to early resignation.

By understanding the job details and scope in advance, you can prevent mismatches between the job and your disability.

2-4. Lack of Understanding of Disabilities by Employers

The Revised Act on Employment Promotion of Persons with Disabilities, enacted in April 2016, requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Reasonable accommodation in the workplace involves adjustments and rule changes to remove obstacles and difficulties faced by individuals with disabilities while working.

Examples include adjusting working hours or increasing break times to consider the employee's fatigue.

Additionally, changes in job content or placement may be made based on the characteristics of the disability.

The challenge with reasonable accommodation is that the required accommodations vary depending on the type and degree of disability.

Therefore, if companies hire without understanding disabilities, employment mismatches are more likely to occur.

2-5. Concerns About Health Conditions

Health conditions are a significant challenge in job transitions for individuals with disabilities.

If you are job hunting while your disability is unstable, it will naturally be more challenging to get hired.

Companies, even in disability employment, prioritize hiring individuals who seem likely to work long-term and stably.

If you have health concerns or symptoms, focus on treatment and recovery first, and aim to be in a working condition before starting your job search.

2-6. Lack of Communication Skills in Interviews

While not limited to disability employment, if communication is lacking during interviews, job hunting can be difficult.

For example, whether you maintain eye contact with the interviewer or if your answers align with the questions asked.

Moreover, even for individuals with disabilities, basic business manners are observed.

The primary criteria for hiring decisions are generally resumes and interviews.

Especially in interviews, the impression you make is a crucial factor for companies in deciding whether to hire you.

3. Strategies and Preparations for Individuals with Disabilities to Successfully Change Jobs

3-1. Consulting with Your Doctor or Counselor

First, consult with your doctor to objectively determine if you are in a condition to start job hunting.

To prove that you are in a working condition, you can obtain a medical certificate or seek a second opinion for a comprehensive diagnosis.

If you have mental health concerns, consulting with a qualified counselor is also recommended.

Receiving advice from your doctor or counselor allows you to objectively understand your health condition.

3-2. Self-Analysis

Conducting a self-analysis helps clarify what you can and cannot do, preventing mismatches with companies and job descriptions.

Identify and list not only your skills but also what you cannot do or struggle with due to your disability.

This will help you narrow down job opportunities that match your disability's characteristics and your strengths.

3-3. Utilizing Job Services and Systems Specialized for Disability Employment

Public Employment Security Offices have specialized consultation desks for disability employment in addition to general jobs.

Reference: For Individuals with Disabilities｜Public Employment Security Office Internet Service

There are various systems for supporting employment for individuals with disabilities, such as the "Disability Trial Employment Program," which is generally three months, and "Team Support" centered around Public Employment Security Offices.

Reference: Policies for Individuals with Disabilities｜Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

In the private sector, well-known disability employment specialized recruitment agencies include "Web Sana" and "Clover Navi."

Utilizing these national and private sector job services and systems can help you find suitable job openings more easily.

Additionally, Ayumi has an article summarizing job and career change sites focused on disability employment, so please check

Related Article:

3-4. Attending Schools or Vocational Training for Skill Enhancement

If you are applying for unexperienced job openings or want to acquire skills or qualifications, attending vocational training at Public Employment Security Offices or skill enhancement schools operated by private companies is recommended.

Public Employment Security Offices offer vocational training at general public vocational development schools and "Disability Vocational Development Schools" for various subjects.

Reference: Hello Training (Disability Training)｜Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

Private companies also offer online skill enhancement schools for individuals with disabilities.

Reference: Disability-Specialized Career Enhancement School｜RESTA Inc.

By acquiring skills that make you immediately valuable through vocational training or schools, your chances of being hired for unexperienced job types will increase.

3-5. Requesting Workplace Tours

Requesting a workplace tour is a unique opportunity to experience the company's atmosphere firsthand.

During job hunting, you will encounter many job openings and company websites.

However, no matter how much information you gather, there are many things you won't know until you visit, which could lead to unexpected surprises after starting the job.

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