Not Sure You’re Ready to Work? Ask Yourself These 7 Questions

Deciding whether to begin work or return to work is a personal choice. If you're receiving Social Security disability benefits, you may have questions about your health, your finances, or whether you're ready to make a change.

The good news is that you don't have to have everything figured out before you begin exploring your options. Sometimes, asking yourself a few thoughtful questions can help you decide what the right next step looks like.

Here are seven questions to consider:

1. Why Am I Thinking About Working?

People consider work for many reasons. Maybe you'd like to earn more income, want to meet new people, miss having a daily routine, or are ready for a new challenge. There isn't a "right" reason to explore work; what matters is that your reason is meaningful to you.

Think about what has changed recently. What's motivating you to consider employment now?

2. What Concerns Me Most About Going to Work?

You may worry about working for many reasons, including getting to and from work, wondering if you’ll be able to do well on the job, or thinking about how your earnings from work might affect your benefits.

When you participate in the Ticket to Work Program, your employment team will help you:

• Clarify your work goals
• Build a resume or update an existing one to reflect your current experience
• Identify job opportunities
• Receive ongoing support after you start working

Once you and your service provider decide to work together, you will collaboratively develop a plan to help you reach your work goals. Your employment team will then help you make progress towards those goals and, eventually, a more financially independent future.

3. What Are My Strengths?

Instead of focusing only on limitations, think about what you bring to the workplace.

Ask yourself:

• What skills have I developed through work, school, volunteering, clubs, or everyday life?
• What do friends or family say I'm good at?
• What tasks do I enjoy?

Everyone has strengths, and recognizing yours can help you identify opportunities that fit your interests and abilities.

4. What Kind of Work Would Fit My Life Right Now?

Not every job looks the same. Would you prefer:

• Part-time or full-time work?
• A flexible schedule?
• Remote or in-person work?
• A physically active or sedentary job?

Thinking about your preferences can help focus your options and make work feel more achievable.

5. What Support Would Help Me Succeed?

Many people benefit from support as they prepare for work.

You might want help with:

• Exploring careers
• Updating your resume
• Preparing for interviews
• Understanding how work will affect your benefits
• Finding training opportunities
• Building confidence

The Ticket to Work Program connects eligible beneficiaries with service providers that can offer guidance and support based on your goals.

6. Am I Ready to Take One Small Step?

You don't have to decide today whether you’re ready to start working.

Maybe your next step is simply learning more about your options, talking with an Employment Network (EN), your State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency, or updating your resume.

Progress often starts with one small action.

7. What Would Success Look Like for Me?

Success means something different to everyone.

For one person, it might be working a few hours each week. For another, it could mean building a long-term career. Others may simply want to learn about their options and explore what's possible.

Your employment journey doesn't have to look like anyone else's. The important thing is that you define success in a way that reflects your own goals and priorities.

You Don’t Have to Decide Alone

If you're asking yourself whether you're ready to work, you have already taken an important first step by exploring your options.

You don't need to have all the answers before reaching out for support. An EN or your State VR agency can help you learn about your options, answer questions about work and benefits, and help you decide what comes next.

Whether you're ready to apply for jobs or simply want to gather information, taking one small step today can help you move toward the future you want.

Ready to Learn More?

• Attend a free WISE webinar to learn how the program works and get answers to common questions.
• Visit the Ticket to Work website to explore resources and read more about your options.
• Use the Find Help tool to connect with service providers that can help you reach your goals.

For personalized support, you can contact the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Specially trained representatives are available to answer many of your questions about disability benefits and Social Security Work Incentives. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities, you can call our TTY at 1-866-833-2967. You can also email us at TicketToWork@ssa.gov.