Navigating a Career Change with Ticket to Work
Changing careers is something many people think about at some point in their lives. Interests change, industries change, and life changes. Seeking a new start or a job that fits your needs better is completely natural. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median number of years that employees stay with their current employers is 3.9 years.
If you receive SSDI or SSI and are thinking about exploring new work opportunities, Social Security's Ticket to Work Program can be a powerful support system to help you.
Exploring a New Career with Ticket to Work
We’re hosting a free webinar on January 28 at 3 p.m. ET to help you explore new career options with confidence. You’ll get tips for changing careers, learn how the Ticket to Work Program can support you, and find out how to take your first steps toward a new job. It’s a great chance to get guidance, ask questions, and discover helpful resources.
The World of Work Has Changed
Today, people are no longer expected to stay in the same job for their entire working lives. Many people switch jobs or change fields because they want more balance, more meaning, or a job that fits their abilities and goals.
Advances in technology have created new types of jobs. Roles in customer service, tech support, online education, and other fields are growing. Many of these jobs don’t require extensive experience to obtain employment.
Why Career Change Is So Common
Life changes, your needs, education, and priorities may change too. It makes sense to look for work that fits where you are now.
For some people, a disability or a change in their health means they can no longer do the job they once had. When that happens, exploring a new career can be a positive and practical step for obtaining employment.
Remote and flexible hybrid jobs are also more common, allowing you to work from home or choose schedules that work better for you.
People also want work that feels meaningful. It’s natural to want a job that matches your strengths and values.
Why Career Change Is Possible, Especially with Ticket to Work
You may already have skills that can help you move into a new job. Skills like communication, problem-solving, organization, and customer service are useful in a wide variety of fields.
Training is also easier to access through online classes and certifications that let you learn new skills remotely and at your own pace.
The Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can support you through the whole job change process. It’s a free and voluntary program for people who receive SSDI and/or SSI, are ages 18 through 64, and who want to work.
The Ticket Program offers career counseling to help you explore new fields, understand your strengths, and set goals. It also can connect you with training programs to build new skills.
When you’re ready to look for work, your employment team can help with resumes, interview practice, and finding employers. The program can support you after you start working by helping you understand accommodations and workplace expectations.
Many people worry about how working might affect their benefits. Ticket Program service providers will help you understand Work Incentives that let you try working without immediately losing benefits.
How to Start Your Own Career Journey
Start by thinking about your strengths and interests. What do you enjoy? What kind of work fits your life now? What new skills have you learned?
Next, explore new fields that interest you. Look into online classes or training programs that can help you learn new skills.
Connecting with an Employment Network or State Vocational Rehabilitation agency can give you personalized help to guide you through each step.
To get started, you can use our Find Help tool. This tool lets you search for Employment Networks and other service providers in your area or online. You can filter by the type of support you want, such as job coaching, benefits counseling, and job placement assistance.
Your Next Chapter Is Possible
Career change is often just part of life. With the right support, it can be a positive and empowering experience. You deserve work that fits your life today.
The Ticket Program will help you explore your options, build new skills, and move toward the future you want.
Learn More
Learn more about how the Ticket Program can help you reach your goals! Call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; or visit choosework.ssa.gov. You may also email us at TicketToWork@ssa.gov
