Employment

Your work life balance is very important with CF, as is your work environment, whether it is full or part time employment.  

Finding the right job for you is important. This page aims to support you on your career pathway as you navigate the steps to employment with a disability.  

  • CV writing skills 
  • Disclosing my CF to my employer 
  • Starting work for the first time - taxation 
  • Disability payments and work
CV Writing

How you present your career achievements and education is a really important factor when applying for jobs.  It is often the first impression a potential employer has of you so be sure to make it a good one. 

A good CV should be: 

  • Clear and easy to read  

  • Tailored to the job  

  • Free from spelling or grammar mistakes  

  • Focused on achievements, not just duties  

  • Concise (usually 1–2 pages) 

KEY SECTIONS 

Personal Details 

Include: 

  • Full name  

  • Phone number  

  • Professional email address  

  • LinkedIn profile (optional but useful) 

Personal profile 

Write a short paragraph about: 

  • Who you are professionally  

  • Your experience or skills  

  • Your career goals 

Work experience 

List your jobs starting with the most recent. 

For each role include: 

  • Job title  

  • Company name  

  • Dates worked  

  • Key responsibilities and achievements 

Education 

Include: 

  • School/college/university  

  • Qualification obtained  

  • Dates attended  

You can also mention: 

  • Relevant coursework  

  • Certifications  

  • Training programs 

 

Skills 

Focus on skills relevant to the role. 

Examples: 

  • Communication  

  • Teamwork  

  • Time management  

  • Microsoft Office  

  • Problem-solving  

  • Customer service  

  • Technical/software skills 

 

SOME KEY CV WRITING TIPS 

Adjust your CV for every application: 

  • Match keywords from the job description  

  • Highlight relevant experience  

  • Emphasise skills the employer wants 

  • Check for spelling errors, correct grammar and consistency in formatting 

 

Disclosing my CV to my employer

This decision rests with you and you have no obligation to share your CF diagnosis with your employer.  

Your main workplace protections come from the Employment Equality Acts and these laws make it illegal for employers to discriminate against you because of a disability.   

If you do choose to share your CF with your employer it will enable them to support you in the best way that they can. It will also enable them to make ‘reasonable measures’ to help you do your job which for example include flexible working arrangements or time off for clinic appointments.   

Ultimately, this is your decision, if you would like more information on working with a disability please check out Employment and disability 

 

Starting work for the first time

Getting your taxes set up correctly for the first time is important.  As an employee, you will pay your tax through the PAYE system as well as PRSI and USC. As someone who is self-employed, you will need to work through the self-assessment process.  

It is important to tell the Revenue as soon as possible after you accept a job offer, or you may have to pay emergency tax.  

For more information on registering for PAYE visit the revenue at myAccount guides or check out the citizens information for a step by step guide to getting started Tax and starting work 

 

Disability payments and work   

If you are in receipt of DA, you may be able to keep this payment while in employment if your income is below a certain threshold.  As DA is means tested, you will need to inform the department of social protection of your employment details which will include proof of earnings in order for them to assess if you qualify for a means tested payment.    

For more information on threshold limits and payments please check out Disability payments and work  

 

Jack Timmins - Reaching New Heights

Our member, Jack Timmins (26), was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) at 10 months old. His parents, Andy and Sarah, were concerned about recurring chesty coughs and when they brought him to Temple Street, the team recommended a sweat test. When the results came back positive for CF, they were both shocked and worried.... 26 years on, Jack is an ATSEP (Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel) in Airnav Ireland, with not one, but two degrees under his belt.

Here you can read Jack's story about his journey from school through third level and working at Dublin Airport.

Reaching New Heights in Work and Life Download