What counts as "on the clock"?

So, I’m about 20-something right now... just wrapping up my degree in business, and honestly, I’m starting to stress out about what comes next career-wise. To make things a little more complicated, I’ve got this ongoing health issue hanging over me. A few years back, I was in a pretty bad car accident—really messed up my C6 vertebra. Thankfully, I didn't need surgery, but man, the aftermath is real. I can't sit still for more than an hour or two without my back absolutely throbbing and stinging, I get exhausted super fast, and the headaches are just constant...

What I’m really trying to figure out is what my options look like when it comes to job hunting. Since I won't be able to pull those standard, grueling full-time hours like everyone else, I'm feeling a bit lost. I’ve heard whispers about some kind of "reduced work hours" or accommodations for people with disabilities?? Up until now, I haven't really considered myself disabled because, thank God, I can still walk around just fine, BUT given everything I'm dealing with, what kind of rights am I actually looking at? If anyone here knows the deal with labor laws or how to navigate this, I would be so incredibly grateful. I’m just spiraling a little because graduation is creeping up on me so fast... 👎 ugh... 😕

You're 20 and already finishing up an economics degree? 😕 😕
WTF, econ takes five years 😲

Why on earth are you surprised that things look a bit shiny?
It says somewhere around 20, so there’s quite a wide range to consider here.
And what do you mean, five years of being blacklisted?

I can't dig up the specific law right this second—maybe I'll have better luck looking later today!
But honestly, your primary care physician should be more clued in on this, and you should definitely check in with your 401(k) provider too.

And here comes the law

Oh yeah, you can technically work a four-hour day if you're taking the other half as sick leave or just counting it toward retirement
but you’ll definitely need to check in with your doctor, your health insurance provider, and the Social Security Administration for the specifics
getting those kinds of arrangements approved isn't always as easy as it sounds!

jadesailor14 said:Yeah, technically you could pull a four-hour workday by just being on disability or retired for the other four hours
but you’re gonna have to talk to your doctor, Social Security, and whatever insurance provider you've got to get the full scoop
getting those kinds of accommodations isn't exactly a walk in the park

Thanks so much, Polly. 😘 Really appreciate the heads-up... So, why is it such a headache to actually make those rights happen? I should probably mention that a neurosurgeon actually recommended surgery—which is my absolute last resort, obviously. I'm trying to push that off for as long as I possibly can... I'm doing my best to stay active every day with exercises and swimming and stuff. BUT, once I actually start working again, I won't be able to manage it, because honestly, I just won't have the time...
Best!