With the holidays in the rearview mirror, January is an ideal time for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries participating in the Ticket to Work Program (TTW) to explore new job and career opportunities. The TTW Program enables SSDI beneficiaries to pursue meaningful work with the support of Social Security-authorized Employment Networks (EN) or state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies (VR).
As the books close on the past year, companies gear up for growth by hiring workers in both temporary and full-time jobs. New annual budgets, expansion plans or post-holiday needs may fuel this hiring trend. Organizations may also experience year-end resignations or retirements creating gaps in their workforce. As a result, job prospects in various industries are strong, and many available jobs offer flexibility and accessibility – important benefits for individuals returning to work after a long absence or with a chronic medical condition.
Industries With January Hiring Surges
Hiring activity tends to increase during the month of January in some key industries creating diverse job opportunities for individuals with disabilities. These industries also benefit from hiring skilled and experienced workers who have proven abilities in critical functions such as data analysis, programming, customer service and administrative support.
Those industries and related job types may include:
· Healthcare: Jobs in billing, coding, scheduling and administrative support.
· Customer Service: Work in call centers, help desks and retail businesses.
· Technology: Opportunities in software development, data analysis and quality assurance.
· Logistics: E-commerce-driven jobs in fulfillment and delivery.
· Education: Tutoring, online teaching and advising positions.
· Finance and Accounting: Bookkeeping, financial analysis and compliance.
These industries tend to be welcoming to individuals who are returning to the workforce with proven skills, strong work history and motivation. In my experience, they are also willing to provide helpful or necessary accommodations, such as time off for medical appointments, hybrid work schedules or special equipment in the workplace to make the transition back to work smooth and rewarding. Remote, part-time and entry-level jobs are frequently available as well as short-term contracts for unique assignments.
Helpful Strategies For Job Seekers
Starting a job search even in months where hiring is strong, such as January, can be challenging. Leveraging the support of your EN’s vocational expert can help as you identify the best industries for your areas of expertise, interests and career goals. These professionals can also help you refresh your resume, pursue certifications and find special training, if necessary, for a specific job or in a new field. In this success story, a recent client had no idea that she would be able to work from home in a tech support position. “I absolutely love my job,” she explains.
Many companies also host hiring events in the form of job fairs. It’s a good practice to attend these events as they introduce you to a company, its culture and open positions. Networking with past co-workers or attending professional association meetings — in person or virtually — can also yield benefits when you’re beginning to explore the employment landscape.
If you have been out of the workforce for several months or even years and need to ease back into working, consider a temporary or seasonal role as a stepping stone to full-time work. Many industries offer these types of roles especially in the first few months of the year when they are filling vacancies and staffing up for growth.
Outlook For 2025
The job outlook for January is promising, especially in certain industries such as healthcare, technology and logistics. Employers are rebuilding their teams and looking for strong players to help them grow and achieve their business goals. For individuals with disabilities, this is a time to kick-start your return to work through the TTW Program. Throughout your journey, turn to your EN or VR for guidance and to many free and useful resources, setting you up for success in the new year.