Forbes magazine columnist, Tara Weiss, predicts that “…job seekers will be in their glory in 2008.”

You read it here. Here’s my prediction: a good job market for “regular citizens” is great news for “employees with chronic illness” (estimates range between 1 in 4 and 1 in 2!).

Weiss says that companies are more likely to offer “professional training and lifestyle benefits like flex time, physical fitness programs and alumni associations. The best companies recognize their employees are their strongest asset, and they regularly show them their gratitude.” Whoopee!

Using Weiss’s 3 points about employment in the new year, I’m describing why I think this is good news for you:

1. Healthy population: You don’t have to stay at a job that you hate because you’re afraid that “job hopping” will make you look suspect.

Chronic illnessers: In this economy, people have confidence they can find new job so they are likely to leave more quickly - that means you actually look like a lot of other “healthy” people.

2. Healthy population: The fear of “brain drain” means that hiring managers are worried and older employers are more desirable and that companies are more open to “…offering flexible schedules and even mentoring positions.

Chronic illnessers: Smart companies are also realizing that they need to retain employees with chronic illness – as long as you have something of value to contribute.

3. Healthy population: There are all sorts of great new tools available for job searching that people can use.

Chronic illnessers: This makes looking for a job, when you have a job, even easier – and that’s especially important given your limited physical resources to pound the pavement.

The big takeaway: You have greater options on all fronts and you should use them!