The TakeAway: Talking about getting back to work after stroke with Michael

Published: June 02, 2026

"My name is Michael, and I’m a stroke survivor. If you’re reading this, chances are you or someone you know has been affected by stroke. First of all, I want to tell you that you’re not alone.

I want to share my story with you in the hopes that it will inspire and give you hope. When I had my stroke, my whole world was turned upside down. I couldn't talk, or eat without making a mess, or do up the buttons on my shirt. They took away my driver's licence and I lost the sense of freedom. At times it was scary, lonely, and always frustrating. But then I realised that things would improve. I had much to be grateful for. And that I wasn't dead."

Returning to work after stroke is about far more than getting back to your desk. It can mean navigating fatigue, communication challenges, physical changes, confidence, and finding new ways to do familiar tasks.

Michael shares his honest reflections on the realities of returning to work, what helped him, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

What were the biggest practical challenges you faced when returning to work? (0:01)

For Michael, the biggest barriers were not always the most visible ones. While his right arm initially lost function, the longer-term impacts were fine motor skills in his hand, speech challenges, and stroke fatigue.

Typing became slow and frustrating. Writing notes was nearly impossible. Even taking down someone’s name became difficult to interpret later. Michael also had to retrain himself to use his left hand for tasks like using a trackpad.

Then there was the fatigue.

Unlike ordinary tiredness, stroke fatigue can be overwhelming and non-negotiable.

“You can’t fight it and push through it. Your body just closes down.”

For many people returning to work after stroke, adapting tasks, tools, and expectations can be just as important as physical recovery.

Resources:

Understanding fatigue (EnableMe podcast series)
Living and managing your life with fatigue (I-REBOUND)
Work study and volunteering (Young Stroke)
Getting back to work (EnableMe)

What role did mindset play in returning to work, especially on harder days? (3:09)

Michael credits his mindset as one of the biggest factors in his recovery.

While younger age and fitness may have helped, his rehabilitation team made it clear that determination and consistency mattered most.

He showed up to rehab, did the homework, and kept pushing forward.

But mindset also meant recognising that his goals were different to others around him. As a younger survivor with a strong desire to return to work and leadership, he found it hard to relate to a rehab environment largely designed around older retirees.

Finding peers with similar ambitions made a huge difference.

“The number one thing was your drive.”

Michael says recovery pathways need to better reflect the needs of working-age stroke survivors whose motivations and goals may look very different.

Resources:

Mindset and emotions (Young Stroke)

What if you’re feeling overwhelmed and struggling to find motivation? (5:30)

Michael is honest about the reality that you can feel overwhelmed; it happens to everyone.

Some days, motivation disappears, and that’s okay.

His advice? Start with self-compassion.

“Not beating yourself up when it happens is step one.”

Michael also highlights the importance of community, especially if family or partner support isn’t available.

For him, being introduced to a local stroke peer group became a lifeline. Having people who understood what he was experiencing made all the difference.

He encourages others to seek out connection and build their own support networks.

“I can call those people, no judgement, and say, ‘I just feel like shit.’”

Resources:

Stroke support groups (EnableMe)
Young Stroke

What advice would you give someone thinking about returning to work after stroke? (7:33)

Michael says one of the most important things is understanding your needs honestly before stepping back into the workplace.

That starts with recognising what support you may still need, even if that feels uncomfortable.

He shares a powerful example of a close friend who quietly supported him in social settings for 18 months after stroke, helping with practical things like cutting food or filling in words when speech became difficult.

Later, Michael realised friends were still quietly making accommodations for him at events.

That brought mixed emotions.

Gratitude, because people cared, and frustration, because it reminded him of the ways stroke had changed him.

“On one hand I felt lucky. On the other hand, I felt reduced.”

His advice for returning to work is to focus less on doing things exactly the way you used to, and more on finding new ways to contribute.

The skills may still be there, but the delivery may need to change.

“The way you output that might be different.”

Resources:

StrokeLine advice – call StrokeLine 1800 787 653 for support, information and guidance

What song represents your journey? (10:49)

Michael’s answer is Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits.

For him, the song reflects community, connection and the power of support, values he found in the military, in life, and now in the stroke community.

“That fellowship, that support… I see it in the stroke community and how we lean on each other.”

Final thoughts

Returning to work after stroke looks different for everyone.

For Michael, the journey has involved adapting, accepting support, finding community, and redefining what success looks like.

His story is a reminder that recovery is not about returning to exactly who you were before.

It’s about finding a way forward that works for you.

Call StrokeLine (1800 787 653) Free advice about stroke from health professionals. We can answer your questions and connect you with services.