Posted by Racer on October 17, 2000, at 0:48:12
In reply to Re: Have you told employers about your illness?, posted by shellie on October 16, 2000, at 23:01:04
Like Shellie, I've lied too. In my case, I've blamed it on drugs to control diabetes, something which is somehow less frightening to people. I guess because it is not contagious? Maybe we should remind people that mental distress isn't contagious, either...
As for your situation, Christina, I'm somewhere in a waffle myself: unemployed, and wondering what I'll be doing next...
From the standpoint of my former functioning self:
Make a list for yourself. Include things like the amount of time you anticipate needing for doctor visits, days you're likely to be too med-sick to make it in, how productive you can realistically be when you're there (with med problems, etc), and whether it's time to consider a different job.
Then make a list: what sorts of accommodations can your company make for you? What sorts of accommodations can you make for them? Is your postiion one that can be done as a telecommuter?
Here's the bottom line: if you're willing to risk it, tell your employer, but only after you've worked out a way you can continue to be cost effective for them. There are positions, in sales, in other high public contact positions, which must be done in person, at the customer's convenience. There are other jobs, which just need t obe done by someone who knows how within an allotted timje. The second type is ideal for those of us who can manage weekly productivity schedules better than hourly ones.
Good luck to you, and remember my advice: before you say anything, be ready to show how it's in their best interest t oaccommodate you! Like saving the cost of training someone new...
Good luck, and go get'em!!!
poster:Racer
thread:1121
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20001011/msgs/1172.html