Telling new job?

[caramia]

I'm in the process of applying for new jobs at the same university, but different departments. I know it's super early in the process, but I've been wondering when to tell a new supervisor about my Crohn's & the likelihood that I'll miss work... What did you do/would you do?  Mention it during the interview, after an offer is made, or after accepting the offer? Or even later, like the first time you call in sick or flare? 

[Deleted]

I've never told a supervisor about my issues until the first time I had a flare and called into work. When I returned I explained my issue and let asked them how I should proceed in the future because it was likely I'd have to miss a day every now and then. I told my boss that if needed I could provide a letter from my doctor explaining that I had a medical condition that would occasionally cause me to miss work.

[aimeedyan]

I would wait until the first occasion arose that caused you to miss work. Like, a flare or an iron infusion. Then I would have a brief conversation with your boss about it so they know.

When I was on Remicade, I went 2.5 years without a single symptom (those were the days!!) so there wasn't a point in me passing on personal information to my then-employer, as it didnt affect anything the entire time I was there.

(I work in a unique field now and I do share that information a few interviews in but I think for most employees, it shouldn't be brought up immediately)

[Deleted]

Mar 1, 2013 23:18:17 GMT -5 papiercherri said:

I've never told a supervisor about my issues until the first time I had a flare and called into work. When I returned I explained my issue and let asked them how I should proceed in the future because it was likely I'd have to miss a day every now and then. I told my boss that if needed I could provide a letter from my doctor explaining that I had a medical condition that would occasionally cause me to miss work.

I agree.
I wait until this happens, or I need to miss work for related doctors appointments. I don't want my boss wondering why I have so many appointments or why I'm sick all the time, but I also don't want to start out with "Hi, if you hire me, you can expect me to need to miss some days."

[Deleted]

I would not tell them until it becomes necessary to tell them--definitely not before you have the job. Honestly, we could be considered a liability (high health insurance costs, extra time off work) and you don't want them to not hire you for that reason.

I did not tell my grad school about my issues until I was in the hospital getting prepped for surgery. I was lucky that I was able to schedule iron infusions and doctor appointments (up to that point) around my classes and research commitments.

[caramia]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I know you're right, I just feel guilty not being upfront about it.  I'll definitely wait to tell though... Thanks for talking sense into me

On a related note, I interviewed for a new position today! It went really well & I'm totally qualified, so I'm hopeful. It's for the same job classification I currently have, but getting away from my supervisor will reduce my stress level soooo much.  I've been feeling the physical effects of the stress for weeks, so I'm ready for a change.

Fingers crossed I get this job!

[Deleted]

caramia - I'm glad your interview went well! I hope they offer you the position. :]

I just accepted a job offer yesterday, and I was feeling really good about it until I realized that I have to travel two hours away from home for a three day training. Now I'm freaking out. I don't do well with traveling, it tends to give me a lot of anxiety and usually causes a flair up.... I was hoping to have some time before I had to tell them about my health issues, and now I'm terrified that I'm going to get really sick while I'm at the training and will have to spill the beans.

[caramia]

Mar 13, 2013 5:40:27 GMT -5 @pixiechinchilla said:

caramia - I'm glad your interview went well! I hope they offer you the position. :]

I just accepted a job offer yesterday, and I was feeling really good about it until I realized that I have to travel two hours away from home for a three day training. Now I'm freaking out. I don't do well with traveling, it tends to give me a lot of anxiety and usually causes a flair up.... I was hoping to have some time before I had to tell them about my health issues, and now I'm terrified that I'm going to get really sick while I'm at the training and will have to spill the beans.

Thanks & congrats on your new job! Can you go to the training location a day early so you have time to relax first? I hope it goes well!

[Deleted]

Mar 13, 2013 6:50:58 GMT -5 caramia said:

Mar 13, 2013 5:40:27 GMT -5 @pixiechinchilla said:

caramia - I'm glad your interview went well! I hope they offer you the position. :]

I just accepted a job offer yesterday, and I was feeling really good about it until I realized that I have to travel two hours away from home for a three day training. Now I'm freaking out. I don't do well with traveling, it tends to give me a lot of anxiety and usually causes a flair up.... I was hoping to have some time before I had to tell them about my health issues, and now I'm terrified that I'm going to get really sick while I'm at the training and will have to spill the beans.

Thanks & congrats on your new job! Can you go to the training location a day early so you have time to relax first? I hope it goes well!

I think that's the plan, but I'm not entirely sure about the details yet. I'll start on a Monday, spend half the day at the office, drive up to the hotel Monday afternoon, training will start Tuesday morning, and training goes until Thursday. The hotel makes me nervous because the company books it for me, so I'll have no idea what kind of kitchen set up it will have. As long as there is a fridge and a microwave I can make it work, but that's going to seriously limit my food options.