Has anyone with a chronic illness looked for a job?

[luvwinnie]

Just wondering how you handled it. I'm at a point where I'd love to do something else after 11 years here (for many reasons, but mostly for a feeling of SATISFACTION, would love to work at a charity)...but with my unpredictable chronic illness I'm worried. What if I feel fine when I get the job and the next week I need to be out for a day or two? Do you tell them upfront? Because I am pretty sure no one would want to hire someone with an illness once they found out, even though legally they can't use that as the reason. SInce I've been here so long, I have enough vac and sick days to use all year and my boss knows about my health issues.

 

[luvwinnie]

Just bumping myself

 

[southernclass]

I've been there and I understand. I have a B degree in Business and am currently working and going to school for my masters. I really don't want to go into the specifics on this board because of the cruelty of some of the posters but I understand how you feel believe me. It is like you pretty much have to tell them up front because when you start missing 3-4 days a week because you can't get out of the door without fainting they wonder why they hired you. If you tell them then they are like "we'll call you." Just have faith that God will lead you to the right place that you need to be. That is what I did and I am working for the biggest law firm in destin and making more money than I ever dreamed of with just a B degree. Trust me, pray and believe. In the meantime I will pray for you. You are not alone.

 

[frustrated]

DH is diabetic and has Crohns, and he did NOT tell his current employer until after they called him back in. Then he did have an honest discussion about it. Now, these are issues which we were honestly able to say had never caused him to miss more than the allotted number of days per year. Left last job with many remaining, for that matter.

Good luck!

Tess

etd for spelling! Good grief!

 

[Disney01]

It would be difficult, because if you missed many days in your "probationary" period, they could let you go without cause. And, legally they can't not hire you because of a disability, but in the interview process, it would be pretty hard to prove that you didn't get the job because of that. They could use any excuse in the book. And I could easily see them losing patience with someone who was sick a lot. I know, as a boss, I would. It's a very difficut situation to be in, unfortunately. Good luck.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I have been recently diagnosed with Crohn's, and am honestly not sure what I will do... actually, I am in a different situation in that I am currently in seminary, and was in the middle of the semester when I became terribly ill, so all of my profs, current employers, etc all knew about it and worked with me. When I graduate, I will be going to work on a church staff, so it's different in that the expectations are different then a 9-5 job, PLUS I would feel much more comfortable being upfront with a committee of church members and pastor as opposed to a boss at a corporate job... So hopefully in time, my illness won't affect things in the job field... I do plan to let potential churches know in the interview process. Seems easier to get it all out in the beginning then wait until something happens...

If I was doing a corporate job, I am not sure if I would tell in the interview procecs... I would hate to lose a job on the off chance that I had a flareup, you know? With treatments today, I may go years and years wtihout. I might be more likely to chance it.

Good luck to you - it's a difficult thing, I know.

 

[phorsenuf]

I have various chronic illnesses and had a hard time working. After I ended up in the hospital for 3 days due from the illness and stress/fatique of working my DH and I decided it wasn't worth risking my health to work. Thankfully he makes a good salary and I worked for the "extras".
I spoke to my Dr about filing for disability and she said to try and see what happens. It is very difficult to get SS disability but I tried and I was one of the lucky ones that was approved the first try. In fact, they "declared" me disabled a year and a half prior to filing.
Even tho I receive disability I can still work part time. You can not make more than $810. per month or you benefits will be reduced.
It was the best decision I have ever made but I still have a hard time accepting the fact that I am disabled in the eyes of the law at only 40 years old. I also have "invisible" illnesses, so thats tough too.
My suggestion is, if you are having a hard time working and it is effecting you physically than maybe you should see about filing for disability. You can always then pick up a part-time job (may be more flexible and less stressful) or even volunteer for the causes you are interested in.
Now mind you (before I may get flamed) I am not saying quit your job and live off the government (not that you would be able to with what they pay ), but keep it in mind. I honestly think that many people that have various chronic illnesses and/or are young don't realize that it is a possibility to collect SS disability.
Good luck with your decisions!
PM me anytime if you want to talk

 

[Rajah]

My mom is facing this very issue. She *has* to get more income coming in since my dad's death, but we're all sure she won't hold up to a full time job because of her illness. Which is also "invisible". So far, we haven't found the solution. She did try for disability twice and was denied twice.

 

[luvwinnie]

Thank you all. I know I would not qualify for disability right now...but there were times I thought I was heading that way. Luckily, medication helped...then it didn't...so I just started a new one (Enbrel). I consider myself lucky to be working and making a good salary with VERY good health insurance. It's just that there have been changes here in the past year I'm not happy about and, as I said, I don't get that feeling of satisfaction I'd love to have.

 

[always quiet]

I have a question about changing employers once you have a chronic illness (DH is in this boat). Does your illness fall under the 'pre-existing' conditions when trying to get new health insurance benefits? I know DH's employer has changed the company that they carry for medical insurance 3 times in 6 years but since he was already an employee, that didn't pertain to him. I just wondered if he were to change jobs, would that be an issue?

 

[phorsenuf]

Just a little side note abut disability. You do not have to have 1 illness, it can be a variety of things.
For instance, I suffer from migraines. Now migraines will not classify you as disabled (but at times you sure feel that way) but when combined with various health problems than it can factor in.
I have 7 ailments. None on their own would have classified for disability, but when put together they did.

Rajah - did she get a lawyer after she was turned down the 2nd time? Alot of times that will help.

Always quiet - I think for the most part it really depends on what it is.


OK, done hijacking the thread regarding disability

 

[wtpclc]

Always quiet - I'm not an HR person, but a couple of my friends are. It's my understanding that as long as he's insured now, a new company has to take him. Or, if he quits his job and takes cobra and stays insured continuously, they wuold have to take him. My understanding is that it's only a problem if coverage is dropped at any point in time.

To all of you fcaing these dilemas - My heart goes out to you. All the best in your searches.

 

[Rajah]

Originally posted by phorsenuf
Rajah - did she get a lawyer after she was turned down the 2nd time? Alot of times that will help.

After the horrible experiences she's had with the lawyers who first handled my dad's estate, and how long it's taking with the new lawyer, she'd rather put herself in the hospital working than get a lawyer involved.

 

[southernclass]

My cousin is extremely biploar and she gets disability benefits, they even pay for her college.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Re: health coverage. As long as you have health coverage without a lapse, your new company can not deny you. I am an asthmatic as well, and when my dad lost his job once as a child, my parents had to buy Cobra for me until his new job's benefits kicked in. Just as long as you are ALWAYS covered by someone, you'll be okay when changing jobs/insurance companies.

 

[mamajoan]

IMPORTANT... anyone having a chronic illness.. yes it is considered a PRE EXISTING CONDITION... NEVER, EVER let a day pass that you are NOT covered by insurance. THAT IS HUGE!!!

A company can not just NOT insure you if you have had continuous coverage prior to change of insurances. I make sure that when DH changes job that we are covered by COBRA.. and ya it is expensive as all get out.. BUT.. if I miss ONE DAY without coverage.. INSURANCE AGENCIES would be lining up to DENY SERVICES!!..

SO the rule is NEVER - EVER GO A DAY WITHOUT INSURANCE COVERAGE.. AND MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE PAPERWORK TO BACK IT UP... FOREVER...
Insurance companies will use any reason to deny a person with chronic illness.... no matter how much money we pay.

btw. I am unable to rec'v disability.. to be honest after the accident I was told that I was 100% disabled by the doc chosen by work. comp.... ... but when I applied for disability they wanted to send me thru the ringer of multiple docs again. To be honest, I just was not up for it all again. I rec'd a sizeable work comp settlement so I am doing ok financially for a while. I think I will probably try for SDI again when I am nearing 55. My personal doc looked over my records again to see if we missed anything on the original submission to SDI... she can not understand ONE REASON for me to be denied SDI... IT is just part of the hideous game bueracracy played on people. They repeatedly deny deserving cases to wear people out.. well it worked on me.

 

[phorsenuf]

If you would like I'd be happy to share what I did when I applied for disability. I think it helped alot. Let me know!

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

Have you contacted your state's dept of rehabilitative services? Your doctor can refer you or you can call them yourself to see if you qualify for services. I am a Vocational Counselor and I help people with disabilities find employment. It can be very tough to find a job.