No one wants me......

[Disneygal]

I know this is a little off-topic, since it isn't about Disney, but I don't know who else to talk to about this.
I have been trying for 3 weeks to find a job. I have a herniated lumbar disc and rheumatoid arthritis. I am on narcotic meds, but I have taken them for 5 years, seeing as I am a chronic pain patient. The meds don't make me fuzzy in the head anymore, being on them for so long.
Yesterday, I called Walmart and asked if they were hiring, answer yes. I went there to get an app. One woman was waiting for her interview (6 mo. pregnant), and 2 people turned in their apps. I had a question about the controlled substances and drug testing, told them I took pain meds. The personel lady told me to write that down anywhere on the app. (because there was no place to write that in)

Lo and behold, she tells me that right now they are Not Hiring and they would put it on file.
I've never had a problem finding a job in the past, before I was sick, and worked at Walmart when I got sick and had to go on medical leave. And it's not just there, but everywhere I go it seems I'm a target, not to be considered.

I also applied at Dollar General and they told me I could not be a cashier there unless I could unload the semi tractor trailer (which I can't) every Wed. I thought when you were disabled, you have an equal opportunity to work.
I have applied at approx. 30+ places with no luck.
I would give up, if I could afford it.
Any help or suggestions?

 

[SueM in MN]

Here's some pixie dust for you. Sounds like you could use some.
As for advice, the only thing I can think of is to see if your state has any Vocational Rehab department that could help you out.

 

[Talking Hands]

If you are disabled you cannot be discriminated against as long as you can do the job required as described in the job specifications. You may need assistive equipment to do it. But if the job calls for unloading trucks and you can't then it is not discrimination.
Now if a deaf person who is fully capable of unloading trucks, dealing with customers etc was denied to the solely because he is deaf then it is discrimination.

 

[TimB21]

I'm sure this isn't going to be a universally well-received response but it IS constructive and it is something I've done (not with health but with education and job history).

Sometimes a little less truth is helpful. Dial back a little on the full disclosure. Mentioning a "bad back" I'd think would be OK as everyone has one, but avoid the phrases "herniated lumbar" and "rheumatoid arthritis" and the pain meds, after all if its not going to impact your work then its no-one's business but your own.

Obviously you can't empty a semi but where the skills listed are things you KNOW you can do then I'd keep any other information to myself. Make it YOUR choice whether you can do the job rather than the employer's.

Good luck!

-=Tim=-

 

[tebright]

I actually do hiring of employees in my job. It is illegal for them to discriminate against you but it is so hard to prove. Just a little advise on the meds....

When filling out an app or going on an interview there is no need to mention your meds to anyone. They will send you in for drug testing which is confidential except if they find anything suspicious. At the point of the drug testing at a lab or hospital, whichever that company uses, they will usually give you a questionaire to fill out about any meds you are currently taking. This is where you list your meds. When the blood work goes to the lab, if they find any of the narcotics or meds that you listed as having a prescription for, they do not report that to the hiring company because it is not illegal if you have a prescription.

I hope this helps....and good luck. I know how you must feel. My DH has 2 ruptured disks and 3 herniations from an old work injury 4 years ago. He deals with pain everyday and it is difficult.

 

[Poohnatic]

Have you tried a temp agency? I know you're looking for something more permanent, but the agencies can be a good resource for jobs that lead to permanent employment.

It sounds like you should avoid many retail jobs with the back pain. Usually temp agencies deal with office jobs.

I am a manager for my store. We don't need to know that you're on medication, just that you have a back problem that prevents you from lifting. You don't need to tell anyone you're on medication during the hiring process.

Suzanne

 

[TimB21]

Cool, I think we're mostly saying close to the same thing.

-=Tim=-

 

[Disneygal]

Thanx for all your responses!

I will refrain from making comments about my health or meds until I'm required to.

Poohnatic- thanks for the idea. I've worked for temps before and got a permanent job with Toyota years ago. I completely forgot about that.

When the discs slip, does the mind slip too?

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

I work as a vocational counselor (I help people with disabilities find jobs).

Applications/resumes are screening tools to weed out people. Do NOT ever put anything on those that could eliminate you from the applicant pool.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) gives persons with disabilities some protection. But, the kicker is that the person applying has to be able to perform the essential functions of the job. That's where they get you.

Good luck to you! I think it would be helpful to get some info from your state VR.

 

[Wheelsie]

Listen to Pooh Girl she knows of what she speaks

 

[Makmcm]

I used to work in a department that did drug testing on all new hires. It is illegal for an employer to ask you to submit to a drug test prior to offering you a job. In addition, it is illegal for them to ask you to list what medications you are taking on the consent form for the drug test, even though it is done post-offer. They may only ask you to submit proof of prescription if the medication shows up in your specimen AND it is considered a potentially harmful drug. For instance, if the medication contains a narcotic, they can ask for the Rx because abuse of narcotics can be fatal on the job. It is interesting as to what medications do or do not show up in a drug test. It all depends upon the amount of meds you take vs. your metabolism, as well as the type of test that the employer pays for (some tests are more thorough, but they are pricey, so unless the employer deals with dangerous equipment, most opt for the basic screen). Some meds/drugs stay in the body for WEEKS, while others do not show up even a day or two after you take them. So there is a chance that your medication would not even show up in a drug test.

In terms of handling questions during an interview, an employer can ask how you would perform a certain essential function of the job with/without accommodation, but ONLY if this same question is asked of ALL applicants. However, if YOU bring up any restrictions during the interview, an employer could then ask you to demonstrate how you would do the job, even though others are not asked to demonstrate.

 

[fostrmom2mny]

In Oklahoma there is a group of disability advocates who enroll in a leadership class called Partners in Policymaking. Here the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council heads this up. I would highly reccomend that you check and see if there is a Partners program in your state. I know someone would be willing to assist you with locating a job, or, send you in the direction to assist you.
Gerri

 

[tink2dw]

I got my job through a friend. So, put out the word thru family and friends that you need a paying job. Ask at your church if there is anyone who needs an employee?? You may find a new occupation that fits you. It happened for me Twice!!

Here is some Pixie Dust just for you!!

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Good luck!!