posted
I would say to only disclose information you feel comfortable talking about. Only let them know as much as they need to know. If this disease will impact your job then you should probably let them know. That way when you write up your contract you can say look I told you blahblah and that I would need time off for med appts etc-so unless you want to break the contract there isn't a problem right. Just make sure u get everything in writting. If they tell you sure I'll let u go to whatever appts u need-GET IT IN WRITTING! That way there will never be a problem, bc honestly I have never been in a job where they didn't push u to stay one more hour, make that extra dollar etc and with this disease sometimes you just have to say NO. Make sure that you make them feel like you are a team player, but ur health is number one. Tell them that they should feel the same bc the better u feel, the better team player or numbers u will have. I am not sure what your job is but if you would like more advice just send me a message.
-Lindsay [email protected] ps-I have worked in the following places manager GAP INC (4 years) personal asst for whittier college student of activities and financial aid personal assistant for day spa nanny (2 years) (by the way I am 21)
Posts: 484 | From Burlingame, Ca | Registered: Sep 2005
| IP: Logged |
Thanks you both for the viewpoints. I really havent decided how to handle it yet.
Would love more viewpoints though
Smiles, You very sharp for a 21 year old Posts: 215 | From CA, USA | Registered: Nov 2004
| IP: Logged |
Linda LD
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6663
posted
I wouldn't tell them.
I couldn't get life insurance because of the lyme.
They might not hire you--cause it might come back.
Do you hve any children? My sister always uses her children as an excuse for any gaps in her resume.
Just my opinion--but they can't ask if you have children because they might discriminate--you think they want to hire some one with a dibilitating illness?
When I got the job I have now I just told them I was on the Mommie Track. Luckily it was what they wanted to here. But honestly I'm not near the employee I use to be...
Linda
Posts: 1171 | From Knoxville, TN US | Registered: Dec 2004
| IP: Logged |
HEATHERKISS
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6789
posted
Linda has a good point. My husband and I have life insurance but we got it before "Lyme".
-------------------- HEATHER
Posts: 1974 | From ABERDEEN, NJ 07747 | Registered: Jan 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
I don't have any suggestions for a guy - But, my Aunt works in a company where she is in charge of hiring - and she says DON'T tell them about your illness...
Some companies won't even think about hiring someone who has health "issues". And they do not have the legal right to ask this question either.
Posts: 416 | From Southeastern PA | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
livinlyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3773
posted
be very vague these types of questions are personal and you may state just that.. that your personal life will not interfer with your ability to work. plain and simple your were ill, and you have been treated for the illness and you are much better now.. if they seem perplexed and scared you can elaborate of course they may htink the illness is HIV or something of that nature so it may work against you not to infomr them.. it is very hard to precieve how others pick up on what wwe say.. sound the person out..
I do not plan on telling my interviewer that i moved here for medical reasons, rather that I waited until my children were old enough to relocate in preparation for my retirement which is less than 20 years away... tell the truth with omitting as much as you can surrounding the illness or simply indicate that it was an unexpected set back but you are ready to put all your efforts into your career now..
sometime leaving out can put you at a disadvantage but then again sometimes it can put you at the best position possible. When this lawyer was asking me questions on the phone, it appears that the fact my children are raised was a winning point in having me come in for an interview....
And the fact that schooling is not the best place to learn that hands on skills are neccessary. I agreed with him completely and said that is why I feel it important to get in and start learning while I still remember what school taught me so that I can apply it to the hands on skills.. just remember that an interview is selling yourself.. to the company.. that you will be the answer to what they are looking for.. ,most fo your personal life does not need to be brought into the job.
you can simply say that is a personal issue and it will not affect my ability to preform my job..
-------------------- "Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it." Posts: 1389 | From who knows, who cares, but somewhere over the rainbow | Registered: Mar 2003
| IP: Logged |
ConnieMc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 191
posted
Questions about illness, medical history, disability, anything like that are ILLEGAL. You are under no obligation to tell them anything. If the time comes you need accommodations due to illness, you do not even have to tell them what your diagnosis is.
Main thing to consider ... if you can perform the "essential functions" of the job for which you are applying, that is all that matters. Right up front ask them for a detailed job description. Consider every task item on the list and determine if you can perform the job function. If some of them require accommodations on their part, discuss that right up front. For example, if you have severe sciatic pain from Lyme periodically, and have trouble sitting, ask them if you can arrange your work area so you can do some things in a standing position. If you need time off for medical appointments, ask if you are allowed to work extra hours in the morning or evening during the week to make up time. But only get into it if it is critical to the job function. For example, if you are a receptionist, the reason an employer is hiring you is to watch the phone/desk during certain hours. Since that is an essential function of the job, it is a little harder to accommodate this by working off hours.
Be creative, and only bring the issue up if no other way.
Posts: 2276 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged |
Thanks for the thoughts. My reasoning behind wanting to tell the truth is because it will leave them wondering what happend in the "GAP" in my resume. They might think I had a job and got fired for pimp slapping my manager or something horrible like that. Had anyone had to explain this to a hiring manager or Human resources?? You are always walking on eggs and they can politely tell you they will keep you in mind (not) CaliLymer
Posts: 215 | From CA, USA | Registered: Nov 2004
| IP: Logged |
Worthless tests & labs, a dangerous vaccine, insurance companies refuse to pay, undertreatment the norm, all about money. MO. Posts: 281 | From CT | Registered: Oct 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
......hmmm, the majority seemed to think not to mention it.
Can I say I WAS sick and now I am much better and ready to work???
Has anybody returned to a job and had to explained this????
Posts: 215 | From CA, USA | Registered: Nov 2004
| IP: Logged |
Michelle M
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7200
posted
quote:Originally posted by CaliLymer: Hi Everyone,
Im considering going back to work and looking at the gaping hole for the last year and wonder how I explain it to a prospective employer??
Do I mention Lyme?? Do I just say "illness"?? Will they think Im still not well and not hire me??
Can anyone offer insight??
CaliLymer
Normally I can't stand lying, but have to make an exception here.
I hired someone recently who told me during her interview that she had epilepsy. I just happened to have my PICC line in my arm during the interview. She was asking about it, and I got started telling her about Lyme disease and my idiot neurologist, and it turned out to be HER neurologist, then she told me about having epilepsy.
I really didn't have a problem with it, so long as she told everyone what we should and shouldn't do in the event of a seizure.
However, I am not most employers.
I would advise that you invent a story you cannot later be pinned down on much, such as you took some time off to start a business (which ultimately didn't really work out like you thought, blah blah blah) or something of that nature.
As to future times you will need to be off, mainstream Lyme doctors believe Lyme is cured in 2-4 weeks. So hey -- by their reckoning, you ought to be all better!! So how could you be said to be deceiving any prospective employers? If it happens to keep revisiting your doorstep, who coulda known? You will have to deal with it from time to time, but you have every expectation that it WILL go away for keeps.
Now, paper the town with resumes. Some employer will be lucky to have you. When they get to know you, eventually they'll get an education about Lyme -- which everyone needs! Good luck!
Michelle
Posts: 3193 | From Northern California | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged |
Would you believe someone who said they HAD lyme and now they are better?? That why they didn't work for a year?
Thanks,
CaliLymer
Posts: 215 | From CA, USA | Registered: Nov 2004
| IP: Logged |
Monica
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 224
posted
The fact that most people do not know how serious Lyme disease can be could work to your benefit in this situation.
I have told employers I (have/had) LD. Neither considered it serious and/or an issue.
On the other hand, you may encounter someone who knows how serious it can be. In that case, you might be able to have an open discussionl
Posts: 1757 | From Somerset County, NJ | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged |
Michelle M
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7200
posted
quote:Originally posted by Monica: The fact that most people do not know how serious Lyme disease can be could work to your benefit in this situation.
I have told employers I (have/had) LD. Neither considered it serious and/or an issue.
On the other hand, you may encounter someone who knows how serious it can be. In that case, you might be able to have an open discussionl
Monica nailed your problem, CaliLymer! We're doing such a good job educating people that more and more people know about Lyme. Used to be no one knew much, but lately I hear more often, "Oh yeah, so-and-so had that, and had a really awful time with that, that's really wicked stuff, blah blah blah..."
So it's good news that word is getting out, but I think in view of that I would err on the side of caution on an interview and not bring it up.
You can ease into the topic after you're well established there.
Go get em! You'll do great!
Michelle
Posts: 3193 | From Northern California | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged |
Linda LD
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6663
posted
Tell them you were taking care of a sick relative. They don't have to know it was YOU!
L
Posts: 1171 | From Knoxville, TN US | Registered: Dec 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
A true magician never reveals his secrets. It's hard not to share, but I never revealed anything prior to being hired.
Some places just check for a pulse and if you can fog glass. But don't ever jeopardize getting hired because of your "minor" health issue. As far as you know you could be cured... since there are a lot of places where there is no lyme.
Da heck wit dem
-------------------- Lymester Posts: 519 | From CT | Registered: Jun 2004
| IP: Logged |
Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
I tend to agree with people who've advocated filling in the blank with something logical...and that would have to depend on your field.
For instance, I tend to say I was doing some freelance work, working on a research project...that kind of thing. Especially if it's a related field and you've got good previous references, that seems to work.
After several years of freelance work, I was approached this week by a headhunter who wanted me to interview for an excellent company. Unfortunately, I'm still too sick to be reliable... it does give me hope, though, for life in a few months, when I'm finally feeling better!
Andie
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
| IP: Logged |
trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620
posted
I interviewed for a job in 2001 one week after being released from a 4 day stay in the hospital from a harsh herx and the picc line still in the arm. I wore long sleeves, even though it was a hot southwestern day and I did not say a word about my illness. I got the job. and kept it for the last 4 years.
Unless you KNOW the employer, and feel VERY comfortable, I wouldnt reveal anything.
They may not ASK about the time lapse. As long as you didnt burn too many bridges in your last employment places, they can go to them and find out about your work ethic. Dont assume they are looking at a gap---they might be looking at what you have accomplished or where you used to work. They can't ask, and you shouldnt tell. I think it will only hurt you.
Not to be a downer, but just coz you are feelin better now, doesnt mean it is all roses from here out. 4 years after that interview and working for that employer as an art teacher, I am completely out of work now and relapsed and hoping for disability until I am a bit better again and can look for job.
There will be plenty of time to make friends and tell THOSE people about your illness and your experience. AFTER you get some job security, then you can let the cat out. Or maybe your cat won't have to be let out.
Just my opinion/experience.
Good luck with it!! trails Posts: 1950 | From New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2001
| IP: Logged |
Loribelle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6293
posted
I recently got a job after having to take over a year off... I just said "I had a health problem and had to take some time off, but I'm doing better and it's time to get back to work. I can't go back to my old job because I now have to stay out of the sun (it was an outdoor job)". I left it at that. I didn't say "i'm well now".
After a few months time and lots of training and proving myself, I did tell my boss I have Lyme. But it wasn't necessary, and I didn't get too deep in explaination. Hopefully it won't become an issue. Some people can function - some are way too sick. I am functioning, knock on wood.
Most people don't know much if anything about Lyme. I sure wouldn't want to be in the position of having to explain it to a perspective employer... I think you'd be shooting yourself in the foot if you want a job. But that's me...
I've been an employer in that past and I can understand the concern. Don't waste their time and money by applying for a job you know you cannot do. Be honest with yourself and save some grief.
Key is finding a job that allows the flexability you need with demands that fit what you are able to do.... I am lucky enough to schedule my own appointments and work part time. It is working so far for me, tho some days it is hard. Like today... I'm headed for a hot epsom salts bath and a pain pill and early to bed!
Good luck! You'll figure it out Lori
Posts: 1149 | From southeast iowa | Registered: Sep 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
make up anything...tell them you went to africa to serve in a mission in the congo. pick areas of the world that people are unlikely to have visited...I would suggest the mountainous region along the border of uganda and congo...or southern sudan...or southern algeria...or iryan jaya, the indonesian part of new guinea.
areas that have experienced a good deal of internal strife such as chechnya make good choices. moreover, your apparent willingness to spend time in these areas will demonstrate to your potential employer that you are hard working, courageous, and work well in nerve wracking situations, such as being surrounded by angry tribesman carrying machine guns. hell, if you can survive a year or two of ethnic strife in borneo, constantly being chased by natives who want to chop off your head for being a christian missionary, there's nothing that you can't handle on an everyday job, right?
be sure to read up on these areas, and if you're going to claim that you spent significant time in the tropics, get a really good tan at a tanning salon before an interview. you could even doctor some digital photos to show you hanging out with your native friends. get the CD version of national geographic, you can get tons of naked african type pics there...
Posts: 523 | From Stillwater,OK,USA | Registered: Sep 2004
| IP: Logged |
trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620
posted
What have you decided? Curious, Trails Posts: 1950 | From New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Best wishes..I myself am having those same concerns. of course this issue is in the day and age of internet/email resume submissions, you often will not get the opportunity to explain time lapses in your employment history. And if you do, rarely have they heard, nor care about lyme disease. Just an observation. My opinion is if your well now, disclosure of your prior circumstances is worthless and will fall upon deaf ears. If you attain the positition, after some time you can discuss with those who can be trusted. Of course it important your previous employer is notified of this. Most times, if they are aware you have been ill, whether they understand it or not, they will be willing to assists you in substantiating your claim. Good luck. Take care!
Posts: 13 | From Monmouth Junction,N.J | Registered: Apr 2003
| IP: Logged |
Starphoenix
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 2402
posted
I appreciate your raising this topic. It is a sticky wicket, that's for sure.
My "gaping hole" is a great chasm! I've been on SSD since 1993. I plan to return to school to get my Master's in Social Work next year. I have been fretting over this with respect to my school application and my eventual employment applications/resume.
I just submitted an inquiry about volunteer work for an aging agency since I might specialize in this field. I mentioned that I'm unemployed and on SSD due to Lyme, etc. I said that I'm mobile. In this case, I don't think it will cause me harm. I am more inclined to go with the "I've been sick, but I'm recovering," tactic in the other situations, though. "Family illness" is a good one. Like Linda said, no one has to know it has been you! I might say "homemaker," too. This can imply raising children. I don't have children, but they don't need to know this!
It's hard to know exactly when and what to reveal. Sometimes, you can intuit when to say what, but not always.
Steph
-------------------- Learning to love, and loving to learn. Posts: 1318 | From Shohola, PA | Registered: Apr 2002
| IP: Logged |
Starphoenix
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 2402
posted
Here's a related question for any of you folk:
What if you're asked an illegal question? It's happened to me, I'm sure. I mean, if you say, "that's illegal," won't you sound like you have something to hide? Or won't you sound uppity? I've never known how to answer such questions.
Like, if I used the "homemaker" line, and I was aksed how many children I have, I wouldn't know what to say. Just say I don't want to discuss my family?
I can't swear to it, but I think I've been asked about family, and I'm quite certain I've been asked about the specifics of my illness when mentioning receiving SSD. (That's sticky, too. I've had to mention it when I was working part-time because of income limitations. Plus, I thought mentioning illness would be better than not explaining gaps; now I'm not so sure.)
Steph
-------------------- Learning to love, and loving to learn. Posts: 1318 | From Shohola, PA | Registered: Apr 2002
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic