Comments on: Does your boss need to know that you have a chronic illness http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:39:57 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 By: Pages tagged "strong at the broken places" http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/#comment-2567 Pages tagged "strong at the broken places" Wed, 21 May 2008 06:02:21 +0000 http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/#comment-2567 [...] the broken placesOwn a Wordpress blog? Make monetization easier with the WP Affiliate Pro plugin. Does your boss need to know that you have a chroni... saved by 5 others     SakuraNeji bookmarked on 05/21/08 | [...] […] the broken placesOwn a Wordpress blog? Make monetization easier with the WP Affiliate Pro plugin. Does your boss need to know that you have a chroni… saved by 5 others     SakuraNeji bookmarked on 05/21/08 | […]

]]> By: Rosalind http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/#comment-2063 Rosalind Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:47:13 +0000 http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/#comment-2063 HI Marjorie Sorry it took so long for me to respond. I"ve been on vacation, out of the country and "off email". I, too, was first diagnosed with Crohn's and then it turned out to be ulcerative colitis.Great point you made about disclosing after you've proven yourself - especially if it doesn't get "in your way". Your bosses comment about your absences are setriking, though. It's those comments that can be so undermining. I'm curious if this affected how you felt about him after this - or yourself? Rosalind HI Marjorie
Sorry it took so long for me to respond. I”ve been on vacation, out of the country and “off email”.

I, too, was first diagnosed with Crohn’s and then it turned out to be ulcerative colitis.Great point you made about disclosing after you’ve proven yourself - especially if it doesn’t get “in your way”. Your bosses comment about your absences are setriking, though. It’s those comments that can be so undermining. I’m curious if this affected how you felt about him after this - or yourself?
Rosalind

]]> By: Marjorie http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/#comment-1830 Marjorie Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:02:01 +0000 http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/#comment-1830 I just found your site through Jolie Nadine's blog (http://jolienadine.com) and am so grateful to have discovered this fantastic resource! I've already pre-ordered your book and look forward to getting it. When I was diagnosed with Crohn's in 2002 (four years later it was amended to ulcerative colitis), I had taken a couple of days off for my colonoscopy. By then I'd been working for my boss for about three months and had proven to him that I was an invaluable asset to the company. Because my case was relatively mild, I never missed a day of work and never exhibited any symptoms that would lead anyone to believe I had ANY disease. I've since left that job but have always been upfront with my subsequent employers about my illness...AFTER I'd proven myself. Because my disease isn't advanced, I don't feel that it's anyone's business until I'm comfortable disclosing that info. I did eventually work for that aforementioned boss again at a different company, during which time I did have a couple of serious flare-ups. He did make a comment about how much sick leave I was taking but otherwise didn't mention it again. Now I work from home as a part-time freelance writer and would-be novelist. It makes it easier as I can schedule my doctor's appointments and get all the rest I need. But I do think that if I were to return to the workforce I would follow the same principle: prove myself first, then disclose later (if necessary). Cheers, Marjorie I just found your site through Jolie Nadine’s blog (http://jolienadine.com) and am so grateful to have discovered this fantastic resource! I’ve already pre-ordered your book and look forward to getting it.

When I was diagnosed with Crohn’s in 2002 (four years later it was amended to ulcerative colitis), I had taken a couple of days off for my colonoscopy. By then I’d been working for my boss for about three months and had proven to him that I was an invaluable asset to the company. Because my case was relatively mild, I never missed a day of work and never exhibited any symptoms that would lead anyone to believe I had ANY disease.

I’ve since left that job but have always been upfront with my subsequent employers about my illness…AFTER I’d proven myself. Because my disease isn’t advanced, I don’t feel that it’s anyone’s business until I’m comfortable disclosing that info. I did eventually work for that aforementioned boss again at a different company, during which time I did have a couple of serious flare-ups. He did make a comment about how much sick leave I was taking but otherwise didn’t mention it again.

Now I work from home as a part-time freelance writer and would-be novelist. It makes it easier as I can schedule my doctor’s appointments and get all the rest I need. But I do think that if I were to return to the workforce I would follow the same principle: prove myself first, then disclose later (if necessary).

Cheers,
Marjorie

]]> By: Joni waseity beadle http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/#comment-1812 Joni waseity beadle Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:23:33 +0000 http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/#comment-1812 I truly believe you have to feel out the boss and the co-workers before you disclose this information. I say this only because places I have been employed previously, don't give a damn what's going on with you. They just want the job done. Which is okay from the business stand point. But if you can't take care of yourself and you're under the gun, employers need to accept that to. It's part of the employee. Now I worked in the health care field as a scheduler, and everyone knew what I was all about. They supported me. We joked about it many, many times and I feel had I not disclosed the information on all the illnesses I had, they probably would of thought I was weird or something. I turned my illnesses into a benefit by inspiring my co-workers and showed them just because I had problems, I could still do my job and very well. I could relate to the clients and their families due to what I had been through. I made them laugh and feel comfortable. I feel it's all about how you present this information. If I would of used it for an excuse, I wouldn't of been supported at all. I was just honest, threw some humor in the mix and worked as hard as I could. ( You know, like women always do!) Joni Waseity Beadle is an author and entrepreneur for In Sickness and in Wealth, a continuing education and business developing company, inspiring others with an illness or disability to change the focus from their illness, to focusing on their dreams and goals. Sign up for my free newsletter at: http://www.insicknessandinwealth.com or visit my blog at: http://www.thejourneyofjoni.com for health articles, work at home ideas and successful heart felt stories plus much more! I truly believe you have to feel out the boss and the co-workers before you disclose this information.
I say this only because places I have been employed previously, don’t give a damn what’s going on with you. They just want the job done. Which is okay from the business stand point. But if you can’t take care of yourself and you’re under the gun, employers need to accept that to. It’s part of the employee.

Now I worked in the health care field as a scheduler, and everyone knew what I was all about. They supported me. We joked about it many, many times and I feel had I not disclosed the information on all the illnesses I had, they probably would of thought I was weird or something. I turned my illnesses into a benefit by inspiring my co-workers and showed them just because I had problems, I could still do my job and very well. I could relate to the clients and their families due to what I had been through. I made them laugh and feel comfortable.

I feel it’s all about how you present this information. If I would of used it for an excuse, I wouldn’t of been supported at all. I was just honest, threw some humor in the mix and worked as hard as I could. ( You know, like women always do!)

Joni Waseity Beadle is an author and entrepreneur for
In Sickness and in Wealth, a continuing education and business
developing company, inspiring others with an illness or disability
to change the focus from their illness, to focusing on their dreams and goals.
Sign up for my free newsletter at: http://www.insicknessandinwealth.com or
visit my blog at: http://www.thejourneyofjoni.com for health articles,
work at home ideas and successful heart felt stories plus much more!

]]> By: meredith viera husband http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/#comment-1759 meredith viera husband Fri, 14 Mar 2008 07:27:33 +0000 http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/#comment-1759 [...] [...] […] […]

]]> By: Rosalind http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/#comment-1696 Rosalind Sun, 02 Mar 2008 23:40:43 +0000 http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/#comment-1696 I'm glad that this is helpful. Rosalind I’m glad that this is helpful. Rosalind

]]> By: Kim http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/#comment-1685 Kim Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:01:12 +0000 http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/#comment-1685 Your point about if you're young and unestablished is a GREAT point. I think every person's take on their situation has to be individualized. There's no possible way for each person to confront this problem (and those of us with chronic illnesses and careers all face it at some point) the same way. This, I think, is truer even more in high pressure career paths. If you're still trying to prove your worth and your value then you are doing everything possible to keep anything viewed as negative out of the limelight. Thanks for posting this! Your point about if you’re young and unestablished is a GREAT point. I think every person’s take on their situation has to be individualized. There’s no possible way for each person to confront this problem (and those of us with chronic illnesses and careers all face it at some point) the same way. This, I think, is truer even more in high pressure career paths. If you’re still trying to prove your worth and your value then you are doing everything possible to keep anything viewed as negative out of the limelight.

Thanks for posting this!

]]> By: Rosalind http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/#comment-1677 Rosalind Thu, 28 Feb 2008 22:44:44 +0000 http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/#comment-1677 Robyn, I understand your frustration. Many people with diseases like Fibromyalgia (which you also have) get similar treatment -because it's so poorly understood. On the scale of treatment, Cancer tends to be the easiest for "healthy" people to relate to not only becuase it's so prevalent -- but there is treatment that sometimes can cure. But, in the end - any CHRONIC illness (meaning no cure) that affects someone's ability to fully contribute and do her job is going to provoke resentment in most work environments. You're smart to take care of yourself through this period with your parent --- and I"'m sure it's not easy. Perhaps over time, you can regain the trust of your co workeres as you stay focused on your work. Rosalind Robyn, I understand your frustration. Many people with diseases like Fibromyalgia (which you also have) get similar treatment -because it’s so poorly understood. On the scale of treatment, Cancer tends to be the easiest for “healthy” people to relate to not only becuase it’s so prevalent — but there is treatment that sometimes can cure. But, in the end - any CHRONIC illness (meaning no cure) that affects someone’s ability to fully contribute and do her job is going to provoke resentment in most work environments. You’re smart to take care of yourself through this period with your parent — and I”‘m sure it’s not easy. Perhaps over time, you can regain the trust of your co workeres as you stay focused on your work.
Rosalind

]]> By: Robyn http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/#comment-1676 Robyn Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:45:46 +0000 http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/#comment-1676 It really angers me that someone who has a physical illness is treated much more differently than someone with a mood illness. At the same time that I was struggling with depression a coworker was diagnosed with cancer. This person was treated very differently from me. I have been taking meds and doing therapy for 3 years and am in remission. I've been working very hard but now I am coping with caregiving for my parent who has alzheimer's. It never ends. I'm trying to take care of myself so that I don't have a relapse. It really angers me that someone who has a physical illness is treated much more differently than someone with a mood illness. At the same time that I was struggling with depression a coworker was diagnosed with cancer. This person was treated very differently from me. I have been taking meds and doing therapy for 3 years and am in remission. I’ve been working very hard but now I am coping with caregiving for my parent who has alzheimer’s. It never ends. I’m trying to take care of myself so that I don’t have a relapse.

]]> By: Rosalind http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/#comment-1674 Rosalind Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:27:52 +0000 http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2008/02/27/does-your-boss-need-to-know-that-you-have-a-chronic-illness/#comment-1674 Hi Robyn, It's tye that there is a lot of stigma aroudn this, particularly depression. It sounds as if your illness impacted yor performance and that was a sore point for others. It's not clear from what you write if and at what point you disclosed, but the fact is that there is little tolerance for poor -- or decreased productivity. What have you done to show them that you're "back on track" again? Rosalind Hi Robyn, It’s tye that there is a lot of stigma aroudn this, particularly depression. It sounds as if your illness impacted yor performance and that was a sore point for others. It’s not clear from what you write if and at what point you disclosed, but the fact is that there is little tolerance for poor — or decreased productivity. What have you done to show them that you’re “back on track” again? Rosalind

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