Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Resources
About MyChronicPainTeam
Powered By
Real members of MyChronicPainTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

To Disclose Or Not

A MyChronicPainTeam Member asked a question 💭
Wauchope

I am once again looking for work - though not due to my conditions.
Just wondering what people think about telling a prospective employer about you condition...
Do you feel honesty is the best policy and tell them at interview, or do you wait until you've started the new job?

September 12, 2016
•
View reactions
A MyChronicPainTeam Member

It depends on so many things. Is it a large or small company, how bad is your pain and ability/disability, how much will it actually impact your work, is your job driven by work product or by time on the clock, what are the local laws that apply to your situation? It's a touchy subject, because on one hand it's private information, but on the other hand if it impacts your ability to complete the duties assigned, an employer will know eventually (even if they don't know the cause specifically). As someone who battles chronic pain, I don't like to tell others (in general) about all of what I deal with, but when it impacts my work I will be upfront with my boss. As a small business owner (I work part-time for others and part-time for myself) I would like anyone working with me to be upfront so we could figure out a way to support them and for them to be productive.

Unfortunately, my answer may not be that useful to you. So I'll say this, do a bit of research on local laws that apply and be familiar with them, then look at all angles and make your best call. It's not an exact science - sometimes it's better to disclose and sometimes it may not be. You are in the best position to make that determination. Best xx

September 13, 2016
A MyChronicPainTeam Member

I guess the question would be, are u able to do the job ? Will you be a good employee ? Can u go to work each day ? If u can then u explain to the employer why u think u are suited for the job , let them know they wont be sorry for giving u the chance, if u know u cant do it, dont go, it just ruins the chance for others to get a job while pleading the same case..I say dont do it, I meant to say I would not try it if i couldnt do it...

September 14, 2016
A MyChronicPainTeam Member

I am always up front and honest due to o the type of illness I have. One day I can be fine and the next I can't get out of bed and/or the bath tub. I want them to understand, plus I feel as if I am ALWAYS educating people in what Interstitial Cystitis is.

December 5, 2016
A MyChronicPainTeam Member

I think if you lie, they can dismiss you if they find out, but employers really don't want to hire people who have been unwell

September 15, 2016
A MyChronicPainTeam Member

@A MyChronicPainTeam Member I worked in the Government Health sector when I got sick and "the caring profession" had to let me go because I was too sick to work..it was that place that was making me sicker, all the bullying and harassment, such a toxic environment..

September 13, 2016

Related content

View All

Neurontin: D Like T

A MyChronicPainTeam Member asked a question 💭
Minneapolis, MN

Work

A MyChronicPainTeam Member asked a question 💭
Eccles, UK

Alone Or Not? Potential Lockdown

A MyChronicPainTeam Member asked a question 💭
St. George, UT
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data Policy and Privacy policies.Your privacy is our priority Lock Icon
Already a Member? Log in