An Employment Question

marzz26
marzz26 Member Posts: 27
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi again,
Timing is everything. I am reaching the end of my chemo treatments (Xeloda), with about one more month to go. I am not sure when I will get all of my energy back and my hands will return to normal. And now I have received a call from a headhunter about interviewing for 2 different jobs in my field. I know that this is not a great time to start a job, as I am not as productive as I will be. I am also very comfortable where I am working now, as my company has been unbelievably supportive.

My quandary is whether I tell any prospective employer about my medical condition or not.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Marc

Comments

  • Faith4Cure
    Faith4Cure Member Posts: 405 Member
    #2
    It is great that you are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel---treatments are almost over! My husband started a new job soon after his treatments were over. His situation was a little different since he was very anxious to leave his previous employer. It was like a new start for him and was a great move. He did have some problems with neuropathy in his hands and had some issues after his ileostomy reversal which made things a little tough, and it is hard to say how long it will take you to return to normal as everyone is different.

    We felt like he should tell his prospective employer of his condition so that they would understand when he needed to take time off right away for frequent check ups. They did not really want to hear about it (maybe they can't ask for that information at an interview?) They were great about it and did not hold it against him.

    I cannot tell you what to do as everyone's situation is different. It depends on how anxious you are to move on to new things. I can only tell you that it was a great move for my husband and helped to put some of this nightmare behind him and put his mind on something new. Good Luck with whatever you decide!
  • marzz26
    marzz26 Member Posts: 27
    #3
    Faith4Cure said:

    It is great that you are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel---treatments are almost over! My husband started a new job soon after his treatments were over. His situation was a little different since he was very anxious to leave his previous employer. It was like a new start for him and was a great move. He did have some problems with neuropathy in his hands and had some issues after his ileostomy reversal which made things a little tough, and it is hard to say how long it will take you to return to normal as everyone is different.

    We felt like he should tell his prospective employer of his condition so that they would understand when he needed to take time off right away for frequent check ups. They did not really want to hear about it (maybe they can't ask for that information at an interview?) They were great about it and did not hold it against him.

    I cannot tell you what to do as everyone's situation is different. It depends on how anxious you are to move on to new things. I can only tell you that it was a great move for my husband and helped to put some of this nightmare behind him and put his mind on something new. Good Luck with whatever you decide!

    Thank you for your reply. I appreciate you sharing your husband's experience and good wishes. I have a little time to decide how to handle it, so I will be giving it a lot of thought.
    Marc
  • claud1951
    claud1951 Member Posts: 424 Member
    #4
    Marc,

    That's kind of a catch 22, isn't it? While I am retired (for 4 years now) and stopped chemo 6 months ago, I am looking for a part time job.

    I personnaly don't feel the need to tell the employer that I had cancer.

    Yes, I still have to see the Onc every so often but that would be just a check up and everyone has to go to the doctor.

    Just be precausious. Maybe you can feel them out.

    Hope this doesn't confuse your situation!

    Good Luck on the job and congratulation on coming to an end of the chemo! That's THE big job!

    Claudia
  • marzz26
    marzz26 Member Posts: 27
    #5
    claud1951 said:

    Marc,

    That's kind of a catch 22, isn't it? While I am retired (for 4 years now) and stopped chemo 6 months ago, I am looking for a part time job.

    I personnaly don't feel the need to tell the employer that I had cancer.

    Yes, I still have to see the Onc every so often but that would be just a check up and everyone has to go to the doctor.

    Just be precausious. Maybe you can feel them out.

    Hope this doesn't confuse your situation!

    Good Luck on the job and congratulation on coming to an end of the chemo! That's THE big job!

    Claudia

    Thanks!!!

    Marc
  • nudgie
    nudgie Member Posts: 1,478 Member
    #6
    Making a decision like this one is never easy because of the old saying, the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence, but you must do what you feel is right.

    Additionally, employers are not allowed to ask or question your medical history whether it be past or present and you are not obligated to tell them either.

    Good luck :)
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #7
    I'm in the 'don't offer unless necessary' camp. Many employees go to frequent doctor's appointments for everything from diabetes to E.D. You are not obligated to tell, and it could cause some eyebrows to raise (How long before she gets sick?, etc).

    Why are you looking to change now? If you have an employer/health insurance that can support a problem, should it come up, THAT is 2 big plusses!

    Hugs, Kathi
    (just my 2 cents...lol)
  • TY2HC
    TY2HC Member Posts: 46
    #8
    You are not obligated to notify them of your medical history. In fact, they probably won't want to know in some instances because they may need to make accomodations for certain disabilities. Cancer is not one of these. They may ask if there is any reason why you can't work the required hours for the position. This is perfectly fine and I wouldn't say anything at this point. Employers can deny you employment for many reasons, with some exceptions. Those exceptions are based on protected classes (i.e. age, gender, race, sexual orientation, etc.)

    The question becomes if they offer time off and when you are eligible for it. Also, is there a probationary period for these positions. Generally speaking during this time employers have a little more leeway in firing people. Also, is the employer eligible for family medical leave. There are certain requirements about the number of employees and such that employers have to meet. There is federal family medical leave and states can adopt their own requirements. You as the employee may not be eligible to take this until you have worked there for a year or so.

    Anyway, my two cents is don't bring it up and make sure you can meet the requirements of the new employer. Especially, if your current employer is making accomodations for you currently.

    I wish you all the best,
    Chris

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