Got a job!!! Need advice.

[anonymous]

Okay so I got offered a wonderful job yesterday that I went ahead and accepted!! I am so excited and couldn't be more happy...but now reality is starting to set in. I'm graduating and not going to have as much free time as I used to. So now here is where I need some advice. I start on June 5th and I already know that I'm going to have to leave the office early two times and need a whole day off for doctor's appointments. I have not told them about my transplant. I'm not sure that I should tell them, and if i do who I should tell? This is a great job and its going to be very demanding on my life, but this is what I went to college for. I know that this is something that I want to do, I'm just worried about how to fit all of my doctor's appointments in without them viewing me in a negative light right off the bat. I mean I'm going to want to work really hard to try to get promoted and do the best job that I can. Any advice, suggestions, stories of what people have done in the past would be very helpful. This is the beginning of my career and I'm a very work oriented person, but I do not want my new lungs to suffer because of that.

Margaret
Double Lung tx 11.11.04

 

[EnergyGal]

I would have a wait and see attitude. Everyone can take off for medical appointments. IF they ask why are you taking off, you can mention that this appointment was planned a long time ago. Honesty is important but I would prove myself to the company first. Congrats on starting on your career. What a great feeling you must have<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

 

[LisaV]

What Risa said.

Also, I work for a big company, people who need to take a medical leave don't even talk directly to their managers or the company HR about it - they talk to directly to an agency that is subcontracted to deal. You can keep your actual medical diagnosis/treatment private. (Unless you're the transsexual that I work with, we did sort of figure out why he took leave when he returned back a she.)

For doctor's appointments, we just do what Risa said, but some company's have sick leave that you have to nickel and dime out for appointments.

Once you actually start working you can find out how those things are handled by looking at the company policies that need to be in writing. The ADA has made a big difference in things.

 

[coltsfan715]

I would come right out and tell them about the doctors appts now. I would just say I would love to start that day, but will need such and such days off as I have doctors appt planned.

Also I may differ on this, but I would tell someone either HR or a manager type about your health situation. It will make them more understanding than if you continually take time off for appts with really no justification. I know it is none of their busines ultimately, but they may think you are hiding something.

In the past I have gone for an interview and not disclosed my CF or diabetes until I was given the job. This way I know it won't affect whether or not they hire me. Then once you know they are hiring you, you can let them know that you will be dedicated and look forward to working with them, but you may need to take days off on occasion for drs appointments for you CF/Transplant issues and so on.

I know alot of people on here have had issues with telling their bosses/managers about their health problems and subsequently feeling discriminated against, but I think it is beneficial to let at least 1 person in a supervising position know the situation.

Congratulations by the way. I am sure you are very excited. What will you be doing?

Lindsey

 

[anonymous]

I agree with telling them that you have previously-scheduled personal appointments that you will have to honor.

I'm not so sure about saying that they are doctor's appointments this time though.

And telling HR after you get there and are really starting is a good idea. Part of what you'll need (for the ADA thing) is to be able to get to your medical appointments and such.

 

[Scarlett81]

Well Congrats on the job!

And as far as advice I'd take it all one day at a time. Definately be very proffessional. Get back from the appointments on time, and go above and beyond in smaller areas to show you're not going to be a slacker. It shouldn't be that way-that you need to do that b/c you have doc appointment, but sadly it sometimes is.
Hopefully you have an understanding employer.

And I wouldn't reveal too much at once. Maybe start out by saying-I have several pre-scheduled doc appointments that I'll need off for. You don't have to give any explanation at all, or go into detail. Then little by little reveal more about your health situation if you want. But definately dont drop it all at once. Some people just jump to conclusions.
Best to you with your new job!

 

[LouLou]

Just call them appt's not dr.'s appt. for the days you have to take off early and for the day you have to take off all day.. call it a personal day that you made some arrangements prior to accepting the offer. Tell them in advance about needing the personal day and the specific date and the other two days with the appt's give them 1 wk. notice on each.

Congrats on your job. This job will be each compared to managing your CF...but don't put it before CF because then CF will fight to be #1.

 

[littledebbie]

I think you got a lot of good advice so I just wanted to say
Congratulations!<br>
Yeah new job...so happy for you!

 

[luke]

Margaret,

I would tell your employer about the "pre-made" appointments, I am sure they will understand. I would however not tell them why...they don't need to nor do they have a right to know. I would not tell them about your lung translpant until after your probationary period and then that would only be to fill out FMLA papers through HR. You want to make sure you would have legal recourse if they discriminate against you for your conditions.



luke

 

[anonymous]

Thank you all for your advice. You have all really helped me feel less stressed about the whole situation. I will be doing underwriting for excess casualty in an insurance company. I'm just going to see what happens. I will be forthright with them about my pre-planned appointments without revealing too much. I'm going to have to learn to bite my toungue...CF and transplant are such a huge part of my life that I sometimes talk about my transplant so casually like its common knowledge that I had one (and at Lafayette it is). So I have to make sure to protect myself a little bit more in the professional situation.

Thanks again guys!

Margaret
Double Lung Tx 11.11.04