MS and employment...
 

Hi all!

I was diagnosed with MS a bit over a year ago. I graduated from grad school this past December, and I'm deep in the job hunt...

My question is, have any of you used "diversity" to get a leg up in the hiring process? I know the Feds have hiring programs (Schedule A), but I'm hesitant to use them for fear of being "labeled" or approached with pre-conceived notions about my condition, or, even worse yet...my qualifications and professional abilities.

My neuro says to stay away from disclosure and that I'm not disabled. But, I need a job, and I'm beginning to consider these options as a way to help get a gig. Does anyone have experience (pro or con) they could share that might help me with this decision?

Thanks!

All best,

Me

AaHaA, welcome to NT. I don't have any work related answers since I am a carepartner, but I am sure others will come along with their experiences.

In terms of getting hired, my take would be that you have nothing to gain and everything to lose by disclosing your MS. Considering that managers know what our condition would do to their health plan costs, it's a good way to assure that you won't get the job. In fact, I wouldn't even consider it until you have the job and you're off probation. Even then, as long as you're high functioning, I still can't see what would be the perk of mentioning it.

It's possible if you're applying for a federal or state job, the diversity angle might help you but in all honesty, I think with most smaller and or private sector agencies, the best way to not get the job would be to mention your MS.

It never occured to me to mention my MS to an employer, but then I was in remission a good part of my young life. didn't even disclose it when it was obvious that I could no long hold a full time job.

My advise would be the same to you unless you don't think you can handle the stress of full time work....then I would take advantage of all the perks you can get.

Good Luck to You..:hug:

I think it's a very personal choice but one that should be considered very, very carefully. I do not disclose because I know that in my situation it would adversely affect the chances of me being employed. There are a lot of misconceptions associated with this disease -- I really don't think most people understand it unless/until they get it themselves or know someone with it.

IMHO, if you choose to mention it, you are acknowledging that it is an issue. So if you are capable of working and do not need any special accommodation because of your illness, why mention it?

Good luck to you on your job search!

It's not about MS but I was not even considered for an assistant head nurse job because I was pregnant. They said that they couldn't be sure I would be coming back to work after the delivery. I know I could have appealed but I figured if I was going to be part of the management team on a unit and I was only given the job because I appealed for it that I just didn't want the job.

Unfortunately even once you are hired it can become a sticky situation if you need accomodations down the line. Of course no one is going to say you weren't hired or were fired because of MS but imvho it still happens. The other thing is that as someone pointed out we aren't disabled unless we are disabled so to the best of my knowledge just having MS doesn't equal disability.

I only disclosed during my employment physical, after getting the job offer in writing because I was going on their health insurance plan. If they followed HIPAA no one other than HR and the employee health office should know. I have no plans to tell anyone else on my job unless it becomes an issue. :(

i had been working in a local hospital for 18 yrs. i showed sx's and people knew i had been dx'd with MS. it became more difficult for me to work and i had to resign my position.

BUT, i know in hindsight that i was targeted and documentation was being written up about my work. they were trying to get me out.

i wouldn't recommend disclosing. especially when you're trying to get hired.
and especially if you're not showing overt sx's. IF you have problems after you're hired you have time to evaluate IF you should tell. and, it's against the law to discriminate. but, that won't stop and employer. they know how to get around it.

my feeling is that once you tell anything you can't take it back. so think carefully.

What a tough call.

But first congratulations on your studies!

I know here in NC an employer can't legally ask you about your health issues and ailments. (It may be in every state?) And as far as being 'labeled'... HA!

Sure I know what you mean but if it helps you get a job, career, support yourself and family, pay bills and make it so you don't have to eat out of a dumpster, I say use it to your advantage.

Employers only need to know so much. I'm not saying be devious or a liar, but once you're in the door your work ethic and job performance will speak for you.

But that's just me. :o

I am the MonSter that MS fears.

They don't even ask about it for your employee physical exam? Here in MD they absolutely do and even have a list of ailments like HTN, diabetes etc. MS wasn't on that list but it clearly said to add any other chronic health condition or disease and that failing to disclose is grounds for termination.

Again I wouldn't even take a health exam until I had the offer in writing and surely wouldn't advise disclosing to a supervisor if MS isn't apparent. No matter what they say I don't believe any company is actively seeking out disabled employees unless maybe its someone with a disibility like hearing or vision where it isn't going to necessarily cost them money or be likely to get worse. Just my two cents though and everyone needs to do whatever is best for their situation.

WOW. That's in MD? I do live in MD, and I'm seeking employment anywhere in the DC Metro area...I shouldn't submit to a physical exam until I have the job offer in writing?!

Thank you. This is very good information!

Ah yes, the law and how to avoid it. :D

OK. Management/classroom training for Krispy Kreme taught me that in the interview we couldn't ask any health related questions.

A few years later and I'm a salesman for Pepsi. Although the question wasn't asked verbally, it did show up in the paperwork for application. At first I was hired to get my CDLs and drive the big rigs. I had to get a physical for that and disclosed everything to the doc including my MS. It turns out the doc took issue with the MS and me driving an 18 wheeler AND MS is on the list. Some of you know my complaints with doctors and I firmly told this cat, "I really need this job."

*As it turns out the plant where I worked needed more salesman than truck drivers so the biggest thing I drove was a pick up truck to service grocery stores.

The clinic and doc I went to were used by the company but not owned by it and as far as I know Pepsi didn't get to see the doc's report.

But that's just me.

Its a small world! :) I think it might depend on your place of employment as to whether or not they make you have a physical. I'm a nurse so they do make us get physical exams. This last place tried to schedule me for my physical the day after they made me the verbal job offer, before they would have had time to get me the paper work with my written offer...I made up an excuse and put if off until after they had the time to get me my written offer. I don't really feel they had any alter motives but I didn't want to take any chances.

My written offer was contingent on my ability to do the job which is cool. I try to be thankful that I can work and have such a great job but it was humilating for me to have to get my doctor to write a note saying that I was fit to do the same job I've been doing at another facility without problems.

Anyway I got the note and it wasn't ever mentioned again. :D Good luck!

I've never told. I've changed jobs 6 times since dx in 1988. Once you tell, you can't take it back.

My issues with MS are not blatantly obvious, so it's not that hard to not disclose.

The Federal government is fast on its way to becoming a mega-employer so if it helps getting in while printing money still works, it may be an option. I'm a civil servant (for the last 2-1/2 years) - I didn't tell them. Come to think of it, I didn't even get points for being a veteran (lower pay scales get 5 points).

My first 2 jobs were at nuclear power plants. Physicals, mental tests, the whole nine yards. No problem. I even get annuals now at NASA with only non-MS problems (the oxygen sensor thingy...).

Tom

This really is a small world - I'm in MD, not too far outside D.C.

In my opinion, I wouldn't disclose about your MS in the interview. Especially not to try and get an advantage in the job search. More likely, your disclosure would have the opposite effect. And once it's out there, you can't take it back. A few weeks ago, I had a beer with some former co-workers; I like to keep in touch in case I ever wanted to go back to work there. Well, I let them know I have MS, and now I'm kicking myself. I wish I could take it back.

I can't add much about the physical - I've never had a job that required one. One other thing you might want to consider though: whatever health insurance you have now, try not to let it lapse (easier said than done, I know). I believe the way the laws are written, if you get on a group policy, there is no exclusionary period for pre-existing conditions, as long as you don't have a lapse in coverage. Individual policies - that's a different story.

I am NC no matter what my profile says -I forget lol

Just wanted to say I agree 100% w/ elliot. Consider his words mine.

I wish u the best