How to handle a job offer

[nogutsnoglory]

I think I'm coming close to a job offer but I'm extremely nervous on how to handle it.

Should I be upfront about my crohn's and ostomy and admit that I am likely having surgery in the next few weeks and that I'll have times I need to be out or work remotely for appointments/infusions?

Who wants to hire someone who tells them they are going to be out for surgery only a few weeks after starting? At the same time though I think its better to be upfront about the reality and that I'll do my best given the circumstances but that I want to be honest about my challenges.

I just don't want to lose a job over this but I also don't want to start one and be fired over it.

 

[Josephine]

Good luck, I have no idea. I have give up looking atm.

 

[SarahBear]

Do you know for sure the surgery date? I would just make sure to give them two weeks' notice so they can schedule or arrange responsibilities accordingly. If that means that you have to tell them upfront, then so be it - it would likely look worse for you to wait until last minute to say you need time off. At this time though, you don't necessarily need to disclose that you have a chronic condition. If you feel more comfortable giving it a few weeks, I imagine that would be fine, as they'll probably consider any appointments, etc. as being related to the surgery.

I hope everything goes well!

 

[seamus o'toole]

As someone who has hired quite a few people I would always appreciate someone being upfront about something that was preplanned and will cause an absence. It may have some affect in the hiring if you are expected to travel or meet a deadline right out of the gate but if you are a good fit for the job I would work with you. No don't go into detail about your chronic issues just make yourself valuable as soon as possible and it will go well.

 

[Weatherwax]

Congratulations on potentially getting a job offer! :highfive:

I would let them know you're booked in for surgery (otherwise you'll only have to tell them once you start, and who needs to worry about looking like a fibber in the first few weeks of a job?). But you definitely don't have to tell them it's Crohn's, or even a chronic condition. People have time off for surgery for all sorts of reasons - you could have an ingrown toenail for all they would know! If they ask you (which they shouldn't) just say it's not something you feel comfortable discussing.

Most of all, don't let it get you anxious! If you get the job, you will look back on this and wonder what you were worrying about - the fact that you're getting close to a job offer is proof that you are someone that people want to hire, you can do a great job and no-one is going to fire you for having a hospital stay.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Thanks guys the surgery is pretty certain to happen but will be a few weeks down the road pending a few procedures in advance. If I told them it would just need to be an approximate of when and the 6-8 weeks recovery time.

I guess even if I wait to tell them, they still need to be aware and OK with the fact that I need infusions every 8 weeks and have to see doctors which are inconveniently located which basically means I have to work remotely or not work those days.

I would hate not being upfront because I am an honest person and it would also be easier for people to understand what I am going through and not just assume I am a slacker for days I can't come in etc.

I am not sure what's right but I guess if they are totally not open to making to accommodations, it probably isn't the right job anyway but I think anyone would be scared hiring someone who has so many health problems. Aghh!

 

[SarahBear]

I agree with you there, NGNG. If they're not willing to work with you now, they're not likely to change their minds in a few weeks. It sounds like being upfront would be less stressful to you - you wouldn't have to worry about keeping your condition a secret (I'm honest about mine as well, and it would really bother me to feel as I couldn't talk about it or explain), or what would happen when you did open up.

:hug:

 

[ccec213]

Hey there, NGNG. Tons of great advice in this thread. I say you can tell them up-front that you have some health issues that need tending and that you are curious about their working-remotely policy. (That way, instead of looking like you are "demanding" time off/ working remotely, you present it like you are a team player who is planning ahead so as not to let down her team.) And, of course, telling them surgery dates with advance notice is always a good idea.

But also remember that managing a chronic illness actually shows that you have TONS of qualities employers love. Most of us are still upright and typing because we're tough as nails, good at organizing, able to multitask, and so on and so on. Don't automatically assume your illness will get you fired--the residual traits it likely fostered will make you a wonderful employee. While you don't need to delve into your illness history (it is my personal opinion the words "inflammatory" and "bowel" should never come up in the workplace ) it would be really good to stress that you have extensive experience in nontraditional/ work-from-home situations, that you're excellent at staying on top of your tasks, that you're dedicated, and so on.

Ultimately, an employer is mostly concerned with one question: "Will the job get done?" As long as the answer from you is a resounding "yes!", they will hopefully be flexible on the details.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!