Need some advice with work

[cwf5020]

I have had Crohn's since I was 16, I am now 23. I graduated college last spring with degree in Structural Engineering. Since last May I have been working for a bridge engineering company as a field engineer. I inspect long span bridges, which involves climbing, rappeling, and being on the bridge all day straight (without a bathroom). This job also requires alot of travel, typically two weeks home and two weeks on the road. All of these factors take a toll on me with my condition.

I really enjoy working for my company and everyone I work with. I have very good benefits working there as well. I would love to work there until I can become a design engineer, which is office work. However there are about 6 people in my section (field engineering) who have been there longer then me and have yet to be offered a design position. Some of them have been there for 9 years, which I am not sure I could wait that long. My company does hire design engineers straight out of college, so it is not a requirement to work in the field first.

My boss is a nice guy, but is somewhat socially awkward I guess you could say. So it is rather hard to have a normal conversation with him, much less to have one with him about Crohn's. I told him a few months ago about my condition and he did not even know what Crohn's is. After I tried to explain it to him he just brushed it off as no big deal (which of course it is). I havent told anyone else at my work that I have Crohn's besides my one friend from college who works there.

So I sort of need some advice. I really dont know how much longer I can go about doing my job as a field engineer. If I go into a flare I doubt I could do my job. Would it be wrong of me to ask if I could start working in design, even with all the people in front of me? Should I talk to Human Resources first before my boss? How would all of you go about doing this?

Thanks for any help/advice!!

 

[Katiejohnsonwriter]

CWF,
I would say definitely go to HR as a starting point. Just see what's up. Get your questions answered and then go from there. Part of the worry may be that you just don't have any answers. Maybe talking to HR will help you to settle your worries and the very least could help you see what is possible and what is not, in your particular situation.

 

[hawkeye]

CWF:

HR would likely be a good starting point. Do you have any performance reviews with senior staff? This could be an opportunity to discuss a possible eventual transition to the design side.

I worked in engineering consulting for over 10 years so feel free to PM me if you have any questions or want to bounce ideas by me.

 

[cwf5020]

Hawkeye,

I was supposed to have a 6 month review, but it just never happened because we were too busy. Eventually I will have my 1 year review also. Thanks for your help.

 

[GurgleGurgle]

Corey,
I'm going through a somewhat similar issue at work and I feel your pain. While I agree with the others that having a discussion with HR is a good start, don't expect much from the discussion. HR organizations are usually designed to ensure company policies are followed and they typically shy away from unique circumstances. In my situation, I am being asked to accept a low 2010 performance rating (my first one in 22 yrs) even though I spent much of the year being a team player and doing my job while fighting through Crohn's flares, tests, endo/colonoscopies, office visits and infusions. What I'm hearing from my HR is the company line which excludes the impact of my illness on my performance. HR also interestingly enough does not reference the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2008. The law states that employers must enter into an "interactive process" with the employee to discuss potential reasonable accomodations". Reasonable Accomodations may include job restructuring, modified work schedules, reassignment to a vacant position. I'm trying to decide if this is a battle I want to fight, but you might want to read up on this and have it in your back pocket for discussion. You can find more information at http://www.eeoc.gov/types/origin/index.html

Hope this helps,
Kevin

 

[GurgleGurgle]

Correct link

Sorry, here is the correct link: http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/statutes/adaaa_info.cfm

They apparently had a recent website re-design.

Kevin

Corey,
I'm going through a somewhat similar issue at work and I feel your pain. While I agree with the others that having a discussion with HR is a good start, don't expect much from the discussion. HR organizations are usually designed to ensure company policies are followed and they typically shy away from unique circumstances. In my situation, I am being asked to accept a low 2010 performance rating (my first one in 22 yrs) even though I spent much of the year being a team player and doing my job while fighting through Crohn's flares, tests, endo/colonoscopies, office visits and infusions. What I'm hearing from my HR is the company line which excludes the impact of my illness on my performance. HR also interestingly enough does not reference the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2008. The law states that employers must enter into an "interactive process" with the employee to discuss potential reasonable accomodations". Reasonable Accomodations may include job restructuring, modified work schedules, reassignment to a vacant position. I'm trying to decide if this is a battle I want to fight, but you might want to read up on this and have it in your back pocket for discussion. You can find more information at http://www.eeoc.gov/types/origin/index.html

Hope this helps,
Kevin

 

[tiloah]

Are you sure those field engineers are "in line" for design positions? They maybe enjoy being field engineers or the company has had them in the field for long enough that they prefer them there as that's where they are valuable. You should find out their intentions and make sure the company knows yours. Most companies hire you into a position thinking that's the position you want to be working in. Is it different in your field or is it possible they are operating under the assumption that that's where you wanted to be working?

It is my understanding that it is extremely competitive and difficult to get work in design right now, so I wish you all the best! I hope your disease stays under control as well. Good luck.