Starting a new job

[MonkeyLing]

After being out of the workforce for almost 4 years, I managed to score a position for AT&T working in a call center. I'm supposed to start on the 25th and was looking for a little advice about what I should do about disclosing that I have Crohn's.

Should I or shouldn't I?

If I do disclose it, do I talk to HR the first day or should I wait till I'm out of training.

I'm really confused about what I should do about this situation and could use some input.



Backstory:
Diagnosed in Sept 2010. Went on Pentasa and had a positive result. Jan 2014 I stopped responding to the medication and added Entocort, which helped for 2 weeks. I started seeing a new GI in April (due to a move) who started everything over. Since Apr I have had an endoscopy, colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy and a contrast CT scan. All have come back negative for Crohn's markers. Having another colonoscopy on the 12th to determine cause of mucousy stools. Currently coming off of predinosone and going back on Entocort due to lack of response to predinsone. No other GI medications, but talk of experimenting with a biologic next.

 

[DJW]

Congratulations.

Why do you think they should know?

 

[jeffg51]

None of their business.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I would try not to disclose it and certainly not during training. If your symptoms can't be hidden and you need them to know it's another story. You want to gain some footing as a good employee and build relations before they dismiss you over this.

 

[MrsW]

I am currently looking for a new job also and as my crohns is fairly active atm I said at my last interview that I had crohns and that meant at times I need to go to the toilet urgently. I didn't get that job and it makes me wonder if I shouldn't have said that to them. It is none of their business but if it's going to affect your day-to-day work then you probably need to let them know. Good luck!

 

[Lam123]

I agree with above posts. Don't say anything now till u well have your foot in the door and have proven yourself to be a good employee. Especially if it's it affecting your job. Using the bathroom a few times per day can happen to anyone. I would stay quiet for the first while. I only told my current workplace about crohns after it started affecting my job and I had been there 12 years.

 

[Ali29]

I agree with all of the above, they don't need to know unless you feel it is affecting your job performance. If you are in the US, after one year you can use FLMA to protect your job. Look up FLMA and all the items it covers at dol.gov - AT&T has more than 50 employees so it could cover you.

Good luck at your new job!!

 

[MonkeyLing]

Thanks for all the input guys! I'm really nervous right now since I'm not on any kind of controlling medication and it's really random when I'm going to have a bad day. Hopefully the doc will find something on Tuesday and will give me something before I start working.

I know that if I do disclose anything it's going to be covered under the ADA and it cannot be used against me. I think I'll disclose it once training is over and I have a better idea what the doc wants to do.

 

[Daisy123]

I wouldn't disclose. I have in the past and not been offered work because of it. It is none of their business.

 

[Polaris]

I wouldn't disclose it either. I have very understanding bosses so after a year at my current job I've finally told them and they give me a lot of flexibility. I say build up the trust/relationships first, if possible.

 

[Alley2231]

I was diagnosed and hospitalized this year. I had been working for my current employer for about 2 years and they knew I was a very reliable employee and someone who loved their job. I was very open with my co-workers and supervisor when I was first diagnosed (they were all VERY sympathetic and understanding) and then I was out of work for 3 months due to my Crohn's.

I would not go into a new job letting them know that I have this medical condition.
Best of luck to you on your new job, as well has finding a course of treatment that will help get your Crohn's Disease under control.