Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group a summer job

Hey everyone,

Im out of school now and im looking for a summer job. Im applying at Tan and Tone America cause that's where I tan and I love it.
But my dad said that I should inform them of my conditions, but im sorta scared to because they have had a lot of problems with people calling in and such. Im worried to say anything because what if they take my condition out of hand and wont hire me because they will be scared I will be calling in.
Im deffinatly not that type of person to call in, I have problems with my mom calling in for me at school when im in a flare!
Should I let them know what I have? Thanks as always.
Love,
Korye

Hi Korye:

If I was in your shoes, I wouldn't mention it. It's not relevant unless you think it's really going to affect the way you do your job. In my experience, once you tell your employer about AS (or any other chronic condition), it changes the way you are treated. Best to keep quiet and be judged on how well you do your job....that's my 2 cents worth!

Hope you have a great summer!
Cat

Hey Korye,

Sounds like a nice summer job to have. Add another vote to the "don't tell" side of the ledger. If you tell, no matter how much you claim it won't be an issue and that you don't call in sick, it will still count against you if they have to decide between you and another candidate with whom you are equal in every other way. They just might say "Hmm, equal, but this girl has that illness to worry about..." Of course, legally they can't ever admit they thought that way, but that won't stop them from privately feeling the way they do. If, as you say, your illness shouldn't slow you down too much, then you'll prove that to them with your great performance on the job.

If you get the job and, after a couple weeks, find that you like the folks there and they like you, then maybe you can share your condition.

Good luck!

Brad

Hi Korye,

Think the key question is do you think it will impact your work performance... i.e. do you expect to have to call in sick due to AS? Sounds like it is important to your employer.

If you are not honest with them, then why should they treat you fairly if it does become an issue? If you are up front with them and you are hired, then I would expect them to treat you fairly as a result. I think it would also speak volumes of them as an employer if you were up front and they did hire you (i.e. a good employer).

Look at possible solutions to the issue. Do you know some of the individuals that work there? Could they be "on call" for you? Could you do the same for others since it sounds like an issue.

In my personal case I have always been up front with my employers concerning my AS, even at interviews. I explain that I live with an arthritic condition but that I have been fortunate enough to keep it in check and that my work performance is rarely affected. I have interviewed twice with new companies since having AS and both times I landed the job in spite of informing them of the AS. Another reason I have always brought it up is health insurance and LTD insurance.... doubt that is concern with the position you are looking at.

But this is also my work style, I am up front with by employer/boss in all aspects of my job. If I make a mistake and could push it under the carpet without others knowing, I will still step up to the table and take the heat. I have found this work style very much to my benefit… on job evaluations I am given high marks for integrity and honesty. My employers are then able to put a lot of trust in me… and if something perhaps does come along and there is a question if I am responsible and I state No I am not… there is no doubt in their mind I am speaking truthfully.

Your father sounds like a pretty smart cookie. Best wishes on landing the job.

Tim

Hope is only a post away with KickAS.

Tim,

In an ideal world, I agree with you. I am glad that you have not experienced any problems with your employers. For those of us who have experienced problems, one's perspective is quite different.

Korye, flip a coin, if you don't like the results, then, you've already decided.

neo

dont tell them!
otherwise they will have the ideal get out clause.

Janet

Tim, you did good as usual, great answer, as for myself I could
not lie on my application for a job if I was going for one.

Are you doing ok guy?
Mike and I had to put our Husky down
on Friday and we are feeling very, very sad. We had him for
12 years and he had cancer of the shoulder. Grandma here
is reallly having a hard time with it.

Take care,

Maxine

"Mike's Mom"

Hi Korye, I'm of two minds on this question. Part of me is with Tim all the way, be honest and up front right from the start. Part of me says to get the job, do it for a while and let them get to know you as an employee. If this job were very physical, definitely you would have to tell them in the interview, as you condition does make physical labour difficult. However, I'm assuming it's a desk job, in which case your condition makes no difference to your ability to do the job.

As I said, I'm torn on this one. Probably it's best to tell the truth, but also come to the interview knowing how many days you've missed of school this year. That way you can also tell them that in 10 months of school you've only missed x number of days, so the odds are that in two months of work, you won't be calling in all that much.

It's fully up to you, honey. AS is a fact of your life. It impacts your life. It is none of your employer's business, unless it could impact your ability to do your job. But honesty is generally the best policy.

Many hugs and good luck,

Kat


"I haven't failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that don't work."- Thomas Edison

It's only their business IF you think that you will be calling in sick a lot. Keep in mind, it's a summer job which implies a finite time period. If you think you can handle the 2-3 months, then they don't need to know. From your tone, it sounds like you know you will be able to handle it.
Another 2 cents!
erin