Comments on: Good Lists Versus Bad Lists

By: Sunita

Sunita — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 22:36:28 +0000

above post is advice from someone who needs some. I read it through, and it sounded sanctimonious even from my perspective.
There’s something called the capability procedure in UK industry. So everything is in place legality-wise for empoyers and employees…but if an employer believes an employee wasn’t candid in their application (in terms of “capability”) it could be grounds for dismissal.
I worked in MA (USA) for 2 years in an academic environment. I was shocked at how few rights some of my colleagues had. At the time, MA was an “at will state”…it means either employee or employer can terminate the contract at any time. Private unversities have expensive lawyers, and most employees do not. We are going the same way here in the UK. In general public sector employees have more rights than in the private sector. Unless someone can change my mind, I’d say honesty about disability is the best policy.

By: Sunita

Sunita — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 22:03:56 +0000

I’ve put a sentence on my resume (CV) which says “rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis”. When they see me on interview day with a stick and distorted hands…they will understand that I have a disability. I tried to cover it up at an interview a few months back. My presentation went well…I could sit down (thank goodness), and I was well prepared. But, I didn’t take my stick, and waddled around very awkwardly. They all seemed to be rushing about, up and down stairs…this office, this lab, this canteen…I was exhausted. Someone said “what have you done to yourself?” assuming I must have strained, sprained or broken something. I came up with the right lines, but I think people know when you’re hiding something. And, if you get the job, your colleagues are going to find out sooner or later. If they are employers worth working for, they will consider what you CAN do, and not what you can’t. I think you just have to emphasize what you CAN do for them, and try and laugh off (as best you can) the things you can’t. An interview is just the first step in acquiring a new job…you still have to get through the probationary period satisfactorily. Hiding such an important part of yourself may backfire. If they have some human decency they will understand. If not, you’re better off without them.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:17:48 +0000

I totally understand too. It can be very intimidating to let anyone, especially a potential or even current employer, know about your RA. But I think it’s so important that we do continue to live our lives and not let this sucky disease make decisions for us. Good for you for pulling it back together and I hope you get invited back to speak with them again!!!

By: RA Guy

RA Guy — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:42:59 +0000

MissDazey, glad to hear that you plan to continue blogging!

cateepoo, thanks for the wishes!

Helen, I agree any list big or small is an accomplishment. I was glad to read your blog earlier today and hear the latest updates in terms of your workplace disclosure…go you! (This post can be found at: http://pensandneedlesblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/golfing-um.html)

Millicent, how could you possibly being even close to being down, when your FB updates are full of mentions about yoga, dining on the covered porch, and lots of other great activities???

Mallen, thanks for sharing your feelings and I am glad to hear that visiting this blog is providing you some support!

By: RA Guy

RA Guy — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:38:22 +0000

Ann Marie, what a powerful list of questions – I love the notion of balance; I hadn’t necessarily thought of these issues in that way before. Just this morning I started reading a new book on meditation and yoga that talks a lot about balance. I think I will elevate this idea of balance in my day to day activities.