Workplace Woes!

Holding down a job while suffering from Lupus can definitely be a trial.

I personally have been blessed with a great job with a great company that understands my needs. When I started working there, I was only a part-time employee. One of the really positive things about working for this company is the fact that they offer full benefits to part time employees. You can either choose the basic benefits package or the “fully loaded” one. I have the fully loaded benefits package. It helps me pay for medical stuff, including my meds, physiotherapy, massage therapy, etc.

I would definitely consider myself to be one of the “lucky ones”. But how do people who aren’t as fortunate as me where my job is concerned cope?

Lupus isn’t really a disease whereby you can look at someone and think “yup, definitely, that person has lupus”. This can sometimes make it hard when you’re trying to explain to your employer that you simply couldn’t come to work because you were “too tired”, or your joints were hurting, etc.

When you apply for a job, and if you get to the interview process, do you disclose to the interviewer that you have a chronic illness? Do you save such information until AFTER you’re hired?

What if you are diagnosed with Lupus AFTER you’ve been working at a certain place? Are you honest and tell your boss? Do you discuss your limitations and any possible accomodations you might need?

My job has accomodated me greatly. Right now, I work only a few hours a week. I have a special ergonomic chair that was given to me when I asked for it too. I’m also able to get up from my desk whenever I need to in order to take a break/breather.

I’d be interested in knowing other people’s opinions/experiences with holding down a job/career while dealing with Lupus!