Since I'm applying for so many jobs, my mind is focused on employment lately. The best jobs for me, benefits, hours, salary, and all the side perks of being employed. I'm excited about this stage in my life even though I have no idea where it might end up.
Diabetes and employment can be tricky though. Especially when your health issues have been aired to the world via Blogabetes. I would never trade the honesty and the vulnerability that I've shared with you guys here, but it does make me wonder about how much my health will affect the job search and the final job offer.
I've been employed at least part time since I was a teenager. I've made some money of my own since I was about 11 or 12. It all started with babysitting, then it went to receptionist, then medical office, then blogger. There have been plenty of odd jobs in between too. But no matter what, my parents expected me to work for my movie money, my groceries, whatever I needed over these years.
So hard work isn't new to me. Full time work isn't new to me either. The ins and outs of a daily job...old news. Yet this transition seems different, seems scary.
For one, I've become very aware how much my health affects my life. And how much other people assume that it does or doesn't. I've heard plenty of stories over the years where diabetics were discriminated against because of their health past. Working through the job hunt process has been difficult.
I've applied for multiple health care positions, where a lot of my experience comes from my personal past. The knowledge I have of insurance companies...my own battle with them. The indepth way I can discuss medical problems...my own diagnoses. But I don't want to put that on a resume. I don't want to scream "Hey, hire this diabetic!"
Out of fear. Fear that they will judge me ahead of time. Fear that I'll be glanced over in the interview process because she's "that" girl. I know that stigmas are changing and that we are making progress. But I also know the people in HR who have said that a woman was a "bad diabetic" because she wore an insulin pump. I don't want that treatment before my strengths are even put on the table.
I'm a hardworking employee and I know this. I've called in sick maybe three times in the past five years. My parents work hard as well so I live by example. A migraine won't keep me out of the office. A seizure doesn't even keep me from school or cheerleading camp. So I know that diabetes will not interfere with whatever career I end up with.
I know that the highs and lows may be emotionally challenging, but my work will never suffer because of them. I know that the pain of chronic illness is difficult, but that I can hide it fine and proceed as normal. I know that the fatigue can get unruly, but I also know the ways that I can manage it and how I can thrive in the workforce despite it.
There will be moments that I just can't work. If I'm 40, I can't do much else besides sip Coke and tell myself that I won't pass out. I've had bad lows at work before, I know how to handle them. I know that my endo appointments take a chunk of my sick/personal days. It's the price that I'll pay.
This isn't my resume or my curriculum vitae. But it is an announcement to the world that I can do this and I will. You may see the resume and judge me. On my education or my work experience. But never on my health. Nothing gives you that right.
I am strong. I am able. I am ready and willing. Give me the reins because I'm ready to go. I'm ready to push full steam ahead to get my career goals in motion, to see promotions in a few years, and to love whatever I do. I'm here. Diabetes included.
Chin up, Lindsey, I've had diabetes since I was 10 yrs old and am now 55, and have worked a full time job for 38 yrs. Years back I hid my diabetes from everyone and eventually it caused embarrassment. Be open and confident. I have a CGMS and I told my coworkers and boss about it right away. Saved me the questions that could have come up. The employer should not be able to discriminate. If you feel they are, quote the American's with Disabilities Act. Yes, it applies to diabetes. Good luck with the job search.
Lindsay - Good luck with the job search. Unfortunately, whether it's legal or not, employers do look at health issues due to insurance costs. They want to keep them down. They may know that a condition will not interfer with your job performance, but will raise their insurance rates when they renew due to more claims. Unfair, but true.
Hey Lindsey,
I'm a 29 yr old Type 1 of many years and I've working in healthcare for a few years now and if anything it's been an asset! I have the same mentality as you do about it which is basically that I can do it. I actually talked to my manager about it in my interview and they saw it as an asset because I could relate to patients and it's really been true. People at work forget I'm a diabetic which is the biggest compliment to me. I've worked through ketones and 400 blood sugars when my pump site failed and had to sit for a few minutes during a 38 but you can do it and people will see that. Don't worry and good luck!
Lindsey,
I feel your pain. It all hit me the week of January 25th of this year. I found out that I was Type II diabetic, I had a heart stress test done and to find out that I lost my job that week. The results of my stress test showed that I had 98% blockage of my right cornary artery and 85% blockage of my circumflex artery. To date, I have been in the Cath lab four times and three stints later. I will then have another stress test in September.
As for the job hunting, I'm an MBA graduate currently doing a temp job, which I like, but does not pay the greatest. I too look for jobs and apply for jobs all the time. Then in interviews, they talk about accoutabilities lately, the only thing I can think about is my cardiac rehab and being accountable there along with testing my blood sugars.
Today, I had an emotional breakdown. I went off on the neighbors because their trash blew everywhere including in my yard. I even blew up with my mom, whom has been the most supportive of me and my wife. I just felt really bad about it. I will probably go home tonight and apologize to the neighbor for my actions and for calling the landlord so soon to get the mess cleaned up. I will also apologize to mom for the way I acted. This was all after I ate some doughnuts, the first time since January.
This diabetes, heart disease, losing weight, and jub hunting have been such a struggle. Not only physically, but know the stress might be getting to me. I have unexplained blood in my semen which now my wife does not want me until that is cleaned up. I don't feel much like a man today. This has really been difficult for a 39 year old man. One good thing is that I have lost almost 20 pounds since Janaury 25th and my A1C has gone down from 8.1 to now 6.5.
Lindsey, all I can say is just hang in there and keep being truthful about yourself to employers. The right job will come along and the right people will want you with them. Remember with God on your side, the joy will be found and hapiness shall return.
Hang in there! I'll be rowing the boat along with you!!