Hi
I was in a similar situation here in the U.K. I had only worked for a large
International Insurance company for 8 1/2 when I was diagnosed. The first
thing I did was to check whether I was covered by any company illness or
disability benefits -qualifying period was 9 yr. employment - next I went to
the union to see if they would support me and to ask for their advice. As my
condition was not affecting the ability to do my job I decided to hold off
telling my boss until after the qualifying period ( which was perfectly
acceptable ). After the qualifying period I told the my boss who was very
supportive. about 7 months later I applied and my application for early
retirement from the company was accepted. I may have been lucky with the
response of my employer - they were great about it - but I think it is
important for you to be well informed of the options and benefits available
to you before you tell your employer.
good luck
James
----- Original Message -----
From: William A. Parrette <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: 02 November 1999 22:52
Subject: Re: HELP - Telling Your Boss You Have PD
Hi all,
On Tue, 2 Nov 1999, George Person wrote:
> ...
> I realize that the time is coming when I should tell my boss that I have a
> physical problem or be direct and say those words I have avoided at work,
> "PD". With the possibly of a reorganization, I wonder what I might be
asked
> to do in the future.
>
> I hope that there are those who have experienced this situation and are
> willing to share their process and insights regarding how to make it as
easy
> as possible.
> ...
Well, George, that is a tough one. Can't say that I've *ex-
actly* been there and done that. But, I had a similar problem.
When my symptoms first appeared, I was doing contract work.
As, the diagnosis became more clear, I determined that I needed
to find a full-time job that had benefits. So, I started looking
for full-time employment.
At nearly the exact same time, as employment opportunities
seemed to swell up and then quickly fade away, one of the compa-
nies that I had been doing some contract work for called me up
and made me a full-time offer. My response was that I might have
some health issues that would limit the amount of travel I could
do (a *big* part of the job) and that I would get back to him as
soon as I had investigated a few remaining, non-travel opportuni-
ties.
I eventually called him back and he inquired as to the "health
issues." I told him about the PD, he said that he had noticed
some tremors, but that he couldn't discriminate against me even
if he wanted to because of the American's With Disabilities Act.
He said the job was still open, I accepted, and by some miracle
was accepted in their health plan.
That was some two years ago.
So, (in my typical long-winded way) I would say that you
should let your boss know as soon as possible. And, if he is not
already informed, maybe try to educate him as to what he might
expect in the future with some PD literature or Web sites.
All this, of course, is IMHO -- it sounds a lot easier to do
than it is in practice. But, I believe, the sooner the better.
Good luck ...
Bill--
...who knows that two wrongs never make a right -- but three might.
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