Quote:
Originally Posted by jo_thorne
I agree. You wouldn't say "Oh, by the way - I have chronic kidney stones. Just thought I should tell you before they flare up."
I have been in the situation before where I ended up telling my employer because my work was being affected. I was lucky that I had a laid-back boss and we talked about whether there was anything he could do to help (yes, flex-time) and I agreed to keep him updated. It was a situation that lasted for a few months. It can be risky to tell your boss. Always a tough call.
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You know, it's interesting you mention the kidney stone example. I knew a guy who suffered from Crohn's Disease (in addition to depression). He was having trouble finding a job because he seemed to think it was necessary to inform his potential employers in the interview that he had occasional flare-ups and would probably miss work a bunch. I really couldn't understand why he was shooting himself in the foot like that. I think he thought it was the "honest" or "right" thing to do somehow.
Employers are not going, in general, to be "honest" with you or do the "right" thing by you--certainly not before they hire you!
I'm glad you were able to work out something with your boss at the time, Jo. I think when you already have the job the situation becomes so much trickier. In some ways I think people have a little more protection because I think it is easier to get away with not hiring someone because of an illness than firing them because of it, legally speaking. Of course, some employers are jerks and will find ways to make your life miserable enough that you want to quit on your own. It can be really hard to know what to do!