By: Carina Diaz
All I remember wanting when I was really sick was to have my own apartment and a full time job like my friends. I’ve been working a 9 to 5 job for almost three years now and have fully experienced the pros and cons. What I didn’t realize until I started was that managing my IBD is a job within itself. Balancing the two can be very exhausting.
The accessibility that remote work provides has really changed the game.
Deciding to disclose that you have IBD to your employer is a difficult and personal choice. I have been very lucky that at my current and previous jobs, I’ve felt comfortable talking about my illness. Not only that, but COVID-19 has made the world embrace remote work, and as someone who deals with fatigue regularly, this has helped me a ton. I don’t have the energy to get up every day, make breakfast, shower, and commute to work. The accessibility that remote work provides has really changed the game.
It can be tricky in an interview to gauge work culture, but I’ve found that it’s very important to ask as many questions as possible on it. Below is a list of some examples:
How would you describe the work environment?
What is your management style?
Which company value do you more relate to and why?
What are the qualities of the top performing employees?
What does work/life balance look like at your company?
These questions can help give a clearer picture on what the company is expecting from their employees. Do they micromanage? Or do they just care that you get the job done? Do they work more than 40 hours a week? Are the top performers workaholics? What are the benefits and perks of working there? The answers will reveal a lot.
It can be tricky in an interview to gauge work culture, but I’ve found that it’s very important to ask as many questions as possible on it.
Another perk of my current role is having unlimited PTO. If I feel like I need a day off to rest, I’m able to do so. It’s not just a nice vacation perk. Organizations like Chronically Capable are great resources to find jobs that have flexibility. It helps to start your job search with a list of “must have” qualities that you’re not willing to compromise on. Tiktok has also been a really good resource on building a resume, interview tips, and how to plan a job search.
A “must have” on my list is being open about having IBD in the interview process to gauge how it’ll be received. I mention having monthly doctor appointments, but that this wouldn’t get in the way of finishing tasks. Most companies I’ve interviewed with have said that’s no problem, and I’ve been very lucky in that regard, but not every organization will be that way.
There are laws in place to prohibit discrimination, but unfortunately not every employer is willing to be flexible and offer appropriate accommodations. I feel very lucky to have positive experiences when joining the work force so there are good employers out there! For me, being open about my illness is a way of advocating for myself and ensuring that my needs are met.