HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Employment issues...frustrated.

Support Forums
>
Crohn's Disease
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 3/27/2012 4:21 PM (GMT 0)
So last summer I worked as an airbrush artist for a company that does custom artwork inside of amusement parks. During that time I was considered to be one of the best newbies they ever had (overall, I made the company over $7,000 profit by myself working part time and never having airbrushed before). Well, at the very end of the season, I had a very bad flare up and had to go on medical leave (they knew I had Crohn's before they even hired me).

I was very hurt when I found out they didn't ask me back for this summer....however, I gave them the benefit of the doubt and emailed my boss to let her know that I was doing better and would like to work another summer. She told me they had already filled up all of the spots, but if they had an opening later they would let me know. Well, I ran into my supervisor from last summer and he told me that they had plenty of positions open but that I should contact the boss and see if I could maybe work in a different department so he could possibly switch me over (back to airbrushing) after I was hired. I did e-mail her again but now she's just not answering my email.

It feels to be so glaringly obvious that she's not hiring me back because of my illness. I feel like a failure for not being able to finish last summer out. I should have been able to just press through it for the job I loved so much. There's no way to prove that she's not hiring me because of my Crohn's...but I can't think of any other reason, and my supervisor seemed just as confused as I was.

Now, I'm not even sure if I want to go back- especially if I'm going to be treated that way. It makes me feel very insecure about getting another job (let alone one that pays so well and is something I love). I also got turned down in a job interview for a different job in January because I was 5 minutes late to the interview because I came directly from the ER (I had a kidney infection).

Any advice about how to deal with this situation/getting another job in the future? I feel so hopeless in the face of this disease and trying to get on with my life. It seems like every time things get going well, it rears its ugly head and messes everything up.
Posted 4/2/2012 1:58 AM (GMT 0)
I don't know the real answer to your question but I wish I did. From being on here the last few years, it seems like some people find great places to work where people treat them like human beings and others don't.

Hang in there, I hope something will come along for you!
Posted 4/2/2012 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi sorry to hear what happen to you but you should go back to where you worked and talk to the boss again give it a try you got nothing to lose maybe she didnt get the email,, same thing happen to me but I made a mistake of just going ghost on them and not telling my boss about my disease and be strong theres hope for us its funny im saying that cause this disease has caused me to lose the life I loved I lost my job this is the 2nd semester where I payed for college and had to end up droping all my classes cause of crohns and got no refund might not even be able to enroll in college any more not only cause wasting money but also I wont reach the required credicts and in only 19 and laying in the hospital right now wondering if im even ever gonna be able to work with this disease or just gonna be a burdden on my parents
Posted 4/4/2012 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
I feel so badly for you. It's tough enough managing a chronic condition, worse yet trying to start and find a career you enjoy.

I think what's most important to remember is you have to do what's best for your health. Continue taking care of yourself, and don't give up.  Try  again with the job you loved, or just keep looking and keep a positive attitude - something will come your way.

I'm fortunate that I'm a little older (36) and have been working for years. I've been able to establish myself and learn my job (software industry) well enough, that when I got sick a year ago, I was able to get permission to work at home 4 days a week.  This flexibility has been such a blessing for me. For me, I know that I could not work (right now, anyways) if I had to stand all day, if I couldn't dart to the bathroom in a second's notice, and if I couldn't rest when needed. Those are my limitations and I'm thankful that I'm still able to work.

Maybe you can continue your education, even with online courses? And try to pick a career path where you will have flexibility to work part time, flex time, work at home, etc.

Posted 4/5/2012 2:52 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your replies, everyone. :)

I actually am going to school right now, this is just a summer job for me...but it is one that has advancement possibilities in the future.

I appreciate everyone's sympathy and I've come to a point where I've accepted what happens happens with this. Yeah, it sucks, but at least I'm feeling pretty good right now. I shouldn't let them take me down.

But that doesn't mean I'm giving up with it. I just made a phone call to their office to just...remind them they haven't answered my email. I'm okay with being a thorn in their side. lol
Posted 4/6/2012 5:41 AM (GMT 0)
I understand the work issues too...had to drop out of college due to the Crohn's and I can't do online courses for the field I was studying in. I've also been turned down for the part time jobs I've tried to get, and can only assume it was because of the Crohn's because they seemed to like me at the interviews up until the point where I'd ask to be able to keep a drink nearby, or make sure that my frequent bathroom trips wouldn't be a problem. I understand that some people would rather not tell an employer, but I would rather be upfront about it rather than have them find out later if something were to happen on the job relating to the disease. I was urged by a fellow Crohnie in town to apply for disability even if its just for a temporary income, so I have, and have a hearing in May for it.


Astro
Posted 4/19/2012 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
Ya it sucks! we can't have a normal life + they give us more problems (Boss) I have something for you since your so good with air brush, since I was fired to lets say because of my crohn's I desided to start my own business and when I dont feel good I stay home and no question ask, except to the bank of course lol! when I hire people and they are sick I say take your time you are welcome back anytime, I know what is it to be sick and I understand, but ya you should start your business and show them you can do it, good luck and I realy think air brush is a nice business, in my town anyway they make allot of money because not everyone can be a real artist. have a good one and take care of yourself first.
Gaby
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply