Claustrophobic & new job wants me to fly

I posted this in the UC forum but thought I'd post it here too.

So I recently got offered a dream job for me. It's in a field that I'm really interested in and it's with the government so the benefits would be awesome, but I just found out they want me to fly at least once or twice a year (including once soon for training) and I am severely claustrophobic. I've flown before and I didn't used to be this claustrophobic but now it is really bad.

I really don't think I can do it, and I think I'm going to turn the job down because of this. Just really bummed and wanted to vent. Please don't respond telling me I am stupid for passing up this opportunity...I've had enough people telling me that already.

I have a different job currently that I really hate so that makes it even worse.

I asked if I could drive from Indiana to Oregon on my own pay and my own time for the training and they wouldn't let me.

Hi and welcome! I agree with P.C. I think that is infringing on your rights to not allow you to drive for your training, and future assingments. I would look into this! If you have health restrictions (and they don't need to know the specifics) I don't think that you can be forced to fly. Also if you don't want to mention the claustrophobia, you could tell the prospective employers that flying could cause a flare of UC. (they may be more respectful of a physical illness)
In any case, I hope that you can come to a resolution in this. I am sorry that you are being forced to make a potentially hard decision.
Take care, and let us know what happens:)
Scaredy Cat

I don't know what's considered a disability as far as employment and the law are concerned. Maybe if claustrophobia isn't covered another diagnosis might be, like panic disorder or an anxiety disorder that you may also have. Plenty of people have "situational" anxieties. Or as Scaredy Cat suggested maybe you could tie in the UC.

I know it's not up to me, but I would think if you're only being asked to travel once or twice a year (and especially if they know in advance when you'd be asked to travel) I'd think it would be a reasonable accommodation to make, even if you had to also make up the time you "lost" while driving. It would be like flextime.

Well, even if she does have legal protection from ADA, I don't know if it's something she'd want to stir up with a brand new employer. For practical reasons. That said, I took a company course on ADA every year when I used to work in a management role. Things like claustrophobia weren't generally covered back then but clinically diagnosed anxiety/panic disorders definitely were. The problem is "reasonable" accommodations are left to interpretation. In this case, if I were her manager I would not want an employee driving across the country for liability reasons.

But here's the thing, Sara...if you take the job offer, they know now that you have an anxiety disorder. After you're hired you'll have to let them know again in writing. You could try to work on your claustrophobia in the meantime, but if that first flight you take is really bad, I'd think it would be easier to get an accommodation. If it's six months from now and you've demonstrated that you're capable of handling the position except for the twice yearly flights, I would assume they would be more willing to work with you at that point.

You said it was your dream job, and I'd just hate to see anyone pass such an opportunity up. I'm not saying you'd be stupid if you did that; nobody is in a position to judge you. It's your decision. But you may find that once you're in the system things may be a little more flexible than they appear to be right now.

percycat said...

On the flip side, terribly sad though it would be, I also think it's okay to be true to yourself about whether you really feel you're not ready to tackle this obstacle yet. You'll grieve, and friends might give you a hard time and not understand, but you have to do what's right for you.
percycat

Thank you for being so understanding.

Thanks to everyone. Your feedback is much appreciated.

Hi Sara

'I'm going to the doctor next week to ask about anxiety meds for the flight. I've never taken any before so if anyone has any suggestions, let me know. :) '

I blew a big contract 15 years back by exiting a plane before it even left the ground. All told, a better decision than to have exited after..
I had to fly long-haul from London though about 3 years ago, with my partner, and there was no getting out of it. I got some Valium from the Doc's, and took one tablet half an hour before boarding, and a couple of times during. I was ok, it took the edge right off.
You're right to see your Doc - good plan.

Good luck and best wishes

Thanks, guys.

helltoheaven - What do you mean when it was a better decision for you to get off the plane early than to have existed after? I'm glad to hear the Valium helped you.

Oh, that makes sense. Thanks. I like the quote in your signature.

I'm glad you took the job. I think you're going to make it through this and will be happier as a result. Sometimes it's painful to make progress, so it may not be easy, but you can do it. I'm sure the Xanax will help out a lot. Good luck!

Just wanted you all to know my flight last week went really well! The xanax helped a ton! And having my boyfriend with me was great too. I barely felt claustrophobic at all and didn't panic. I can't believe i almost passed up my job because of this...soooo glad i didn't! Thanks for all your support. :)

Awesome. Ultimately, leaving our comfort zones is the only way we can truly beat back anxiety.