Could you go back to your old job or career, or have you had to start again?
Bridgette said that she recently had an interview where she shared that she is a survivor of stroke with the interviewer. She suspects that it may impact their decision to hire her or not.
What are your thoughts. Do you say, or not say?
Hi Bridgette
This happened to me too, I was in an interview, informal in a cafe, with two of the interviewers. We had been chatting away and I was answering all their questions as best I could, they were then telling me about when I could start and the process etc and I mentioned it at the end as I was starting to tire and this was followed by the sound of crickets and I never heard from them again. Leaves you wondering if you should disclose or not but my reasoning is that how do I then explain the sudden and dramatic onset of fatigue and slurred words and possibly followed with some slight stumbling ? I figured it was better to disclose up front so they don't feel I wasn't honest about my condition and I then don't have to try and cover up what is going on, I just wanted to be open and honest about it. I mean you are not obliged to disclose a disability, it is up to the individual. I think it is a lot easier returning to the same workplace you were in pre-stroke if that is possible. It wasn't an option for me due to the physicality of the work I was doing, I knew I couldn't endure the long drives, climbing ladders, crawling on the floor and carrying heavy awkward things. I now work in the family business, farming, that we have run for a long time, as I work it around my therapies, family and my disabilities, so it works, it just isn't the line of work I was trained to do. I now do that work for family, friends, neighbours for the love of it and I sometimes get giftcards etc which is fine by me as I can take as long as I need, no pressure. It's not my ideal situation but I'll take it. Do you say or not say? Some may so it is no different to someone who overembelishes their experience or skills just to get the job, I think it is an individuals choice as to what they are comfortable with, I personally have never claimed anything I couldn't do, because that is just my personality, so I would disclose, but I totally get those who choose not to, given this, I will have to accept that I am probably not getting the job. I do think there could be value in doing "work experience" with employers you are interested in, this gives you feedback on how you are actually going and a try before you buy scenario for both parties. Good luck on your search Bridgette
So I was lucky enough to return to work at the same workplace after my stroke. Fortunately for me they were very patient with me and understanding. I did reduce my hours dramatically. In all fairness it probably took me two years to build the physical and mental stamina to get back into full time work. However I have since been for numerous interviews, my current job is the only one I mentioned in the interview that I was a stroke survivor. What helped is that someone in my employers family had also suffered a stroke a a young age so I think this made them more aware and understanding of my circumstances. But as I said as a survivor I am one of the lucky ones. Things are a lot harder but I don’t really have any limitations.
I didn't reveal at my interview, got the job but found I was struggling with fatigue because I was in a shop and had to be on my feet for eight hours, three days a week. I told my supervisor and immediately felt a shift in her attitude. She started treating me differently, talking slowly, telling me over & over how to do simple tasks and even told me I wouldn't be trained to make coffees because it would be an OH&S issue. I found it was having a detrimental effect on my physical and mental health so made the decision to resign.
Yes but tell them you have certa9n limits because you had a stroke or put it in your resume you have very minor limits because you had a stroke but you are very capable in doing yo7ur job , that way they know exactly what you can do , it's always best to be honest , if it doesn't effect your job then you will be treated equally , who know the future employer can prove they don't discriminate if you do the same job as others do , and they appreciate your honesty . It's upto them to choice the best candidate , stroke or no stoke .
