Disclosing sz/a to a potential employer

For those who have disclosed their sz/a diagnosis to a potential employer… You’re familiar with the butt-clenching moment of terror where you’re watching their face(s) and wondering if your advocacy has just cost you a job and the income that comes with it? Am I right?

My policy is to always disclose to potential employers. Hasn’t cost me a job yet, but the anxiety is something else. Wondering how others feel about this.

2 Likes

I would never disclose.

But I am also an unskilled worker, so the places I could work have high turnover, tons of applicants and churn 'em out quick. Maybe if I had some sort of valued skill I would feel more confident, but I’m too replaceable to admit to having any problems.

1 Like

I tell employers that I treat this particular health condition like a golf handicap and that I’m a very good golfer. I also point out they are more likely to have problems from any diabetics in their employ than from me (wonky blood sugar while driving a truck = bad).

I’m not sure I would disclose it either. But big respect to those who have the guts to do it.

I feel that those of us with sz/a who can work have a responsibility to let employers know that others with our condition are a safe bet as well. There are a tonne of positive stories about people with sz/a out there, but they aren’t being told because no one wants to have their boss mentally peg them with that dude from last week’s episode of Criminal Minds.

I don’t disclose to the general community, but I do try to make sure that employers and the people I would consider ‘thought leaders’ in my community know that the label on my container doesn’t necessarily jive with its contents.

4 Likes

I would never disclose.

I would never disclose…its stupid to do it.

1 Like

I have disclosed several times, and twice during job interviews. The interviewers (from two different companies) were friendly and understanding. They assess people based on skills, no prejudice or whatsoever.

Having said that, I am yet to disclose my illness to my current employer!

2 Likes

I have told a few people at my job site and wonder if I should have. I absolutely would not make it fully public, especially when interviewing. There is such a stigma that might overshadow the fact that I’m really good at what I do. What I do is work with learning disabled kids in the public education system. I worry even if a parent would find out that they might freak out and get me fired. For me, not only is there no reason to tell since it doesn’t affect my work significantly, but there is a danger in telling.

1 Like

I feel the same way in regards to being ambassadors of sorts, but I need my job! The risk is too great ( in my mind anyway)

I completely understand. I have the luxury of Mrs. Pixel having a solid job, so I am not left financially bereft if disclosure blows up in my face. This has not always been the case.

1 Like

I would be very careful disclosing a SZ/A diagnosis to an employer.

I was discriminated against at my previous job site for disclosing a bipolar DX.

Be very careful.

2 Likes

i disclosed recently to my volunteer co-ordinator whom asked me outright if i had schizophrenia, i had to say yes but it was hard for me to come out and say that and i accepted the consequences of it i guess, luckily she was really good about it and it didn’t change a thing, she just said she would keep it confidential and that there is a counsellor that i can phone or talk to in the office which is really handy, she is also easing me into it and now i am pretty keen to start i think.

3 Likes

I didn’t disclose when I was hired back in 1978 and the question (thankfully) never came up after that.

2 Likes

My understanding is that legally a potential employer can not ask, and we do not have to tell. Really, when you think about it, it’s a silly concept. Would they ask potential employees if they suffer migraines, have diabetes (as pixel mentioned), are having marital/relationship problems, or any other circumstance that has the potential to affect their job performance? Experience, education and ability should be the criteria.

2 Likes

They can’t ask anything beyond if your health will allow you to perform in a certain job role. E.g. Are you fit enough to do a job requiring heavy lifting, or will you pass the required physical for a truck or bus driving job?

Edit: This is in Alberta, Canada. Legalities are different in other jurisdictions, obviously.

1 Like

I only worked in restaurants or stores, so basically in restaurants they always ask how we deal with high stress.

If they ask that, the answer is that you deal very well with high stress. If you don’t, you’re applying for the wrong job. The details of how you cope or whatever else you deal with is none of their business unless/until it affects job performance. I used to work in galleries. I loved it, but the sales and social aspect of it eventually got the better of me and I had to admit that it was the wrong field for me.

2 Likes

Yeah I agree, I was just saying

1 Like

if an employer had in front of him two identical CV’S outlining all their good qualities and skills but then noticed on it it had the words ‘i have schizophrenia’ they would think twice and say to themselves ‘do i really want to take a chance on this guy’

2 Likes