I have Stage IIA breast cancer and have 6 more rounds of chemo every other week followed by 12 weeks every week. Then possible lumpectomy and radiation.
I have been interviewing with a company and feel positive I will be receiving a job offer. I feel that they really like me and they have had me in three times and to meet the team. If I get the offer - when/how do I disclose to them? What do I discuss and who do I tell besides HR? I always like to be honest.
2 Comments
Sarah Goodell
Dec 4, 2014
Cancer and Careers Staff Comment:
Hi Debra,
Thanks for reaching out and congratulations on the successful job search! I have sent your question off to our coaches who will be in touch soon.
In the meantime, we have some resources that I think will help you. Deciding to share your diagnosis is a very personal decision, we have a number of sections on our site to help you think through how to do this, if you decide you would like to disclose. These sections include: Should You Tell, Who to Tell, When to Tell, How to Tell and What to Tell. They can all be found under our Sharing the News section here: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/Sharing-the-News
I hope this is helpful and please let us know if you have additional questions. A coach will be in touch soon.
Best,
Sarah, Associate Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers
Julie Jansen
Dec 5, 2014
Career Coach Comment:
Hi Debra, Congratulations on your impending offer! This situation is probably causing you stress though which is understandable. If you read the info Sarah told you about then you know that there is no right or wrong answer about disclosing your situation.
It is important to think about the implications of telling HR and/or your prospective manager about your situation and need for time off. In addition to needing time off, they will also wonder about your ability to do your job effectively especially as you will be learning a new job.
If you feel more comfortable being honest, then definitely tell them but be very prepared to explain in detail when you need time off, how you will be handling chemo and what you will do to compensate.
It sounds as if you are going to wait until you receive an offer and then choose to tell them? Know that they may feel blindsided if you do this however you can explain that you did not want your situation to impact their decision negatively and that long-term you expect to be there for the long haul.
I can imagine that my response doesn't sound too definitive either way however I am reluctant to tell you what to do. It is more important that you are fully prepared for all reactions and questions.
Good luck!
Take care, Julie
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