Applying for jobs: to disclose or not to disclose?

[SarahMia227]

Hi everyone,

I'm applying for a new job at the moment. It's a total career change, and would mean moving into the City (fingers crossed!)

A lot of the application forms have "equality and diversity" sections, gender, race etc. They also have questions about "do you have a disability", and I always tick no.

However, a few of the applications have also had a question along the lines of "do you have a health condition that is expected to last more than 12 months that has an effect on your day to day life?"

Honestly, the answer to that is yes. In reality, I've answered no. I know there are laws against discrimination, but I'm applying for a very traditional, male dominated career and I don't think disclosing my endo will do me any favours.

I was wondering though, what happens if I don't disclose and it later comes to light that I have endo and didn't tell anyone? Is that going to be a problem?

[luthien]

I know how you feel as my job is mainly working with males; I've been diagnosed with my condition during the time I've been working here and have actually found the workplace to be very supportive.

I had a chat with UNITE initially about whether to mention it, and the point she made is that workplaces can't discriminate and so a female condition shouldn't be considered any less than a general condition or a male condition, they're all considered equal.

In terms of medically, and heath and safety mentioning it is a good idea, because it's on your record and will be taken seriously, especially when it comes to illness or time off. I initially didn't say I had endo when I was diagnosed and when my sick days were flagged; I said I thought because it was a women's condition I was expected to just cope, but they said by law if you have a condition no matter what gender they have to give you equal consideration so I shouldn't feel that way. As my condition is now on record I have found my team and manager to be very supportive even though they are male; my manager just asked for the endo guide, and I'm guessing he read it, but hasn't asked about it. If I need time off I don't need to say much as it's time off for that. I've had it marked as a disability as during my really bad days it hurts to move around, so walking out during a fire for example I'll need assistance.

Have a look and print off the Endometrisis in the Workplace leaflet on: endometriosis-uk.org/public...

It's the one I gave to my manager.

[weekari]

Personally, I think you're better to disclose. It sounds like you're going into a fairly sexist environment which I get will be intimidating and make you want to show you're no different and should be treated the same etc. But you do have a chronic health condition and for you to be treated equally, you should not be treated the same as someone who doesn't have a chronic illness, it's possible that some considerations will be required eg with sickness rules. I think being open is protecting yourself.

I think you need to make sure you can be supported. You can still be kick ass and amazing at your job! 💪🏻