Has anyone had problems being hired again after being laid off ? (plant shut down and moved to Mexico). I have been applying to 4-5 open jobs every week to places in my state and 6 other states for over a year now, have gotten a few first interviews, but nothing beyond that. I am a tool and die maker w. 36 yrs. experience. I have been disclosing the fact that I wear a pacemaker after the 1st interview process, so as to be up front about everything. I'm thinking perhaps that is a mistake to do so, and since I am confident I can still do the job, I would just like to be given a chance to do so. I received my implant about a month or so before the plant shut down. I know the sluggish economy is a factor, but I am thinking prospective employers consider a PM wearer too high a risk to hire OR insure on group health ins. plans. At age 58, I would like to be able to think that my career is not over. Any advice or similar experiences?

 

 

I do not think it is necessary to mention the PM. It should not effect you being hired or doing your job. So unless asked. I would not offer the infomation.

 

I have no knowledge in this area, but as a personal opinion, I would not think you would need to disclose any medical condition unless it might affect your job. I am retired and soooo glad, but my pacemaker is like having another body part. It is just part of my body and I forget I have it. I don't know, but could that even been a 'bias'? Like in race, age, religion, etc.?

If your pacemaker does not cause any physical symptoms which an employer might need to be aware of, I would not mention this. Your pacemaker is NOT a handicap.

Good Luck to You,
Carolyn G. in TEXAS ~ Have A Great Day ~

 

If they don't ask and it doesn't affect your work, then it is none of their business. They can only use it against you and if there are two candidates and one has a PM and one doesn't and they are equal... who do you think they would hire? So I agree. If they don't NEED to know... don't tell them.

 

I'm not sure they can even ask about your health. All the HIPPA laws make it extremely precarious to even mention an individual's health. I certainly wouldn't volunteer information about a health issue. The reason for the PM and the diagnosis make each of us unique, and some of us have physical limitations while others don't. I'm sure their group insurance carrier would rather they pass on you in favor of another candidate so I don't think I would disclose the information. It's a little like the question on "have you ever been convicted of a felony?" You wouldn't say "no, but I have over a 100 traffic violations"..If they don't ask, don't tell...

 

Unfortunately, it's not a simple issue. There are many factors at play on this issue. From my experience, as the employer, the biggest issue for companies is not the cost of insurance or even the risk factor as much as it is the probability that they will be sued for any accident or death due to the proclivity in this world for people to sue over everything. Right and wrong, and personal responsibility no longer seem to matter. Additionally, not all patients with a PM or other implant can be treated the same, it's the underlying heart condition. You do represent higher risk for serious injury in general, and if the manufacturer says that you should not work with machine shop equipment then the employer is taking a huge risk hiring you. So why should they hire you and risk losing everything when there are so many experienced people unemployed today.

This should be an opportunity for you to do something new, you're young enough, no reason you can't remake yourself. You could even use your vast experience to do other things. For example Tool and Die design, with the years experience you have this would be a good fit for you.

Good luck in your endeavor.

 

Ive gone from earning the equivalent of 35 dollars an hour plus expenses for 40 hours work, to earning 9 dollars an hour with no expenses for 7 hours work. Damned irritating, but such is life. All due to my heart. Mention your heart problem at an interview and you have stabbed yourself in the back. Why not set up your own business as a toolmaker? Take an attitude of "to hell with the lot of them" Keep right on to the end of the road, beat the buggers at their own game-a positive attitude helps a lot. I never got depressed- just annoyed. But I remain cheerful. Cheers Peter

 

I never tell people about my health untill they offer me a job then i tell them. ( I also have a type 1 allergy to latex) I don't want my health to implement on me getting a job, personally i wouldn't apply for a job if i didn't think i could get and don't want to be peanalised because of it.
I have been suspended from a job because i started with a severe allergy so unfortunatley once biten twice shy.
Mel x

 

I had my pacemaker in November of 2004.

My husband and I bought our first house in 2005...

I could not get life insurance on the house because of my pacemaker. So when I die, Lloyd will be left with a mortgage (if we still owe any $).

If Lloyd were to die tomorrow (gawd forbid) - the mortgage is completely covered and I don't have to pay a dime.

I don't know how it works in other parts of the world, but that is how it works here in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Pookie

 

Okay I hire people and have for many years.
Health quetions should only come up when you apply for group health if offered.
I could care less about your PM unless it is a problem for you being around some types of equiment.
Of course I have a PM and at age 60 still out work these lazy kids of today.