Job Interview

I've had a pacer for eight weeks now. I have a job interview tomorrow for a part time warehouse position. It will involve a lot of heavy lifting. I enjoy doing this work. I've done it for years. I have been cleared by my Dr to do this type of work. I'm wondering if I should mention the pacer during my interview. I have a feeling once I do my application will go in the trash. I don't need the job. It's just to pick up some extra cash. I've always worked two jobs and I don't want to stop now. Has anyone else run into this? Will companies discriminate due to the pacer?

11 Comments

agree.......

by sis - 2008-08-20 11:08:11

I have to say I agree with Smitty on this one. I got my ICD in April of this year and Ive worked in a factory 14yrs this November and have a light duty restriction at the moment and they won't even honor it and try to find me something to do yet the accommidate everyone else with their back injuries and so on. I have had perfect attendance almost my entire employment history and they were giving me points against my attendance without me knowing. You can get let go for that very easily and when I found out I had to fight with the HR department so they couldnt have any reason to fire me. I just feel now that my job is threatened and since I got this they don't want me there anymore!! I have been job hunting myself thinking its time for a change in my life and I have been wondering that very same question if I have an interview someplace if I should or shouldn't mention it! Yes let us know how things work out and good luck with the interview!!!~sis

Job

by SMITTY - 2008-08-20 11:08:33


Hey Man,

My feelings on this is that you do not mention the pacemaker unless you don't want the job. If your doctor has cleared you to do this work, then accept your good fortune and let it go.

Of course I don't say lie and if you are asked a question where a truthful answer would mean telling that you have a pacemaker you should tell the truth. But I'll will bet that if you volunteer the information the prospective employer will automatically think "oh my God this fellow has heart trouble, and I know we don't want him on our payroll." To be truthful, I expect the results will be the same regardless of whether you volunteer the information or if you simply reveal the truth in answering a question.

It has been my experience that we that have pacemakers do suffer discrimination. It seems that most people that know nothing about a pacemaker think having one means we are crippled and that we can't do what we were doing before we got the pacemaker. When the fact is the majority of us are better physical specimens since we got a pacemaker because our heart has assistance in maintaining a steady heart rhythm when needed.

I wish you good luck and if you can let us know things turn out.

Smitty

Hi.....

by Bionic Beat - 2008-08-20 11:08:47

I wouldn't volunteer anything medical.

If you've got your docs' clearance, just enjoy the interview and land the job.

If there are medical forms to fill in for group insurance, then I'd be honest about it.

Be prepared that if you start to talk about health issues at the interview, you won't get the job.

They might also see you as a liability, ie they could be sued if anything were to happen to you on the job.

Wish you the best, hope you get the job...it's good to keep busy!


Bionic Beat

agree.......

by sis - 2008-08-20 11:08:59

I have to say I agree with Smitty on this one. I got my ICD in April of this year and Ive worked in a factory 14yrs this November and have a light duty restriction at the moment and they won't even honor it and try to find me something to do yet the accommidate everyone else with their back injuries and so on. I have had perfect attendance almost my entire employment history and they were giving me points against my attendance without me knowing. You can get let go for that very easily and when I found out I had to fight with the HR department so they couldnt have any reason to fire me. I just feel now that my job is threatened and since I got this they don't want me there anymore!! I have been job hunting myself thinking its time for a change in my life and I have been wondering that very same question if I have an interview someplace if I should or shouldn't mention it! Yes let us know how things work out and good luck with the interview!!!~sis

DONT TELL THEM ANYTHING

by pete - 2008-08-21 02:08:00

As employers lie to their employees for a pastime, I would have no difficulty in telling them that I was in good health especially if you have kids to feed. Good luck mate youve gotta look after number one. Cheers pete

good luck

by buddie - 2008-08-21 02:08:15

They can't ask you any health questions legally and you don't have to volunteer any information. Unless the job requirements are outside your ability, why do they need to know? I've had a pacer for 37 years and my current job for 25. Get your foot in the door first. Tell your friends later. Hope you get the job.

ADA esp Sis

by janetinak - 2008-08-21 05:08:48

Not sure if this applies but you may want to google the American with Disabilities Act (or equivalent in other countries). Also a legal aide group esp if disability oriented may be of help.

Good luck, Janet

Good Luck!

by Loopy Lou - 2008-08-21 06:08:20

Hi!

I would say go for the job interview and impress them - they should not ask you any health issues during the interview.

If you get the job you may have to fill out an occupational health form and obviously you would have to mention your condition then.

I agree with Heckboy - are you sure its a good idea doing that sort of lifting so soon after your op?

Anyway - go for it!! if it's what you want - and see if they offer the job before they know about your pacer!

xx

irrelevant

by Tracey_E - 2008-08-21 06:08:34

As long as you've been cleared by your doctor, there's no reason to disclose anything. It's no different than any other medical condition- none of their business as long as it doesn't keep you from doing the job.

8 weeks seems too soon

by heckboy - 2008-08-21 12:08:23

...to be lifting anything heavy. I wouldn't volunteer anything, but i would learn how to use a forklift and a handtruck.

Absolutely NOT!

by auntiesamm - 2008-08-23 12:08:58

Starting with Smitty everyone is right - do not tell or volunteer ANY INFORMATION about your health, lifestyle, credit, etc. It is illegal to ask these questions. Even once you are hired there is NO reason to ever tell anyone unless a situation arises in which you have no choice. Should someone find out and ask about it your answer should be: I am in far better off than most of the people here because I know my heart isn't going to stop unexpectedly, or something like that! The others can't say that. But, again, as they say in the military: don't ask, don't tell - well, it's something like that. There are no legalities involved in not telling about your PM. Good luck, I hope you have a great interview and are offered the job. God bless you.
Sharon

You know you're wired when...

Muggers want your ICD, not your wallet.

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