Tell firm about medical condition? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Within the past year, I was diagnosed with a pretty rare medical condition. It doesn't affect anything externally so no one would know that I have it unless I disclose.

The condition has the potential to interfere with my work efficiency and sometimes does, but I can push through it most of the time. However, even with medicine, I'm really uncomfortable everyday and it undoubtedly affects socializing because I'm in so much discomfort. Should I disclose this to the firm or just let it be? I don't want the firm to think I'm antisocial, but there have already been a few times this summer where I've stayed very quiet at social events because I'm focusing on the discomfort/pain I'm in. I've even skipped a few optional social events just because I wanted to go home and rest because the condition made me feel so miserable.

My concern is that if I do disclose, the firm could potentially hold it against me come offer time. Of course, they wouldn't say that's the reason I got no-offered, but I imagine it could be held against me. Is this a rational fear? Or should I just disclose?

[Anonymous User]

Within the past year, I was diagnosed with a pretty rare medical condition. It doesn't affect anything externally so no one would know that I have it unless I disclose.

The condition has the potential to interfere with my work efficiency and sometimes does, but I can push through it most of the time. However, even with medicine, I'm really uncomfortable everyday and it undoubtedly affects socializing because I'm in so much discomfort. Should I disclose this to the firm or just let it be? I don't want the firm to think I'm antisocial, but there have already been a few times this summer where I've stayed very quiet at social events because I'm focusing on the discomfort/pain I'm in. I've even skipped a few optional social events just because I wanted to go home and rest because the condition made me feel so miserable.

My concern is that if I do disclose, the firm could potentially hold it against me come offer time. Of course, they wouldn't say that's the reason I got no-offered, but I imagine it could be held against me. Is this a rational fear? Or should I just disclose?

I would say do not disclose unless it is physically noticeable. Otherwise they may say they understand in interviews but why give them another reason to ding you.


Edited: Didn't realize you were already at a firm. Try to find someone at the firm you are close with and ask them what they think. Either way, I would say do not disclose.

[splitmuch]

Within the past year, I was diagnosed with a pretty rare medical condition. It doesn't affect anything externally so no one would know that I have it unless I disclose.

The condition has the potential to interfere with my work efficiency and sometimes does, but I can push through it most of the time. However, even with medicine, I'm really uncomfortable everyday and it undoubtedly affects socializing because I'm in so much discomfort. Should I disclose this to the firm or just let it be? I don't want the firm to think I'm antisocial, but there have already been a few times this summer where I've stayed very quiet at social events because I'm focusing on the discomfort/pain I'm in. I've even skipped a few optional social events just because I wanted to go home and rest because the condition made me feel so miserable.

My concern is that if I do disclose, the firm could potentially hold it against me come offer time. Of course, they wouldn't say that's the reason I got no-offered, but I imagine it could be held against me. Is this a rational fear? Or should I just disclose?

I'm just talking out of my ass here but if your work has been solid and you've just missed social events I would disclose because while "reasonable accommodation" probably wouldn't include less work, it would likely include less social demands. In contrast, a summer with no medical condition as a reason who skips social events would certainly run the risk of the no-offer.

If you were at the interview stage, I'd definitely say don't disclose, but now I think there is a good argument you should.