Diagnosed with long-term illness. Employment practicalities.
Discussion
Hello all,
Long term member under a throw-away account due having a few mates on here who I’m not ready to open up to just yet.
A bit about me; I’m a (generally) regular 28 year old lad. Planning to get married to my long term partner, buy a family home and start a family in the next year or two.
Recently I had a few odd symptoms and felt generally unwell so took a trip to the doctor. After a couple of weeks in and out of hospital for an array of rather invasive tests, I was informed by my doctor last week that I have a life-long chronic illness of quite a serious nature. In retrospect, I have probably had this for a while based on my symptoms. It will not kill me but likely will have a significant impact on my life; his words not mine. I am on some general medication now, awaiting further tests to assess the extent / severity of my condition.
The first thought that came into my head was that I may not be able to provide for my family. We have hopes and dreams (like everyone), of which some require a solid financial position. I have been fortunate enough to forge quite a solid career of ten years in my field so far so am relatively experienced and have also put quite a bit of money away for a house deposit / rainy day. I have a supportive family and partner who I know will look out for me as required.
As somebody who has never had a long-term illness, or any real illness for that matter, how does this work in practical terms? I have vaguely informed my employer of the circumstances and they have been accommodating so far. I am aware that a ‘bad turn’ could land me in a hospital bed for weeks or simply incapacitated for a period, certainly not suitable to work. I have had what the doctor considers ‘mild symptoms’ of late which alone have led to me having a week off work. I assume that if this becomes a part of life for me, no employer would leave the door open? My job requires consistent presence (who’s doesn’t, right?) and extended time off I just can’t see being acceptable. Furthermore, how on earth do I pay a mortgage, bills and provide a future for my future child(ren) if I can’t pull in an income? I assume there is some sort of state support for these periods?
Naturally, I am determined to stay able to work, and I am willing to fight for it. I need it for my sanity and self-esteem as much as the money! Also, I have worked hard to study and work for the past ten years, I don't want to give that up easily. The best approach I have come up with so far is to be open with my employer, give 110% when I’m feeling good so at least they appreciate my efforts when I’m not so good.
Been through the range of emotions in the past week; sadness, worry, guilt, optimism, pessimism, anger…
Any guidance or real world advice would be appreciated. I'm sure many have been in a similar position.
Long term member under a throw-away account due having a few mates on here who I’m not ready to open up to just yet.
A bit about me; I’m a (generally) regular 28 year old lad. Planning to get married to my long term partner, buy a family home and start a family in the next year or two.
Recently I had a few odd symptoms and felt generally unwell so took a trip to the doctor. After a couple of weeks in and out of hospital for an array of rather invasive tests, I was informed by my doctor last week that I have a life-long chronic illness of quite a serious nature. In retrospect, I have probably had this for a while based on my symptoms. It will not kill me but likely will have a significant impact on my life; his words not mine. I am on some general medication now, awaiting further tests to assess the extent / severity of my condition.
The first thought that came into my head was that I may not be able to provide for my family. We have hopes and dreams (like everyone), of which some require a solid financial position. I have been fortunate enough to forge quite a solid career of ten years in my field so far so am relatively experienced and have also put quite a bit of money away for a house deposit / rainy day. I have a supportive family and partner who I know will look out for me as required.
As somebody who has never had a long-term illness, or any real illness for that matter, how does this work in practical terms? I have vaguely informed my employer of the circumstances and they have been accommodating so far. I am aware that a ‘bad turn’ could land me in a hospital bed for weeks or simply incapacitated for a period, certainly not suitable to work. I have had what the doctor considers ‘mild symptoms’ of late which alone have led to me having a week off work. I assume that if this becomes a part of life for me, no employer would leave the door open? My job requires consistent presence (who’s doesn’t, right?) and extended time off I just can’t see being acceptable. Furthermore, how on earth do I pay a mortgage, bills and provide a future for my future child(ren) if I can’t pull in an income? I assume there is some sort of state support for these periods?
Naturally, I am determined to stay able to work, and I am willing to fight for it. I need it for my sanity and self-esteem as much as the money! Also, I have worked hard to study and work for the past ten years, I don't want to give that up easily. The best approach I have come up with so far is to be open with my employer, give 110% when I’m feeling good so at least they appreciate my efforts when I’m not so good.
Been through the range of emotions in the past week; sadness, worry, guilt, optimism, pessimism, anger…
Any guidance or real world advice would be appreciated. I'm sure many have been in a similar position.
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