Working with Crohn's - any advice?

@Astep19‍ 9‍ The best recommendation is to find a job that has a boss that is understanding with your medical condition. I found that being open at interviews has helped because managers are more likely to be willing to help and are impressed with your drive. But the best is to get a work from home job.

I am currently working in compliance and luckily I am able to work from home. 

Thank you , I will try the at home job. I’m always open about my health and I’m always told they’ll make sure to work with me but it never goes that way 😒. 

@Astep19 disability is possible for those with Crohn's as long as the condition meets the severity and other requirements. Each person's diagnosis of Crohn's differs in severity and each person's ability to control it differs... so what one person may be able to do with Crohn's another may not. The same goes for a job, perhaps some people can hold down a job that requires more physical movement or public appearance, while others cannot and require a job with more freedom, such as working at home... while others may not be able to do any, I think it ultimately comes down to the severity of the symptoms and the ability of it able to be controlled (flare v remission).

Don't compare yourself to what others can do, but think about what you can do in your body.

Hi all, I'm also interested in some advice, because I started a new job just as the lockdown started, so I barely met any of my colleagues in person and I've been working from home ever since. I had a flare up a bit ago but as I was fortunately at home and managed to handle it. I haven't really had the chance yet to talk to my boss about it and I feel like it'd be a better conversation to have in person than over a video chat or a work-related call.

What do you all think?

@rachelle4evr Hello rachelle4evr, thank you for your comment. You raise a great question, let me ask some members what they think.

Hello all, how are you doing? Have you made your boss or employers aware of your Crohn's? Were they receptive? How did you broach the subject with them? Feel free to share your experiences and advice!
@Callie22‍ @Geo2077‍ @rythm4hall‍ @Samifrogg‍ @uhhhian‍ @Kfor1992‍ @emmahayes6‍ @Jadaneal00‍ @Shikamaru11‍ @fitstart74‍ @Julesbird58‍ @lisa_searle‍ @JasonMcCabe730‍ @Russellj‍ @frank24‍ @Parkour18‍ @cheryl.matthews‍ 

Take care,
Courtney

@rachelle4evr Hi rachelle, I've been away for a bit so I haven't seen what's been going on on the site. Congrats on the new job! I agree, it may be better to talk about it in person, or at least over a video call where you can see each other face to face. I don't know what others think, but I think it's important that you at least tell you manager or supervisor about it. For you, it can lower some of your stress and you won't feel like you need to hide it or come up with excuses when you have a flare or need to run to the restroom. And then for your boss, it can let them in a bit and get to know you, and he or she can make accommodations for you if you need it or be flexible on your schedule. I was open about it when I was hired at my company from the get-go, but I know that some people aren't as open about their diagnosis as I am or want to disclose during the hiring process.

@rachelle4evr Let us know how it goes! Or how it went if you already did the deed!

Hello,

I've had Crohn's for over 32 years and many jobs (lol, it happens) I don't think I have ever told my condition during an interview, but once I had the job I informed them.  I did find out that working as a front desk clerk at a hotel is not a job a person with Crohn's should consider, or a supermarket checkout clerk! So I was lucky enough to enter into the computer realm as a Computer Operator. There are times when the gut starts to ache and you do have to excuse yourself and not at the best moment (ugh, it happens). But having an understand supervisor makes a world of difference! I do agree talking to them either face to face in a private one-on-one or in these days a video chat would be a considerate thing for you and them.  I don't know how sever your symptoms are but I would save my vacation days for the bad days, probably why I've only taken one vacation in my life (but that was one heck of a vacation  which would be a tale for another time.)   I think working from home would be ideal if you can find one.  I hope this helped! 

I think that you have done more than necessary through out your working, your so conciderate of others, that shows a lot about your personality and they were all lucky to have you as an employee. Now days theres lots of on-line work from home jobs, but better still is the business you can work from home with. I would suggest that for more freedom of time and the ability to make much more money or to work less time, and vacation or holiday more. Which brings me to this question, subtlerose, can I hear about that one vacation you said was a whole differant story, that sounds like something I want to hear about.  Stephen

I think we're in a good time for people with chronic conditions like us because I think after the virus we'll be see more jobs going remote. I'd definitely recommend a remote job if you can, so that way if you have a flare you can take care of it.