Fit For Duty?

      As a Baby Boomer,  we are are standing at the corner of  Coronary Disease Drive and Cancer Alley waiting for the Diabetes Type II bus.  It is a standing joke, that we check the obituaries on a regular basis to make sure that our name isn't in it.  When you add the stress of underemployment or unemployment, caring for aging parents and children that are unable to leave home, life can really seem overwhelming and/or depressing.   So what does this have to do with your job search?   Plenty!

      Our physical and mental health impacts the way we approach the job search process.  If we have health issues, your baggage  includes: having the stamina to perform the job, explain gaps in employment, qualifying for health or life insurance, need for time off, obtaining accommodations and disclosing information about yourself.   Your physical health does affect your mental health.  Several medical conditions ie hypothyroidism can affect your memory, concentration and emotional stability.  Other conditions, such as diabetes, and arthritis can result in chronic pain, which impacts your memory and can contribute to feelings of depression.  The net result is that you might be reluctant to apply for work because you are not certain that you will be able to perform all of the job demands.  You could be apprehensive about learning new material because you realize that your mental acuity is slipping.  

      In this day and age of drug testing, you are going to have concerns about taking medication.  Driving and operating machinery should not be done with many prescription and over the counter medications.   Disclosing information about the need for medication on the job is a source of stress for several reasons.  Requesting work accommodation is embarrassing and conflicts with our sense of work ethic because we do not appear ill.  Secondly, we often forget that perform certain activities (ie operating heavy machinery) are contra-indicated until there is an accident and the issue of liability has to be addressed.  Many people assume, that they will be left twisting in the wind if it becomes known that they were performing a task that was against medical advice.  Finally, we came of age in a time, when it was expected to have a drink with your co-workers on payday.  Imbibing alcohol is contra-indicated with many medications especially those for hypertension while  some drugs scan amplify the effects of alcohol so we become intoxicated sooner.  So how do you explain your drinking situation to yourself, friends and co-workers?

      The final insult to our middle age pride comes in the area of sexuality.  Yes, we came into our own during the age of Aquarius.  We knew about the pill and free love.  However, this does not mean that we will readily share our sexual exploits with someone that is young enough to be our child even if they are the human resources representative.  In other words, who wants to tell someone that looks like their kid that they now have to take medication for erectile dysfunction?  Again a physical condition, now is a source of emotional turmoil at work. 

       As a career coach, I can not give a one size fits all solution to this dilemma.   The first step is to have an open and honest conversation with your health care provider.  If you have been unemployed for a prolonged period you might be dependent upon a clinic for services and do not have the luxury of developing a relationship.  In that case, consult you religious or community center to determine if they have a nurse or medical social worker with whom you could discuss your concerns.  They can advocate for you should there be any questions about your treatment regimen at work.  Educate yourself about your medical condition and discuss your concerns with your union representative or human resources department prior to  being selected for random drug testing or other mandatory situation.  Know your rights and responsibilities by consulting the licensing board for your industry as well the state employment office.  Make sure you take your medication as prescribed.  Try to gain the support of your family and friends. 

      Being fit for duty, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act does not mean that you have to be able to perform every element of the job.  You only need to be able to perform the essential duties.  The number of medical conditions that are covered by this legislation as well as by the EEOC is extensive.  You can go to their websites to determine if you are protected under either bill.