Predjudice or sheer bloody ignorance?

[dragongiraff]

I'm a Forensic Auditor by "trade" - background in admin/finance via. local/central govt. Late 40's but suffered a brain injury in 2006. Now epileptic but controlled by medication. Only thing "wrong" with me is no short term memory (I still practice karate 3 x weekly!) But why, when I go for an interview and my condition comes up for discussion do the barriers go up? Ive even been told more than once that Im too well qualified for a job! Is this predjudice or sheer ignorance on the part of the recruiter? Anyone else had similar experiences?

[bednobs]

i have had the complete opposite experiences to you. I have a long term condition, but have never not got a job because of it. I have always been upfront with prospective employers , but focus on what i CAN do rather than what i CAN'T do

[dragongiraff]

Hiya Bednobs - Good to read your views. Dont misunderstand, Im very happy with the role I have. Only restriction is obviously I cant drive - but when Ive got a "job" on I simply fly there or train it, taking my laptop & half my work is prepared before I reach my destination. Only real trouble is, if I suffer a 'GM' seizure, I can literally crawl under the desk and sleep for 6 hrs. Im always totally "up front" as you say - if not you risk instant dismissal for failure to disclose - its just that a lot of recruiters seem put off ot even intimidated by my condition.

[Chickadee]

I know exactly how you feel. I was made redundant from last job just before going into hospital for an operation to remove part of my thyroid. I had only been there 10 months so couldn't do anything about it, although I firmly believe that it was because boss was extremely squemish and I was going to have a scar on my neck!!
Cutting a very long story short I was eventually diagnosed with cancer and have had more ops and other treatment.
However, even though I would like to go back to work as soon as the word Cancer is mentioned you can see people shut down.

[dragongiraff]

Hi Chickadee - Agree completely with you. If I go for another position If anything I emphasise the bad things so recruiters know exactly what they would be getting but then the eyes glaze over, they lose the plot and the barriers come up. Thankfully there are still some enlightened employers around and I dont want to work for the "No Marks" anyway! Crazy thing is I can do 2 hrs of continuous, strenuous karate training 3 times a week but Im not allowed to run for a bus - work that out!

[Ethel]

Part of the problem I am sure is fear of litigation.

If you have a GM whilst at work and suffer injury - fell off the train platform, for example- they could potentially be sued for neglecting to protect you from injury knowing your condition.

Don't forget too that many people of your age will be claiming they are facing prejudice in the workplace simply because of their age.

The simple fact is that very often the job has already been allocated before it is even advertised - they are just going through the motions to satisfy any legal obligations re recruitment.

[dragongiraff]

Sorry its taken so long to respond - been in N. Ireland on a job. Dont misunderstand Im very happy with what I do and what I get from it. But whu "head-hunt" someone for a job, wine, dine & entertain 'em - then when it gets to the Boardroom, its more than obvious that they are more scared of you than they'd care to admit! Call me cynical (in my work its almost prerequisite!) but I certainly aint thick. Perhaps its their way of getting back @ an HMG Investigator!!