Employing someone with a disability / long term illness?

[Arlie71]

Hi all

Am really looking for some feedback from employers / HR types.

Brutal honesty is what I am looking for (feel free to PM if you don't want to answer on a public forum).

So my situation is I have a life long illness that causes gout like symptoms and now in my 40s also have secondary arthritis (from the years of joint damage from the gout). The condition is constantly changing and affects all my joints, sometimes I cant walk, sometimes I walk with a limp, other times I can walk fine. Sometimes I can use my arms and fingers, other times they are like concrete and I cant move them, other times I might be able to use 3 fingers out of 5 etc etc.

As well as short term changes, I also have longer better/worse curve and am hopefully leaving a bad curve (last 6 years or so) and would really like to try and do some work.

In the past I have worked in IT (CRM Systems) but my knowledge is totally out of date. I have been self employed on and off for 20 years doing IT home help, so have no real CV or References to give. But on a positive note, I am fairly intelligent, very well motivated, and willing to work hard and put effort in. To start me off (and see how my body reacts to work again) am only looking at a weekend job. Being honest I don't want to return to the IT home help Self Employed role for two reasons, 1 the work has dried up lots in last 10 years as more people do it and also as technology has become cheaper and more reliable, 2nd I want to work for an actual company with some set hours and a guaranteed amount of money at the end of the month.

Am not looking for a career, just some weekend work and am happy to give most things a try that I am physically able to do.

So my question to the employers out there, is how would you recommend I approach you that would not just scare you off completely and persuade you to give me a crack at a job ? Or with so many people chasing fewer and fewer jobs should I just accept that an employer is always going to pick one of the "uncomplicated" applicants rather than risk the guy who might be ill.

Any feedback would be greatfully recieved.

Cheers

Andy :-)

Edited by Arlie71 on Thursday 24th October 17:56

[scrwright]

Think going contracting would be an easier bet than permie work in terms of finding a job. Would build up your CV a bit and a contractor is much less risk than taking on a permie

Edited by scrwright on Thursday 24th October 22:06

[Arlie71]

Thanks scrwright.
Am not looking for a full time position, just a few hours a week to do something and get a bit of money. Its more I am looking for some advice on how to approach employers / write application forms in a way that wont scare off the recipient :-).

[Pommygranite]

For a guy with buggered fingers that was written in a far finer fashion than some of the mongs we occasionally get on here!

I think honesty and a 'have a go attitude' which you seem to have speak volumes so good luck.

However the reality is employers may be fearful you would let them down.

I'd be honest and perhaps allude (when right to do so) you have no need for sick leave or pay and that you are only expecting reward for work you physically undertake

Good luck and good for you.

[Arlie71]

Thanks Pommygranite.

Any guidance from the day time readers ?

I really would like to find a way of getting some work. Do feel free to PM me if you dont want to write in public, even if its just to say that I got no chance of getting anywhere.

Cheers

Andy :-)

[mr_spock]

Look at Local Authority roles to start. If you're registered disabled they are obliged to give you an interview, which will be good practise for you. Also they're more inclined to support job sharing AFAIK. Then look out for free vendor seminars from people like Cloudcamp, NetApp, HP and so on to get up to speed with latest issues in IT. If LA doesn't pan out, contracting sounds like your best bet. If you can code, get some code on GitHub that you can refer people too. Start a blog. That kind of thing.

[Arlie71]

Thanks Mr Spock. Good advice. Although my last meeting with a DEA (Disability Employment Advisor) was fairly useless and pretty much stated that they don't have the funding or resources they used to have so cant really offer anything helpful. But this was 2 years ago so things might have changed.

But a very happy update from me, I received a PM from a fellow PH'er last week when I first posted offering me part time work involving testing websites his company develops. After a few emails and a phone call tonight it looks like I have found a job :-) :-) I write this in case any other people are in a similar situation and are just feeling stuck. If your in a Rut ask about, post on forums, don't be shy about just asking for advice or guidance, and be totally honest about your illness/problems, there are still people out there that can see skills and advantages for their company in an applicant beyond the initial negatives.

I first posted hoping to hear from HR types to gain advise on how to approach companies about jobs, not expecting to be offered a role straight away, but would still love to hear from any HR types out there with any tips for other disabled/ill people out there.

Anyway thanks to all who responded, a very big thanks to my new boss for giving me a chance, and don't give up to all those who are searching for work during difficult times.

Cheers

Andy

Now, do I spend the rest of the night brushing up on SQL or should I start searching for a nice W124 by Derin on the Barge thread :-)

[Shadow R1]

Well done, that sounds like a brilliant outcome.

[Viperz888]

I'm really happy for you, best of luck with the position!

[Art0ir]

Few days old, but also wanted to add congratulations on the new role.

[ChasW]

Likewise on late congratulations. My advice FWITW was going to be that there are lateral thinking employers there. The challenge is that you don't typically reach them through the established channels.