Having a job and staying employed is important for many MSers

Stuart SchlossmanAdditional MS resource sites, Misc. MS Related

   https://shift.ms/ms-and-work-series-1
Having a job and staying employed is important for many
MSers 

Just like any other employee, you want a successful and long career, to be
supported to perform well and have the opportunities to progress. It’s an
employers responsibility to ensure you have what you need to feel valued,
understood and supported.

Unfortunately, some employers aren’t equipped to support
people with long term conditions, often the lack of knowledge,
understanding and training is the cause. Over the past few months, we’ve
been working on a number of resources that can encourage changes and
provide useful resources for the community.  
The Shift.ms MS Reporters have interviewed a number of
leading employment specialists about the difficulties you face in the
workplace and also explored the topic of disclosing MS at work.  
Rebecca Armstrong, a HR Consultant and an MSer herself,
provides expert advice on applying for a new job and disclosure.
  1. Let your experience shine
    through, no need to disclose during the interview.
  2. At the point of offer,
    make a decision about disclosing.  
  3. If no adjustments are
    needed, perhaps consider whether there is a need to disclose at this
    point.

Carla King, MSer and advocate, has some advice for those
preparing for the disclosure conversation.
  1. Prepare for the
    conversation and pre-empt the questions that you could be asked.
  2. Write down – what are
    your barriers or struggles? How are they affecting the MS? What
    could the solution be? This could be an action you can take or your
    manager could take. Once recorded, prioritise what the deal breakers
    are and what you would be willing to adapt to. This will help the
    conversation.
  3. Keep it professional – no
    need to share info about treatment, refer to things that will only
    affect your working day.
  4. Pick the environment and
    timing well to keep the situation relaxed and calm.
All the interviews including Rebecca and Carla’s can be
viewed at www.shift.ms/ms-and-work-series-1.
The second series on MS and Work coming later in the year
will explore different support schemes available for MSers at work
including managing symptoms, reasonable adjustments, and what to do if
you’ve been treated unfairly because of your MS.
Sarah

                      
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