Opinions Please...

**K9karen** · 10-13-2005, 11:50 PM

As most of you know, I had back surgery in June. I'm still recuperating, can't sit for long and not allowed to bend or lift. Recovery time may take a year.
Anyway, I got an email today from my ex-supervisior (we're still great friends), giving me a heads-up on a job in my field at another company. It's about 45 minutes away, which is okay. But it involves sitting for 8 hours a day at a computer, mostly on the phone with clients. And who doesn't lift and bend during the day doing anything? I scanned their website and I qualify for the job. I don't know the salary, probably a lot less than what I was making, but I'm assuming it's tons better than the money I'm making on disability. On disability. if I go back to work, I can still collect for a year. I'd hate to start a job then realize I'm still to ill and uncomfortable and have to leave. I'm also a bit nervous about snow and ice in the winter and falling.
This is the 1st job in my field that's been available in ages. I'm afraid if I get hired and have to leave, I'd never have another chance once I'm healed.
What to do???

**Karen** · 10-14-2005, 12:11 AM

Is there any position you can stay comfortably in for 8 hours? If it's mostly phone work, is there a ergonomic kind of chair, or even a chaise you could have in your office that would facilitate it?

Any chance of working from home as it's a lot of phone work, or would you need to be in the office always?

**Cinder & Smoke** · 10-14-2005, 12:15 AM

Originally Posted by K9karen

I had back surgery in June. I'm still recuperating,
can't sit for long and not allowed to bend or lift.
Recovery time may take a year.

... a job in my field at another company.
... about 45 minutes away ...
Involves sitting for 8 hours a day at a computer,
mostly on the phone with clients.

I'd hate to start a job then realize I'm still to ill and uncomfortable
and have to leave.
I'm also a bit nervous about snow and ice in the winter and falling...

I'd send a resume and ask for an interview ...
And start out the interview explaining everything you've said here!

Sort of sounds like the kind of job you could do from your HOME!

Ask them to set you up with a puter and a phone link at the house,
allow for some "flexible hours",
and ebberbuddie should be *happie*!

EIGHT HOURS

at a regular desk
(not to mention adding a 2-3 hour bad weather commute)
is prolly NOT a good idea right now!!

/s/ Phred

**Cataholic** · 10-14-2005, 08:50 AM

I would not do anything that will or could affect your disability benefits. It isn't worth it.

**catnapper** · 10-14-2005, 09:16 AM

Depending on the company, I'd love to give it a try, but Karen was right.... you are eligable for a GOOD ergonomic chair. Not just one they label as ergonomic, but one that IS. Since I do this all day long for my job, here's what you'll need to ask for (then have them come to ME to buy the chair

)You'll need lumbar support, front knee and back tilt, adjustable arm rests. You should also have foot rests (believe me, they make a huge difference!) and a good articulating keyboard tray with mouse rest on the same mechanism.

If they don't accomodate you, then they ar not followig the rules of the ADA and can be fined. Don't feel shy about reporting them if they decline your requests! This is your long term health we're talking about, and if they wat you, the $500 they put out for the chair, keyboard, etc. is minimal for a great long-term employee.

**Edwina's Secretary** · 10-14-2005, 11:40 AM

From an employer's perspective....

I would not tell them about your back and any accomodations you need until you have meet with them and established mutual interest. There are lots and lots of reason not to hire a candidate. (And by the way... not all companies must comply with the ADA...it depends on the number of employees they have.)

You do not want to frighten them...and bringing up your back will...consciously or unconsciously...cause concern on a number of levels (accomodations, health insurance, absenteeism...) So, if you sell them on your skills and abilities first...they will be more receptive. And you can always turn the job down!

Plus...it is good practice toward getting back into the working world!

**lizbud** · 10-14-2005, 12:08 PM

I think if you at least apply for the job and do an interview, then you
might be better able to decide if you are really physically up to doing what's
required. You could always turn it down & give your own reasons, such as
commute time, etc. Do you think you could handle the drive time & sitting
for 8 hrs per day?