I agree with Zorg - I would never tell an employer now either. I've learned that it's better for myself to use the diagnosis so that I can get the medicine that helps me and to understand my situation so that I can accomodate myself. However, I've not generally found that it's too helpful to tell others.
I am not, however, in a type of work that the medicine could cause a hazard. What kind of work do you do?
I have worked for a major corp. for 16 years. 2 months ago I told my supervisor about my ADHD, I felt I had to due to the hazardous work I do and the meds I would be taking. I wanted to make sure there were no safety issues.
Hi, rthomas,
Question: is this the first time that you ever received a negative review in your entire 16 years?
It saddened me to read your post because this very same thing happens to most people that disclose medical conditions to an employer. The very same thing happened to me. I had just divulged a chronic neurological pain problem to my last employer when all of a sudden a layoff came. I was the only employee to be laid off even though I had more senority than one other co-worker. To this day, I believe I was laid off due to my medical problem. And since the reason was company financial problems there is no way I can prove my case in court so I had to let it go.
You see, an employee who discloses medical problems do it at their own risk and usually at their peril. The employee will usually be laid off or out right fired. And another thing, management automatically knows that the employee is a high risk now, and more of a liability than an asset. Also management knows that the employee will cost the company due to medical insurance claims thereby raising the employer's insurance premiums the following year at open enrollment. It turns out being a mess all the way round if the employee is honest and forthright, which companies should appreciate, but instead they penalize for honor.
If it were me, I would not say anything more about the entire ordeal. I would bide my time and start looking for another position immediately. The company you are presently with cannot disclose your medical problem to a prospective employer due to privacy issues. Do not wait for your present company to use your medical condition as an excuse to let you go. Say bye-bye to them before they can use it against you.
Good luck.
mostirreverant -
You describe yourself as someone who may be considered irreplaceable - developing patents that others wouldn't be able to produce. In another post, someone in the military described his security in his job and therefore choice to talk about his add. However, most of us are replaceable in our jobs and do not have as much security.
What do you mean when you say you'll save it until you need it?
rthomas, It actually sound like they are just taking advantage of the situation. That they are using your condition to rip you off. Perhaps you should show them the sharp edge of your sword...
[QUOTE=yellowdog]
mostirreverant -
You describe yourself as someone who may be considered
irreplaceable - developing patents that others wouldn't be able to
produce. In another post, someone in the military described his security
in his job and therefore choice to talk about his add. However, most of
us are replaceable in our jobs and do not have as much security.
What do you mean when you say you'll save it until you need it?
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=rthomas]Jabg man
Not sure what you meen about the sword???
[/QUOTE]
It is a figure of speech. I think that you should "show your teeth", "Rattle your sword".... make a point, that you are very unhappy about the situation. I wouldn't stand for it... I would surely make some kind of protest. Perhaps I would tell them, that you will decrease your performance, so It is fitting to their evaluation...
As much as I'd want to decrease my performance if i were in your situation, I would be concerned that the decrease in performance to match the review would perhaps play into their hands and give them a reason to fire you or at least to pay you less.
Have you considered talking to a lawyer in your area and also to a union rep (if you have one) - I mean without telling your employer that you're doing these things, of course. It would be interesting to find out how much or how little power you have before you make your next move - so that you can make the best move.
You were discriminated against. You can prove it based on your previous record, and the series of events and accusations made since your admission. I'd mention that to someone in the legal community, and watch THEM salivate. The SWORD is your ability to take this company to the cleaners, and them make them pay for the ride back. Your call.