Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Job selection with IBS

Hi there! I'll just share my personal experience and maybe it'll help you. I'm a 'professional student' but I take semesters to intern and such. I did an 8 month assignment last year and let my boss and co-workers know right away that I had IBS. It was nice in that they let me leave early if I needed to (that rarely happened) but I got slapped with the "sick girl who doesn't eat" stigma which I hated!

I'm interning now with the same company and made no mention of my problems. I've been sicker this time, but my stubborn streak keeps me at work all day so no one knows the difference. I just recently told an upper level manager that I'm not super healthy and was trying a new diet and he's been great about it.

I personally don't plan on telling employers that I have IBS. I tend to make a 40 hour week no matter how sick I am but if I get too sick, I'll tell them I'm not feeling well and ask to go home, then make up hours later. If you feel you may miss an excessive amount of days or get behind on your work, then morally you may want to tell them but honestly, I wouldn't.

In my opinion, it's a non-issue until it becomes an issue (aka having to go home and rest for a day)

--------------------
~*If you can dream it, you can do it*~ Walt Disney

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator