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mercedes · Newbie Joined: 12 Sep 2007 Posts: 1 Career Advice: +0/-0

I have just been diagnosed with HIV - Should I resign from my job? This is a very difficult situation for me. I work for a firm in the town where I live and I am very respected by everybody at the firm. I would like to keep working their however if I stay I feel obliged to tell them about it. Then if I do I am sure they will not look at me the same way they do now. There is a probability that they will still fire me….and I will feel very bad knowing that the people at the firm for which I worked in the town where I live know about my condition. I am going mad, however if I leave I know I will go crazy without a job. Please help.###

lexa10881 · Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 12:21 am Post subject:

Unless your job involves constant medical contact where you might possibly infect someone, I do not believe you legally have to disclose your medical condition unless you choose to do so. Really, if you enjoy the job and do not want to leave it, it is best to keep quiet about it for now.

If you really think that you cannot remain there with a clear conscience, then start looking for a job elsewhere. You are probably going to encounter some tough questions at interviews though. Again, it is up to you if you disclose your medical condition. Legally, unless you might infect someone at work [like if you are a nurse] then I don't think that it is necessary to disclose your condition.

http://www.cvtips.com/interview_questions_about_yourself.html

ank06 · Expert Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 247 Career Advice: +1/-0

Sorry to hear about your condition. I really like you are aware of everything you are supposed to do. If the environment becomes dangerous, you're obliged to let them know. If not, it is up to you, but usually, you should tell them. Now about the leaving part, I doubt that any law stipulates you should be fired because you have been diagnosed with HIV. On the contrary. However, you should consult someone in this regard.

http://www.cvtips.com/r/should_i_resign.html

cv · Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 5:44 am Post subject: HIV And work advice

Do not tell anyone about this condition until you are ready to deal with the aftermath. I would join your local support group ask your medical practitioner for info on this. There are a lot of online support groups that can help you with this.
This forum can help you :
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/HIV/wwwboard.html

lexa10881 · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2007 2:03 am Post subject:

cv has given you some good advice: joining a support group might be a wise decision to help you deal with this overall, and others migh be able to give you some insighton how their jobs have been affected. Your doctor might have an idea of what you need to do concerning your job also, and there is always the option of asking a lawyer but I really don't think you need one unless you find yourself in legal trouble at some point. See what the support group and your doctor can offer you for insight first.

http://www.cvtips.com/how_to_resign.html

cv · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 8:41 am Post subject: HIV and work colleagues

Do not resign from your job!

Think about the medical insurance this provides you a routine and a support group of people you interact with a source of income. Would you you be ready to find another job in a couple of months ?

The moment you resign, you will find yourself alone. You will think much more and that is not what you need at the moment. Life goes on HIV or not there are millions of people in your condition. You need routine, a sense of purpose and to take things easy on yourself at the moment.

DO NOT RESIGN
REPEAT
DO NOT RESIGN

DO NOT TELL ANYONE

JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP disucss these issues with them

herindoors · Newbie Joined: 16 Sep 2007 Posts: 2 Career Advice: +0/-0

Your employer could sack you if you became unable to perform your job but HIV is treated the same way as any other serious illness - the employer must have considered reasonable adjustments before dismissing you as a result of HIV-related illness. You can find more information regarding your rights at http://www.aidsmap.com/en/docs/4B439975-26CF-4EB8-AEA1-82E63FFC4A60.asp

You don't have to resign or tell anyone at work. This is your decision and although you clearly feel that you want to 'do the right thing' I think you should seriously consider the fallout from your work collegues if you do tell them. Even if everyone reacts really well and is supportive you may change the dynamics of your relationships with people which could be stressfull in itself. Maybe you should just wait until you 'have' to tell them, and this could be many years later or maybe never.

Randy · Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 2:52 am Post subject:

Cool. I agree with everyone else this time!

Don't quit and don't tell them (based on those stated presumptions regarding the specifics of your employment).

We look back in time and mock those old "leper colonies" and wonder how anyone could actually burn others alive for being "witches," but look at the hysteria in our country these days.

As far as I can see, the very fact your first concern is about other people tells me you're a damned fine person in the first place and could always be trusted to do the right thing, the best thing.

I wish you nothing but the best.

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