How to Tell Your Employer About a Rare Disease

Monica the Brave

Navigating whether to disclose your rare disease to your employer can be challenging. While it is entirely your decision, sharing this information can offer benefits, such as reasonable accommodations that support your ability to perform your job. It can also foster understanding and support in the workplace.

That said, you have the right to privacy and are not obligated to disclose personal medical details. However, if your condition qualifies as a disability under the ADA, your employer is legally required to provide reasonable accommodations.

If you choose to disclose:

• Schedule a private meeting.

• Clearly outline any accommodations you may need.

• Consider educating your employer about your condition.

• Know your rights under the ADA.

For additional support, consider reaching out to a disability rights organization or a support group. You are not alone in this journey.

Making a Career Pivot Without Starting Over

Karen in Miami

The key to a successful career pivot is effectively showcasing your transferable skills. Your expertise remains valuable, even if you’re shifting industries.

Steps to Highlight Transferable Skills:

1. Identify relevant skills – Research the skills in demand for your desired industry and match them with your experience.

2. Tailor your resume and cover letter – Use industry-specific keywords and provide concrete examples.

3. Use a cover letter strategically – Clearly explain your career transition and how your skills align with the new role.

4. Network – Connect with professionals in your target field, attend industry events, and seek mentorship.

5. Be open to learning – Consider taking courses or certifications to strengthen your expertise in the new industry.

6. Stay patient and persistent – A career shift takes time, but strategic moves will help you reach your goal.

How to Find Job Boards with Real Jobs

Just Looking to Help

Finding reliable job boards is crucial to avoiding outdated or misleading postings. Some great options include:

• Remote Work: We Work Remotely, Remote.co, Remotive, FlexJobs, Pangian, Working Nomads

• Tech & Startups: Wellfound, NoDesk, Skip The Drive

• Curated Listings: Brianna Doe's Pallet Job Board, Remote Work Junkie, Flexa Careers, Jobspresso

Regularly updated job boards ensure you’re seeing real, current opportunities.

Miserable at Work and Considering Freelancing?

Conflicted

Being unhappy in your job is tough, but before making any major moves, take a step back and evaluate your options.

Steps to Help You Decide:

• Journal daily – Track your work experiences, wins, losses, and ideas for freelancing.

• Assess your work situation – A bad job doesn’t mean corporate life isn’t for you; it may just be the wrong fit.

• Experiment with freelancing – Test it out while still employed (check your contract for restrictions).

• Understand freelancing realities – It’s flexible but requires self-direction and constant client acquisition.

Ultimately, only you can decide if freelancing or another corporate role is the best fit for your future.

Should You Push Back on a Job Rejection?

Heather from Nashville

Personally, I don’t believe in pushing back on a hiring rejection. Here’s why:

• You want to work for a company that sees you as their top choice.

• Convincing a company to hire you may not result in the best long-term fit.

• A rejection is often a redirection to a better opportunity.

That being said, some professionals have successfully challenged rejections—if you’re interested in that approach, check out Darren McKee’s insights.

Handling Multiple Job Offers & Timelines

Confused

It’s stressful when you receive an offer while still in the interview process for another opportunity you prefer. Here’s how to navigate it:

1. Express gratitude for the offer – "Thank you so much! I’m really excited about this opportunity."

2. Request the offer in writing – "Could you please send over the full details?"

3. Reach out to Company #2 – "I’ve received another offer but you’re my first choice—would it be possible to complete the process sooner?"

4. Communicate your decision timeline – Let Company #1 know when they can expect your response.

Being in a position to choose between offers is a great spot to be in—best of luck choosing the right fit for you!

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