My work history is pretty spotty. Partially by choice, partially by necessity. I’ve never been hired from a cold interview. I suspect that much of the reason why is because of my disability. No one wants to hire a candidate that limps, when there are half a dozen equally-qualified able-bodied applicants in the pool.
One reason I’m in academia is because I think it’s one place where my disability could be an asset, adding some ‘diversity’ to the hiring department. I also feel, usually, that my ideas and my teaching are valued more than my mobility.
Lately, though, I’ve been thinking about the challenges that I’ll continue to face throughout my life as I seek employment and face health insurance issues. I’ve also been wondering at how some of my difficulties/spottiness at mental recall may be related to my cancer treatments. This article about survivors of childhood cancer and their challenges in the workplace hasn’t done much to assuage some of my fears (kudos to TanyaSue for sending the link). Sort of discouraging…but I am hopeful that I’ve chosen a path that will give me the very best odds for success…
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