Ask HN: Diagnosed with a incurable chronic disease, should I tell my employer?

#1

Post by throwaway665654 » Sun, Apr 30, 2023, 10:56 PM UTC

I've been diagnosed with an incurable chronic disease a few days ago. I don't know yet the severity of my case as more tests are needed.

Most likely I'll still be able to physically perform my job (SWE in big tech company) in the next few years.

Right now, I'm pretty shocked and I'm not sure I'll be able to work at my fullest until the situation stabilises.

Should I tell my manager and my team about this? or simply take a sick leave? I know there are laws against this, but I'm worried this plays against me.

Re: Ask HN: Diagnosed with a incurable chronic disease, should I tell my employer?

#2

Post by eschneider » Sun, Apr 30, 2023, 11:07 PM UTC

Absolutely not. If you need accommodations, then maybe have that discussion, but until then, NO.

Re: Ask HN: Diagnosed with a incurable chronic disease, should I tell my employer?

#3

Post by draw_down » Sun, Apr 30, 2023, 11:24 PM UTC

[dead]

Re: Ask HN: Diagnosed with a incurable chronic disease, should I tell my employer?

#4

Post by WheelsAtLarge » Sun, Apr 30, 2023, 11:28 PM UTC

No, don't tell your employer unless it directly affects you current workload. Even then be careful what you divulge. It's best to minimise what you share. Once you let people know, you will never know how the information will be used. Keep your situation ambiguous until you really can't keep it from them. You have the right to your medical privacy.

Re: Ask HN: Diagnosed with a incurable chronic disease, should I tell my employer?

#5

Post by ekianjo » Sun, Apr 30, 2023, 11:35 PM UTC

No benefit in telling your employer unless it directly affects your performance now.

Re: Ask HN: Diagnosed with a incurable chronic disease, should I tell my employer?

#6

Post by bombcar » Sun, Apr 30, 2023, 11:37 PM UTC

I wouldn’t tell them UNTIL (and maybe not even then) you’ve had time to reflect and decide some things for yourself and what you want to do.

Re: Ask HN: Diagnosed with a incurable chronic disease, should I tell my employer?

#7

Post by SonOfKyuss » Sun, Apr 30, 2023, 11:58 PM UTC

No. And look into FMLA if you haven’t already. Among other things, it allows for a reduced workload while preserving your job

Re: Ask HN: Diagnosed with a incurable chronic disease, should I tell my employer?

#8

Post by qup » Mon, May 01, 2023, 12:09 AM UTC

No

And if you decide to, you should make that decision one day in the future when the shock has worn off.

Re: Ask HN: Diagnosed with a incurable chronic disease, should I tell my employer?

#9

Post by Brianwiz » Mon, May 01, 2023, 12:11 AM UTC

Sounds like something that would be good to consult a lawyer about

Re: Ask HN: Diagnosed with a incurable chronic disease, should I tell my employer?

#10

Post by pinewurst » Mon, May 01, 2023, 12:19 AM UTC

No way and no matter how friendly and supportive you think coworkers are. Only if accommodations are required.