latest little gem

[Jules2]

Well it is not exactly the latest and yet it still is sticking in my throat. Whilst seeing someone from a govt department with regards to my seeking new employment it was mentioned that "you can't exactly ... well ummm you know ... ummm .... guarantee that you are going to be around *insert fade away to nothing here* .........................." Then we quickly moved on to something else when I think she heard what she had said. I was a tad gob smacked over this one. Afterwards when i thought about that I realised I should have asked "where is your ticket that guarantees that nothing will happen to you?" or something similar. It is a degrading and hard enough process without having to hear that sort of comment.

[samex]

That was similar to when a friend (an old and very good one at that) asked when I was diagnosed whether I would converting my super pension to a lump sum now? She didn't want my family to miss out on any of my entitliements. She is still a a very supportive friend in the long run, but sometimes people just don't think do they? S

[Jules2]

S Goodness did that hit right in the stomach? Glad you have been able to remain friends though. I have a very good friend who is still trying to put me back into the person I used to be. We have had a small chat about this and I explained I am not the same person anymore. Of course the core of me is but i have changed in a short space of time. No they don't think and with this organisation I have now gone through three people who don't think. They have organised volly work in a palliative care dept, then it was someone who decided they would do my resume and put ms and cancer as part of the jobs i have done in the part 5 years or so. Now it is someone who when being sent a copy of a letter of application she crossed out nearly the entire letter and has rewritten it. This is all after telling them that I am fragile and have lost a lot of confidence. I am over it all and really at a loss as to where to turn with all of this. Julie

[Sailor]

Hi Jules2 What an insult! I hope you mentioned discrimination law. If you feel up to going back to work, then those sort of questions should not be asked. You may inform people as a courtesy. I'm retired, but busier than ever and get asked to take on quite a few tasks. Initially I was reluctant to take on anything with a time line greater than two years. That went on for, four years, then six, then eight. Seems a bit silly looking back. I also realise that having survived, or living with, cancer we have a lot to offer in the workplace and that the change we have gone through is good. Work on the positives - what you have to offer. Make a list of them and put them in as work advantages. Go back to the person who did your resume and ask if she would also draft a letter of application you can use. Take care Sailor And when men lose confidence and trust in those who lead, order disintegrates into chaos and purposeful ships into uncontrollable derelicts. Wall Street Journal Editorial 1952

[craftyone]

What a cheek!!! You should have said that you have much better medical attention than them and if anything did "pop up" it would be noticed a lot earlier than most other people. A friend of mine said that his mother couldn't get travel insurance because "she'd had cancer", as he said she would be less likely to have any major health problems because she is more aware of her health as is her medical team. It is a pity that we always think of these things to say well after they are needed, maybe go armed ready for these senseless comments next time.... craftyone

[Jules2]

Sailor No I didn't mention that to them, to be honest i was gobsmacked and it was only after the appointment that I thought about it. Now that would be scary asking for them to write an appication letter when they list two of my jobs as illness. Ohhh I can just see it ... i am experienced in knowing what veins people should try and use. lol Actually I wrote an application letter and they have changed it all. When i made it clear that I was not happy with that and I really could not see the point in applying for work experience if I could not even write an appication letter. I have told these people I am fragile and have lost confidence. The whole system is only designed to further put people down. The individuals within the system are no better ... i had a phone message yesterday and the tone of voice was most contrite and yet the terminology used was not. So I ponder who needs to look at their language skills. 🙂 I am glad you have gotten to the stage where you don't measure your life in years. I think the first time I was diagnosed with cancer I didn't have time to think about much at all. Having a small baby meant that my focus was on him and not so much on my illness. This time i find it is the system that now causes me stress and concern and I detest being in this situation. This is just one thing that has happened with this organisation ... most of it is just unbelievable and yet it is true. Cheers Julie

[Jules2]

crafty Yup it was a cheek and not necessary to say either. I have thought of all sorts of things to say afterwards. lol Like your version though and will tuck that one away for future reference. The problem is I always hold back on things like this. A couple of reasons ... one being I cannot see the point in trading off and another is that this woman was pregnant. Just a pity that these people don't consider others and get off their little power trips. Ahhh i feel better now ... thank you :) Julie

[flight]

Your post reminded me of an experience I had at a bank. I was talking to one of the customer service people about savings accounts when he became VERY serious. He stated "I have something VERY important to talk to you about. It is something that EVERYONE SHOULD have...... Life insurance" !!!! I wasn't sure how to react to that one- do I laugh, do I cry or do I get angry. Or do you just say very enthusiastically "Thanks!! You're the first organisation to EVER offer ME life insurance!" Flight

[Jules2]

Flight Crickeys ... i don't know it is hard isn't it? Sometimes we are just stumped on how to react, just as you were. Did you walk away shaking your head?

[carolyn2]

had the discrimination due to my hearing impairement its a nightmare