Tags
disability, discrimination, editors, employment, mental health, mental illness, schizophrenia], stereotypes, stigma, the art world is different, words, work, writing
I’m slightly heartbroken. I haven’t written about this until now because I was trying to lay low about it, but I applied for a job and found out yesterday I didn’t get it. Initially, I applied for the job online. The company had me take a test. I found the test to be one of the more difficult I have taken for employment. I must have done well on the test because the company scheduled an interview. I interviewed and thought I did well. The company then set me up for a computer conference interview with two other employees. I thought that interview also went well. Part of the interview was another test. I didn’t do great on the test, but I didn’t bomb it either. In the years since I graduated from college, if I made it to the interview I almost always got the job.
I can’t help it, but I keep thinking there is a possibility that the company Googled my name and came up with dozens of articles about schizophrenia. This is the second time since I decided to disclose my diagnosis publicly that I have been turned down for jobs I was highly qualified for and after I went through lengthy highering practices.
I have tried working a few times in the last few years, and it hasn’t worked out, but this was a job I knew I could do. It was a work from home customer service job. I have years of experience working with the public in difficult situations.
It is possible that they found candidates that they thought fit the position better than I did, but the possibility that they discovered my diagnosis of schizophrenia and chose not to take a chance on me because of stereotypes and misconceptions, will never entirely leave my mind.
I wish I could find a part-time writing job because artists and editors tend to be less judgemental about mental illness than the general public. Also, I could work from home, be creative, and not worry about the symptoms that crop up on a daily basis.
I’m happy that the writing world works differently than the rest of the world – you pitch to an editor if they like your story they either tell you to write it on spec, or they buy it outright. I’m having a tough time selling enough articles to make a substantial paycheck, but I’m going to work harder at it now. I feel like I am personally fighting stigma, disability, misconceptions, etc. and that has put a determination in me to succeed and say, “See, I told you, I am worthy. See, I told you I am worth it.”
I want to be one of the ones who can make a livable paycheck and have their dreams come true at the same time. Stay tuned – let’s make this happen.
Look for much more writing to come.
Did you disclose your mental illness to them? I wonder if they were afraid that you might get sick and leave them? Did you tell them that your symptoms were mostly well controlled with meds?
Have you ever thought about teaching English online? There are a number of companies looking for people to teach Asian children English. And you can work from home. Something to look into.
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No, I didn’t disclose my diagnosis, but it is easy to find me online. Thanks for the tip about the teaching job!
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Terribly, my first thought was to develop a ghost name to write under when you write about mental illness in general but then realizes the totally contradicts the point of why you’re writing about it in the first place.
I know many potential employers will google candidates before offering jobs but is it not against the labour law in the US to discriminate based on what is found (other than things that are illegal or potentially so)? Mind you, I guess there’s no way to prove that.
It is very likely that there were a couple of qualified candidates and although you clearly were in the running, they just decided to go with the other. I hope that’s the case.
On second thought, your articles show insight, clear understanding of humanity and how important it is to treat Everyone with respect and understanding. Regardless of your diagnosis, I would think that would only help them see how competent you are, not deter them from hiring you. I’m going to hang onto hope that t was a case of someone else matching your qualifications and a decision that just didn’t go your way.
Don’t give up. The right one will come along. (I used to always get the job if I got the interview too. I find the older I get, the charm and good interviewing skills no longer impact the offer as much as flat out experience and wisdom; of which I think you have in droves).
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Thank you! I hope you are right, but of course we will never know. 🙂
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Oh Rebecca! I am so sorry you didn’t get that job.Don’t give up,the right one will work out.Hang in there,my friend.
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Thanks, Michelle! ❤
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Reblogged this on Its good to be crazy Sometimes and commented:
This is a great post.
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Hello,
I found your blog through Itsgoodtobecrazysometimes…
I’m sorry to read about your trouble finding a job… My grand father suffered from schyzophrenia and I have a close friend who is dealing with it too. I know how much of a stigmata it is just to say it out loud. People label you, not knowing anything about it…
I hope things will turn for the better soon for you 🙂
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Thank you! 🙂
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Personally, I would never discriminate against someone with schizophrenia. My Mom was diagnosed with it after my brother got cerebral palsy. There’s such a negative stigma about it in the world. It’s completely unfair, I’m sure you are qualitied for many other jobs. Just keep applying and be yourself, the right employer will come along, you just be patient. I think it’s asmirable that you are even sharing your story. Keep writing!❤️
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Thank you! 🙂
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