Should I disclose to my boss that I have migraines?
October 8, 2015 2:34 PM Subscribe
I recently got a temp assignment at a company where I've been applying to work. I like what I do, I like my team, and I respect my supervisor. My first week went very well, but a bad migraine -- and my doctor readjusting my medication for same -- has hampered my work performance. Help?
I am currently working as a proofreader for a nonprofit. During my first week and a half of employment, I was able to do my work with aplomb, and my direct supervisor both told me and the agency that placed me here that I was doing excellent work. Unfortunately, I suffered a terrible migraine at the end of last week and left work early. Earlier this week my doctor readjusted my medication, and I've been feeling slightly lethargic and foggy while adjusting to the new dosage.
In the past few days, my boss has sent me a few emails pointing out some obvious typos I've made in documents. While her words have been constructive, she also made a comment that I would be the final person to read documents before they went to layout, and she didn't want to have to do additional work. I know I made the mistakes because of my new medication.
I disclosed my migraines to two people related to this job: my supervisor's assistant (whose permission I needed when I left work last week) and my recruiter, who advised me against speaking up because (paraphrasing again) my boss probably has a lot to deal with without adding my health to the mix. I don't want to seem like I'm making excuses for my bad performance, but I also know there have been extenuating circumstances.
I want to make a good impression here, and I got a lot of positive feedback from my supervisor and my team before my migraine. I don't want my boss to think I'm slacking or have lost interest in the job. I've been taking her advice to read more slowly and to hide Track Changes, but should I say anything to her to indicate that my dip in performance was not entirely my fault?
I am currently working as a proofreader for a nonprofit. During my first week and a half of employment, I was able to do my work with aplomb, and my direct supervisor both told me and the agency that placed me here that I was doing excellent work. Unfortunately, I suffered a terrible migraine at the end of last week and left work early. Earlier this week my doctor readjusted my medication, and I've been feeling slightly lethargic and foggy while adjusting to the new dosage.
In the past few days, my boss has sent me a few emails pointing out some obvious typos I've made in documents. While her words have been constructive, she also made a comment that I would be the final person to read documents before they went to layout, and she didn't want to have to do additional work. I know I made the mistakes because of my new medication.
I disclosed my migraines to two people related to this job: my supervisor's assistant (whose permission I needed when I left work last week) and my recruiter, who advised me against speaking up because (paraphrasing again) my boss probably has a lot to deal with without adding my health to the mix. I don't want to seem like I'm making excuses for my bad performance, but I also know there have been extenuating circumstances.
I want to make a good impression here, and I got a lot of positive feedback from my supervisor and my team before my migraine. I don't want my boss to think I'm slacking or have lost interest in the job. I've been taking her advice to read more slowly and to hide Track Changes, but should I say anything to her to indicate that my dip in performance was not entirely my fault?
The goal is not to blame the medication or your migraines. When you try to say it's not your fault it's often interpreted as "this will keep happening". So give her confidence that you understand the impact of these mistakes, and have the resolved the issue so it doesn't happen in the future.
Sincerely apologize. Mention that you were on medication with unexpected side effects that have since resolved. Not a lie, you've adjusted to the new dosage. In the future, you will be more vigilant about possible interactions given that you are the last line of defense in catching all errors before print.
posted by politikitty at 3:22 PM on October 8, 2015 [5 favorites]
Sincerely apologize. Mention that you were on medication with unexpected side effects that have since resolved. Not a lie, you've adjusted to the new dosage. In the future, you will be more vigilant about possible interactions given that you are the last line of defense in catching all errors before print.
posted by politikitty at 3:22 PM on October 8, 2015 [5 favorites]
I'd just apologize very sincerely and give yourself the time to be scrupulous in your proofreading. I am sorry to say that there is a huge amount of discrimination in employment towards people with any medical condition, and this job does not sound like one where you have a track record. (I am sure someone as conscientious as you creates great track records normally.) So I'd keep the medical information strictly to yourself.
If you do disclose, I'd formally ask for an accommodation, via a letter from your doctor. At least that will invoke some legal protection. But as I said, I wouldn't disclose myself until I was more secure in the job.
posted by bearwife at 3:36 PM on October 8, 2015 [4 favorites]
If you do disclose, I'd formally ask for an accommodation, via a letter from your doctor. At least that will invoke some legal protection. But as I said, I wouldn't disclose myself until I was more secure in the job.
posted by bearwife at 3:36 PM on October 8, 2015 [4 favorites]
Response by poster: Thanks for the advice, folks. I was trying to find the right intersection of apologizing for my less-than-stellar performance this week, acknowledging the extenuating circumstances, taking responsibility, and recognizing the importance of my job. Your words have been helpful and encouraging.
posted by pxe2000 at 6:57 PM on October 8, 2015
posted by pxe2000 at 6:57 PM on October 8, 2015
Response by poster: I sent an email to my boss this morning that read (paraphrasing): I know that my performance has slipped this week, and I apologize for that. I've felt a little under the weather this week, but I'm feeling better. I've been following your advice about [formatting], and I'm also taking my time to make sure I catch as many efforts as I can. Again, my apologies for the slippage, and I look forward to a better week.
Nowhere did I mention my migraines, because I thought that would be weird.
She responded with "no worries, I'm getting over a case of bronchitis and I know how you feel."
Mischief managed.
posted by pxe2000 at 8:14 AM on October 9, 2015 [6 favorites]
Nowhere did I mention my migraines, because I thought that would be weird.
She responded with "no worries, I'm getting over a case of bronchitis and I know how you feel."
Mischief managed.
posted by pxe2000 at 8:14 AM on October 9, 2015 [6 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by notquitemaryann at 3:11 PM on October 8, 2015 [2 favorites]