Congratulations on the new job! I probably wouldn't say anything until you're officially employed there and have started working for them. If you find that your fibromyalgia is causing you problems at work, if you need special accommodations, or it makes you need to miss work, talk to your boss or human resources about it. I would be as careful as possible in your first 90 days, because they can ask you to leave without a reason, unfortunately. I hope everything works out well for you! This sounds like a great opportunity.

Congrats on your new job.

I agree with the first response. Don't say a word for at least 90 days. And when you do, be careful. If this company is large enough for FMLA, you might want to consider applying for it to protect your job. Take care.

If you're going to need reasonable accommodations be sure and check that the company has enough employees to have to go by ADA. You must be able to do the job that you were hired to do with reasonable accommodations.

Congratulations!

You can check with the Job Accommodation Network for ideas on what to ask for. They'll even talk to you, I think.

http://askjan.org/

It's a state agency they have more than enough employees. Everywhere that I have read said to say something once I had been made an offer. I've been made an offer and received my itinerary for the first day. The first is all human resources. My fibro doesn't get in the way with my job but I can't handle a cold office and strong perfumes. My current job moved me from a cubicle to an office and I'm allowed to have a small heater. I really think I should say something because if they don't want to accommodate me then why would I want to work for a place like that?

Leave out the fibro part and just address the perfume and cold office issue. Good luck and take care.

Thanks guys for your help. I will take your advice and keep it to myself until the time arrives that I actually have to speak up about it. Until then wish me luck. I'm so excited about this new venture in my life it seems like a bright spot in this dark hole I've been living in.

Blessings

As an HR professional I agree completely with the first answer and all that follow. Laws are there to protect us, but laws are administered by people, and people have prejudices that we can't see coming until they're right in front of us.

Many large companies and government agencies have a "no fragrance" policy these days, as so many people are either sensitive, allergic, or both. If the temperature in the office is moderate, you might try a sweater or layers before you ask for accommodation. I'm extremely sensitive to cold so I totally get it - I'd just suggest trying to mitigate it yourself first if it's not severe.

I once worked in an office so cold that my hands got so stiff I couldn't use the keyboard. That was a small company and I was both the office manager and HR manager, and before that little problem was solved, the landlord learned a few words he didn't know grandmothers use :)

Good luck with your new job - and don't be afraid to ask more questions here if you need help.

Congratulations on your new job. I wouldn't say anything about having Fibro. In order to be eligible for FMLA, I think you have to be on the job a year. Just my opinion.

Congrats on your new job!

I was diagnosed with fibro about a year ago now, when I as about 1.5 yrs into my current job. I still havn't told them here because I can't afford not to work. On the other hand, it's tough to find excuses for missing work after awhile. I agree with the others, wait until your out of probation at least.

Kel

Congratulations Melissa! Can't argue with the advice you've already received here. Glad it is a State agency. They tend to be a bit more accommodating than private companies from my experience.

I know what you mean about cold and strong perfume. I had to get a doctor's note in order to be able to use a space heater in my office. As for the perfume, well I think I mad an office mate really angry. I expressed to her as gently as I knew how that I was sensitive to perfume. She stopped wearing it (or at least so much of it) but she also became very cold towards me afterwards. Oh well...

Anyway, best wishes for much success!
Kimber

I would agree that state offices would be more flexible - as well as mandated to follow the law pretty much. My opinion is also to keep your diagnosis under wraps until you are past probation. I would definitely plan some relaxation and or meditation time each night as a new job is stressful which can cause a flare. So happy you are finding a bright spot in your life. You go girl:)

I have heard that the State office's are more accommodating. I work in the private sector right now and my job has been more than accommodating for me. They moved me from a cubicle to an office so I could be warm. They have asked certain people not to reapply lotions while at work. I'm allowed to be off or go home at anytime I'm not feeling well. I'm allowed to take a 15 minute break if I need to. So with that being said I just hope that where I'm going is just as accommodating. I've been with this office for 8 years and our HR department is very well versed in fibromyalgia. I will let you guys know how it goes. Thanks for all your advice.