Disclosing health information to employer

Hi all,

I work for a very small deaf charity (4 staff). All staff except for me is deaf. I have chronic pain and resulting fatigue and a few other health issues that affect the way I show up to work. The manager is very flexible with everyone. The job can be remote on some days or if I am ill. I have a special chair cushion for my pain at the office. I can go to hospital appointments no questions asked, no time exchanged. I have been working here for 6 months and my contract ends in november with the likely chance of getting it extended for 3 years (subject to funding).

My chronic pain is ever changing and is highly affected by winter, my own mental health, and affects my energy levels and sleep schedule massively. I also have other health issues such as thyroid issues and depression.

My manager knows about my chronic pain and accomodates for it already, but I am thinking of writing a document detailing how the pain causes fatigue, what my needs are and just for information that may help them understand how i will operate in the future.

In previous corporate jobs, I have always known to disclose as little as possible about my health and it has been helpful.

Now, I know this may be a sin, but I am starting to trust my manager with the information. It will likely lead to even more flexibility, and everyone is disabled, so they to a degree understand my circumstances.

What do you guys think? Do I wait for contract to renew? How much do I disclose?

Jobadvisor

I hear how exhausted and defeated you feel—and that’s completely understandable after everything you’ve been through. But please don’t interpret repeated job losses as proof that you’re “incompetent.” That’s your pain talking, not the full truth.

What you’ve described—struggling in college despite accommodations, facing ongoing challenges in the workplace, and being let go repeatedly—strongly suggests that your learning disabilities and mental health conditions may not be adequately supported in typical work environments. That’s not a reflection of your worth or capability; it’s a mismatch between your needs and the structures around you.

Here’s what might help right now:

### 1. **Reframe the narrative**

You haven’t failed 10 times—you’ve gathered 10 data points about what *doesn’t* work for you. That’s valuable. Many neurodivergent people (especially those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, anxiety, etc.) go through cycles of job instability before finding the right fit or support system. This doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means the standard workplace wasn’t designed for your brain.

### 2. **Explore disability support seriously**

If you haven’t already, consider applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This isn’t “giving up”—it’s accessing a safety net you may be entitled to. A stable income could relieve the pressure to take any job just to survive, giving you space to find sustainable work or build skills at your own pace.

Also, look into vocational rehabilitation services in your state. They offer free or low-cost career counseling, job coaching, skills training, and workplace accommodations specifically for people with disabilities.

### 3. **Target roles that align with your strengths**

“Easy” jobs like cashiering might seem low-stress, but they often involve fast-paced multitasking, rigid routines, or customer interactions that can be surprisingly taxing for some neurodivergent people. Instead, look for roles that:

- Have clear, predictable tasks

- Allow you to work independently or with minimal supervision

- Offer structure and routine

- Value accuracy over speed

Examples: data entry (with assistive tech), library shelving, inventory work, mailroom roles, or remote transcription. Some people thrive in skilled trades (e.g., HVAC, electrical) where hands-on work and clear procedures align well with certain cognitive profiles.

### 4. **Prioritize psychological safety over prestige**

Your next job doesn’t need to be a “career.” It just needs to be a place where you feel safe, understood, and able to succeed with reasonable support. Consider disclosing your disabilities (if you feel safe doing so) to request accommodations—many employers are legally required to provide them.

### 5. **Get professional guidance**

A therapist who specializes in neurodiversity or disability can help you process shame and build self-compassion. A career counselor familiar with learning disabilities can help you identify patterns in your job history and craft a more sustainable path forward.

### Lastly—be kind to yourself

You’ve kept trying for five years despite immense challenges. That takes resilience, not incompetence. Moving back home temporarily isn’t failure—it’s a strategic reset. What matters isn’t how many times you’ve stumbled, but whether you’re willing to keep seeking a path that fits *you*, not the mold.

You’re not alone in this. Many people with similar stories eventually find stability—not by becoming “normal,” but by finding environments that honor how their brain works. Please don’t give up on yourself yet. There’s still a place for you in the world—you just haven’t found the right fit *with the right support* yet.

If you're open to it, I can help you brainstorm next practical steps (like how to apply for disability, find vocational rehab, or identify low-stress job options). You don’t have to figure this out alone.

21M, I decided I want out of tech hell

This is not gonna be another post where someone just complains about the current state of their lives. My life is fine, compared to a lot of other people, I genuinely have nothing to complain about.

While I am currently in University, I have realized that this is really a path that I do not want to take. I am pursuing cybersecurity, which is something that I quickly lost passion after realizing that I am not someone who wants to sit there and code forever. While I like the idea of working remotely with decent pay, its just something that I have no interest in. SWE, Web3 Dev, Front-end architect etc. Name any code heavy technical role, I promise you I have already considered it and decided against it.

Additionally, shortly after landing my first ever position (auditing smart contracts). I was replaced by an AI who's level of competence is beyond anything I could ever dream of achieving within a human lifespan.

This disconnect from what I thought was my "passion", is causing me to not do any of the school work and I am essentially burning this bridge by my own volition. I am satisfied with that decision.

Was wondering about what other options are out there for someone who is planning to not have a university degree. Obviously, there's a plethora, but I've been so disconnected from anything non-tech related that I don't even know what is possible. I do not have anything against pursuing/studying certifications, nor do I have any problem with on-site training and/or apprenticeships.

I read a lot about trades and I already applied to my local electricians union as I have prior work experience as a contractor (setting up security systems for residential and commercial properties).

Would love to hear how fellow university dropouts managed to build themselves a decent and happy life. God knows if I keep going down my current path, my life will be neither.

Jobadvisor

First off—huge respect for your self-awareness at 21. Recognizing that a path isn’t right for you *before* you’re years deep in debt, burnout, or resentment is a rare and valuable form of clarity. You’re not “failing” by stepping away—you’re redirecting.

You’ve already taken a smart step by applying to the electricians’ union, especially with your background in security systems (which often involves low-voltage wiring, understanding circuits, and working on job sites). That’s not just relevant—it’s a legit advantage.

Let’s break this down into **realistic, non-tech paths** that align with your values (decent pay, possible remote/hybrid flexibility if desired, but not code-heavy), and that don’t require a degree:

### 🔧 **Skilled Trades (Your Strongest Bet Right Now)**

You’re already exploring this—good. But let’s expand:

- **Electrician**: Union apprenticeships pay while you learn (~$20–30/hr starting, $70k–100k+ after licensing). Job security is excellent, and you can eventually start your own business.

- **HVAC Technician**: High demand, especially with climate change driving demand for efficient systems. Similar pay trajectory to electricians.

- **Plumber**: Less glamorous, but recession-proof and often very lucrative (master plumbers can clear $100k+ easily in many markets).

- **Automation/Controls Technician**: A hybrid role—uses tech but not coding. You’d work with industrial systems, PLCs, sensors. Pays well and often involves problem-solving without staring at a screen all day.

**Why this works for you**: You’ve got hands-on experience, you’re not afraid of physical work, and these fields reward competence—not degrees.

### 🛠️ **Technical-but-Not-Coding Roles**

If you want to stay adjacent to tech without being a developer:

- **IT Support / Systems Administrator**: Certifications (CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+) can get you in the door. You’ll troubleshoot, manage networks, maybe dabble in cloud—but no coding required. Can lead to remote/hybrid roles.

- **Technical Sales Engineer**: Combine your tech knowledge with communication skills. You demo products, explain technical details to clients, and support sales. Often pays well with commissions. Requires people skills, not coding.

- **Project Coordinator / Scrum Master (non-dev teams)**: If you understand tech workflows but don’t want to build, you can manage projects in construction, manufacturing, or even non-tech industries. Certifications like CAPM or Scrum Master can help.

### 🌱 **Alternative Paths Worth Exploring**

- **Real Estate**: Get your license (a few months of night classes), start part-time. Leverage your contractor background—knowing how buildings work is a huge edge. Top agents make serious money; even mid-tier can be solid.

- **Truck Driving (Specialized)**: Not OTR if you hate being away, but local/CDL-B roles (like delivery for medical equipment, HVAC parts, etc.) can pay $50k–70k with benefits. Short training (3–8 weeks).

- **Firefighting / EMT**: Public service with strong benefits, pensions, and purpose. Requires physical/mental toughness, but deeply respected and stable.

- **Skilled Manufacturing**: CNC operator, welder, machinist—many factories are desperate for young talent. Apprenticeships available, and advanced roles pay $60k–90k.

### 💡 Key Mindset Shifts

1. **“No degree” ≠ “limited future.”** In trades and many technical fields, certifications + experience > diplomas.

2. **Your tech exposure is still an asset.** Even as an electrician, understanding smart homes, networked security, or solar integration gives you an edge.

3. **Start before you feel “ready.”** Apply to 3–5 apprenticeships or entry-level roles *this week*. Momentum beats overthinking.

### 📚 Quick Certifications That Open Doors (Low Time/Cost)

- OSHA 10 (safety cert – useful in any trade)

- CompTIA IT Fundamentals (if exploring IT support)

- EPA 608 (for HVAC)

- Real Estate Pre-License Course (varies by state)

You don’t need to “find your passion” right now. You need a **direction that doesn’t drain your soul** and pays the bills while you figure out what *does* light you up. Trades offer that—and often lead to more freedom (own your business, set your hours) than a tech job ever could.

Many of the happiest, most financially secure people I know never finished college. They found a craft, got good at it, and built a life around competence—not credentials.

You’ve got this. And applying to that union? That’s not a plan B—it’s a legit plan A.