Should I tell my new boss that I need surgery soon? [closed]

manpreet Best Answer 2 years ago

I have been offered (and accepted) a new job at a 4-year college as (basically) a research assistant. I am really looking forward to it, and want to make the best impression possible, especially since the terms are that after 2 semesters I will be up for a promotion with more responsibility and presumably more pay. The problem is, I have known for a few months that I will need surgery. I'm on medications that are working, but the side effects in the strategic term are disastrous. The surgery will leave me bedridden for 3 days to 3 weeks.I am assuming at this point that I will have at least some flexibility in scheduling the surgery.

I have not yet met with the primary contact (we have been corresponding by email). After orientation, I think he will hand me off to a professor whom I will be working with for the duration. As far as I can tell, these are my options;

• Tell the contact person up-front, immediately (via email).
• Tell the contact person at orientation (the 16th of this month).
• Tell the professor, once we've been introduced.
• Wait until I have a date (or optional dates) for the surgery.
• See if I can get the surgery over winter break, and then decide if I should tell anyone.

Obviously, the above also applies to HR, which may or may not want all that stuff going through them.

Which of these should I do? On the one hand, I don't want to put anybody in a bad position where they are short-handed at a critical juncture. For all I know, they may have work I could do from home (I may be detailed to Comp Sci dept., for instance). On the other hand, I don't want to put them in the unpleasant position of having to plan for a 3-week absence that may or may not happen. Then, obviously, I leave myself open to the question of why I didn't let them know when I took the job, etc.

So, what is the best way to handle this situation?

manpreet 2 years ago

This I consider you should have mentioned before accepting the job, in the interview process perhaps.

Now, remember that your Health is a big priority. This intervention seems to be important for your wellbeing, so you should go for it, and also mention that via e-mail or phone ASAP. Your company surely will eventualy know about this, so the sooner the better they can prevent falling "short-handed".

Also, consider if there could be negative consecuences if you postpone the surgery, in case it is not that critical. Your Doctor is the one that can point out those consequences so you can decide better.

Hope you have a fast recovery anyways!