Meet Candace, a 35-year-old Education and training manager from Melbourne who was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 28. At first, Candace felt as though her career aspirations were over due to the challenges of managing her condition. However, with the support of her colleagues and employer, Candace was able to make necessary accommodations to her work schedule and environment to manage her lupus. Today, Candace is a successful Education and training manager who has learned to balance her health with her career goals.
Interviewer: Candace, thank you for sharing your story with us. How did you feel when you first received your lupus diagnosis?
Candace: It was definitely a shock. I had always been an active person and had big career aspirations, so it felt like my world was falling apart. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect different parts of the body, so there were a lot of unknowns and uncertainties at first.
Interviewer: How did your employer and colleagues respond to your diagnosis?
Candace: I was really lucky to have a supportive team. I work for a company that values diversity and inclusion, and they were committed to making sure that I had everything I needed to succeed in my role. My manager and HR department were very proactive in making accommodations to my work schedule and environment, which helped me manage my condition and continue to do my job.
Interviewer: What kind of accommodations did you need to make?
Candace: There were a few things that I needed to adjust in order to manage my lupus. For example, I needed a more flexible work schedule so that I could attend medical appointments and manage my symptoms when they flared up. I also needed to have a more ergonomic work setup to prevent joint pain and fatigue. My employer was very understanding and made these adjustments without any hesitation.
"But over time, I've learned that it's possible to have both a successful career and manage a chronic illness. It's all about finding a balance and being proactive in managing your health."
Interviewer: How has your experience with lupus affected your career aspirations?
Candace: At first, I was worried that my diagnosis would hold me back from achieving my career goals. But over time, I've learned that it's possible to have both a successful career and manage a chronic illness. It's all about finding a balance and being proactive in managing your health. I've also found that having a supportive workplace is key to achieving this balance.
Interviewer: What advice do you have for others who may be struggling to manage their health while pursuing their career goals?
Candace: My advice would be to speak up and advocate for yourself. Don't be afraid to ask for accommodations or support when you need it. It's also important to prioritise your health and self-care, even when work gets busy. Remember that managing your health and pursuing your career goals are not mutually exclusive - with the right support and mindset, you can achieve both.
Candace acknowledges that living with lupus can be challenging, but she is grateful for the support she has received from her colleagues and her employer. She believes that with the right accommodations, people with chronic illnesses can continue to pursue their career goals and lead fulfilling lives. Candace hopes that by sharing her story, she can inspire others who may be struggling with similar challenges to seek the support they need and to never give up on their dreams.
Candace's story serves as a reminder that with the right support and accommodations, people with chronic illnesses can achieve their career goals and lead fulfilling lives. Her positive attitude and determination are an inspiration to us all.
* Names and photos have been changed to protect the interviewee's anonymity where requested.