All the Signs Pointed in One Direction. Not Fit to Work

Day 10: As an adult, I needed a job to survive

​I passed my first interview after high school with flying colors. Then I was sent for a medical with the company doctor.
“Medical history,” the doctor asked.
“Cystic Fibrosis,” I replied.

“We’re done here,” he said as he placed a big cross against my name. “You’re not fit to work.”
“But you haven’t even examined me,” I protested.
“Don’t need to. You won’t be able to hold down a job.”
“What?” I asked, my indignation plain, “Not even in a library?”
“Certainly not. The books are too dusty. They’ll make you cough.”

Back at the company, I asked if they would accept a medical report from my doctor. But the answer was a firm no.

The dust on books, as it turned out, wasn’t my biggest problem. Despite my bad experience in high school, working in a library was still my dream job — even though I hadn’t yet worked up the courage to apply for another library position. This seemed like a further sign I should give up that dream.

I took the only job I could get.

I faced deep barriers set by shallow people. I went to job interview after job interview, only to watch the interviewer’s smiles fade when they got to the medical information in my job application. Sure, I could have lied, skipped that bit — but it didn’t seem honest to leave it out.

All I wanted was a chance.

Finally, in desperation, I applied to Coles as a part-time checkout operator. I landed the job straight away. I tried to convince myself it would only be for a little while, but a niggling fear remained at the back of my mind.

The first time Mr. Critch, my former homeroom, and ancient history teacher, came through my checkout, he didn’t say much. But after a few months had passed and I remained at the checkout counter, he shook his head sadly and said. “Sandi, you’re better than this.”
I waved my hand dismissively and smiled.
​It was easier than admitting the truth — that no one else had been willing to give me a go.

Next in the 31 Days of Cystic Fibrosis series -  If I Wasn’t Going To Be Here for a Long Time, I Was Going To Have a Good Time

The road to self-destruction was well signposted.

31 Days of Cystic Fibrosis is an awareness-raising campaign to coincide with
the national Cystic Fibrosis (CF) awareness month in Australia.
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​If you’ve just joined the journey and want to start at the beginning, you’ll find the first post here: Your Daughter Has Cystic Fibrosis