I recently got my very first job, and despite hating the economy and general culture around working, I was still really excited about being able to make some money and save up for my future.
I’m only 18 but I have joint pain and I wear out really easily, which I suspect is probably related to my long family history of chronic pain and autoimmune disorders.
I am on a medication to help with my pain, but standing up for my entire shift and only sitting down during my 15 minute break is still really rough on me.
I recently bought a cane, not to use everyday, but just for when I’ll be standing/walking a lot. It was a pretty big deal for me bc I felt like I wasn’t really “disabled enough” to have it, but I figured that it was pointless to deny myself something that would help me in those situations.
I brought it into work today, just planning to stick it behind the counter and grab it if I really needed it, but my manager told me that we arent allowed to have stuff like that without approval from the company.
I never mentioned my joint pain on the application or in interviews because that would make getting a job way harder than it already is, and basically every entry level job has physical demands. My manager told me that I technically lied on the application which is a firable offense.
I feel really dumb and really embarrassed for not thinking this through, and I really don’t want to lose my job. I’m hopefully going to be able to talk to one of the like lead managers since he deals with this stuff.
It’s kinda BS that entry level jobs are so demanding and unaccomadating, but it’s still unfortunately still the rule. I’m going to tell my manager that I’m still ABLE to do my shifts, but I brought the cane because it would make my life easier and alleviate some of my stress around my joints so I could do my job better (all of which is true)
I’m just really upset and embarrassed that I didn’t immediately know this was a bad idea, and I could really use some advice and comfort.
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Now is the time when you start quietly recording your meetings with the managers. Speak to your doctors immediately and go straight to HR about ADA accommodations. Remember, their job is protecting the company – if they fire you for being disabled, you have something of a case for wrongful termination.
Firstly: compression socks. They truly can reduce fatigue from standing all day.
Your cane is known as a “reasonable accommodation.”
You had no idea you might need a “reasonable accommodation” when you were hired because you have NO DIAGNOSED DISABILITY and you’ve never had a job before. You did not lie.
With that said, your joint pain is real and your reason for needing a cane is real. These shifts are hard, and the lack of sitting time is really difficult. Your next step is to see a doctor, tell them about your difficulty at work, and ask what aides might help. Be sure you leave with a doctor’s note.
It may be that your cane is incompatible with a safe work environment and/or the role you have. It’s legal for them to say “no cane” in some instances because it may contradict the physical requirements of a job. For example, if your job duties include having to lift and move up to 25 pounds without assistance then this job cannot be done with a cane. But if you’re just standing there as a cashier and the cane is for breaks/coming and going from your workstation: they have a flimsy weak take. It’s never legal for them to threaten you against asking for an accommodation, the manager is out of line. If it’s a big corporation you can try going to HR/corporate.
For now just say “I definitely didn’t lie, I’m as surprised as you are that these shifts are so rough on me. I will see a doctor about next steps; hopefully this is an adjustment period.” Then don’t bring your cane back until you have a doctor’s note.
I’m sorry you are in this situation.
Buy a folding cane you can keep in your purse or backpack.