Don't disclose and they (legally) can't ask.

mrsconn23

Dear Prudence,

I’m a woman in my late 20s, and I’m finishing my graduate degree this spring. Late last year, I was diagnosed with a scary but slow-growing and very treatable form of cancer. I have a pretty generous timeline for surgery, and it’s scheduled for after I graduate in May, since I’m scrambling to finish my dissertation. I’m in the process of applying for jobs, many of them remote positions, which raises the question: Do I need to disclose my health and upcoming surgery to potential employers? My instinct is that I don’t, but the start date for many of the jobs I seek would coincide with my planned surgery. And while the recovery period for the surgery is at most two weeks, I don’t want employers to think I’m being deceitful. What should I do?

—Worried About Disclosure

banana468

Just like I don't think you disclose a pregnancy unless you need to disclose the need for maternity leave don't disclose this. 

STARMOON44

I’d wait. It’s entirely possible the dates won’t even be an issue. If they are it really isn’t a big deal to say “hey can I actually start 2 weeks later” and follow up with “I have a medical procedure scheduled.”

short+sassy

Definitely don't disclose it.  They can't legally discriminate against someone who has a medical issue (if it doesn't directly relate to the job qualifications), so don't even give them the chance to do it anyway.

Not medically related but, years back, I had already had a cruise scheduled when I started looking for another job.  AFTER I was given a job offer, I told HR something like, "I have a cruise scheduled for a week after the start date we talked about.  If it's a dealbreaker, I'll cancel the cruise.  But I wouldn't be able to get my money back, so I hope it's okay with you all if I still go.  I know I won't have any vacation time yet and will need to take it AWOP, that's fine.  I could also either start the job on X or I can start after the cruise."

FWIW, they had no issue with it.  I started on the the original start date.  Worked one week.  Then took one week off for the cruise, lol.  Then returned to my new job. 

Edited: words

charlotte989875

Don’t disclose and try & negotiate your start date til after your recovery. At that point they’ve already made an offer, they clearly want to hire you, & will likely be willing to accommodate the request.