Blind and Visually Impaired Community
↑
9
↓
Career advancement as a visually impaired person (self.Blind)
submitted by prosperoairy
It's an old topic, I know, ut I could use some practical advice.
I have been working towards moving up in my chosen profession for years now, and when the opportunity arose recently (a vacant position) I was, and i do firmly believe this, the most qualified person for the job, as I was working directly with the person i sought to replace, and have all the requisite qualifications.
I did not get the position, and the person who did, again I believe with some knowledge of this person, is less qualified in almost every regard. Of course, the missing factor is my visual impairment. While I believe that I can do this job in spite of my impairment, I know that my boss also has a very limited understanding of what visual impairment is.
Of course I have no proof that I was passed over because of my sight, because what employer would actually admit that?
So I wonder if anyone has been in this situation and done something about it. My options are not great at the moment. Either I do nothing and work for someone who is less qualified than i am or I quit and throw myself at the mercy of the worst job market in decades. Right now, I feel trapped and without too much else going on, don't see the point of going on.
Sorry for the long post. Just wondering if anyone has been in this hole and made it out.
I have been working towards moving up in my chosen profession for years now, and when the opportunity arose recently (a vacant position) I was, and i do firmly believe this, the most qualified person for the job, as I was working directly with the person i sought to replace, and have all the requisite qualifications.
I did not get the position, and the person who did, again I believe with some knowledge of this person, is less qualified in almost every regard. Of course, the missing factor is my visual impairment. While I believe that I can do this job in spite of my impairment, I know that my boss also has a very limited understanding of what visual impairment is.
Of course I have no proof that I was passed over because of my sight, because what employer would actually admit that?
So I wonder if anyone has been in this situation and done something about it. My options are not great at the moment. Either I do nothing and work for someone who is less qualified than i am or I quit and throw myself at the mercy of the worst job market in decades. Right now, I feel trapped and without too much else going on, don't see the point of going on.
Sorry for the long post. Just wondering if anyone has been in this hole and made it out.
ybs90012 5 points 3y ago
Wait for a while. What ever happens don't quit during COVID19. My advice is to look for jobs in other companies once the job market improves.
achromatic_03 4 points 3y ago
Have you asked the person or people who made the decision why you were not selected and what concrete advice they can provide (skills, knowledge, abilities, competencies, certifications, education, etc.)? That's where I would start because it might not tell you it is your visual impairment, but the answer could rule that out.
Generally, it is hard to prove that kind of discrimination, unless you have documentation over time of multiple incidents that would indicate this issue in your department or the organization. More abstract factors that to me would be indicative of the culture (and whether to leave), would be if your organization has diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and whether the company generally has less diversity in higher level roles or any roles. I hate to say it, but it also depends on the industry. When I worked in retail, there was ignorance abound, but once I got into a more professional workplace, I had a much easier time regarding how I was treated.
Generally, it is hard to prove that kind of discrimination, unless you have documentation over time of multiple incidents that would indicate this issue in your department or the organization. More abstract factors that to me would be indicative of the culture (and whether to leave), would be if your organization has diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and whether the company generally has less diversity in higher level roles or any roles. I hate to say it, but it also depends on the industry. When I worked in retail, there was ignorance abound, but once I got into a more professional workplace, I had a much easier time regarding how I was treated.
TK_Sleepytime 3 points 3y ago
I have been in this position and, like other have said, it's difficult to prove and your employer won't admit it. My advice is to ask the hiring manager why you weren't chosen and attend to those issues. When another job opens up, use that as proof that you are willing to take criticism and improve from it. Or, just look for another job while employed. That is what I did when I was passed over due to discrimination. I couldn't stomach working for them any longer after that and I couldn't afford a lawyer to sue them.
Kylefornicationn 3 points 3y ago
sometimes, it is easier to look for a higher level role at a different company. It doesn’t hurt to interview at other companies if you feel like your management doesn’t appreciate you value.
prosperoairy [OP] 2 points 3y ago
I thank you all for your advice. I have asked for reasons and received no word back.
I think the only sensible choice is to continue on as I am and look for another work in the meantime. It is just something I don't know if I have the mental/emotional fortitude to do for long.
I think the only sensible choice is to continue on as I am and look for another work in the meantime. It is just something I don't know if I have the mental/emotional fortitude to do for long.
asteist 1 points 3y ago
kchyde87 1 points 3y ago
Have you thought about using a business coach?
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.