Well, Friday I missed a day because things got busy, had to pick the family up from the airport...but today let's get back to it--this week we'll have more post-conference musings, plus other stuff.

POST-CONFERENCE MUSINGS:  THE JOB INTERVIEW
You know, for Moebius adults, one question that always comes up is this:  when I have a job interview, should I mention my Moebius in the interview?  Or just avoid it?  Would it look bad if I brought it up?  What to do?

We've addressed that before in this space, but let's address it again, given that it's such an important question.  To me, the short answer is:  YES.  Bring it up yourself in the interview.  Address it.  Just explain briefly what Moebius Syndrome is, that you have it, but that it won't affect your ability to do the job.  It involves facial paralysis and some physical differences.  But that's it, for the vast, vast majority of us.

Now why even bring it up?  Several reasons.  1] Look, it's there.  Anyone and everyone will notice it, including your employer.  Avoiding the subject is like pretending that a 900 pound elephant in the room isn't really there; it can't be done.  Your potential boss is going to wonder.  So take the "wondering" out of it.  Take it on.

Because 2] in this day and age, unfortunately there is still prejudice out there.  There are plenty of people who see a facial difference and assume, aha, that person must have an intellectual disability too.  Of course one doesn't at all have to mean the other, but some--too many--people don't know that.  So you can remove that area of "wonder", as well.

And 3] I really think that any employer will appreciate, and even admire, your willingness to bring the issue up yourself.  Talking about your Moebius simply shows that you're not afraid of it.  You've got guts.  You're honest.  And once you've addressed the issue, and then hopefully get the job and show that you can do the work, the issue goes away.  It never need come up again.  And then you become, yes, a person who has Moebius Syndrome, but not someone defined completely by it.  You're a person first, and that's very important.

4] I always think this point too is important:  maybe by bringing up your Moebius you can also make the point that, look, everyone wants diversity today in their workplace, their school, everywhere.  Diversity is seen as important and as a good thing.  Well--who can better bring diversity to a place than can someone with Moebius Syndrome?  There are thousands--millions--of people in this country today who have facial differences and/or physical differences.  We too are the diversity in this country, and we deserve to have that recognized, to have that respect, and to be able to teach people about that aspect of a diverse culture.  By bringing up your Moebius, you help raise awareness and help drive home that point.

So say it loud.  Say it proud.  Your Moebius Syndrome isn't a handicap.  You can and should turn it into a positive.  Go for it!


“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strengths and resolutions.”--Khalil Gibran (1883-1931)