Preparing to leave work early due to the impacts of Parkinson’s can be challenging. We have several strategies that might help. Here are some things to think about:
Do I have to disclose my Parkinson’s diagnosis? In most circumstances, you are not obligated to share information about your disability with your employer or potential employer. Information about your disability is private, and the decision to tell others is up to you. However, you may find disclosure eases the stress of trying to hide your condition. If you are applying for a job and your disability means that you cannot carry out the requirements of the job without reasonable adjustments being made to accommodate your disability, then you should tell the employer. Furthermore, if disclosure was a condition of your employment, or your disability has the potential to impact your role (e.g. driving, heavy lifting), you should disclose to see if there can be adjustments made to your role.
Acknowledge your feelings: It’s normal to feel a range of emotions, from sadness, grief and loss to frustration and disappointment. Allow yourself to process these feelings without judgment. Consider talking to a therapist or counsellor specialising in chronic illness or significant life transitions. Many employers have a mental health support line (e.g. EAP), or you may already have a psychologist, psychiatrist, or mental health specialist on your care team that you can talk to. They can provide coping strategies and emotional support.
Where can I get professional support? Talk to your HR representative to ask questions in confidence. e.g. If I leave work before my preservation age (the age you must reach before you can access your super) what does this mean? Can I leave work and get a disability pension or part of? Do I have a partial super payment?
Why should I see a financial planner? A financial planner can help you create a personalised financial plan that takes into account your specific health condition, future medical expenses, and the need for long-term care. They can assist you in understanding and maximising the benefits you are entitled to, such as disability benefits, grants, and other financial support available for people with Parkinson’s. A financial planner can advise on the best investment strategies to ensure your savings last longer, potentially shifting your investments to lower-risk options to provide more stability. They can guide you through the complexities of accessing your pension early and making the most of your retirement funds, ensuring you have enough to support yourself after leaving work. Financial planners can also help you navigate legal and insurance matters.
What are my rights? People with disability have the right to do meaningful work in a safe environment that is free of discrimination. You’re entitled to access the same opportunities as everyone on the team. As an employee and colleague, you deserve to receive fair treatment as well as on-the-job support. In accordance with section 65(1) of the Fair Work Act (FW Act) you can also request flexible working arrangements that are different to your current working arrangements.
What flexible working arrangements exist within my workplace? Instead of quitting altogether, ask your organisation if there are alternative duties you can do, if you can work from home or do more flexible hours to fit that afternoon nap in to recharge. What adjustments can be made to your current role to help you stay in it for longer? You can also work with HR and your manager to use a phasing-out approach, slowly reducing hours over time depending on your capacity for work.
Should I consider getting a new job? Would your current situation better fit a new role altogether? Some people have found that finding a suitable role that is lower stress in a new workplace has been the right move for them. Search for work through employment websites including ‘Workforce Australia’, and learn about vacancies through the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator.
What does my superannuation offer? Be aware of the super rules that regulate when you can access your super. In some situations you can apply for early access. Ring your super provider to check if there is income protection which can support you reducing your hours not necessarily leaving work.
Do I have trauma insurance? Trauma insurance (also known as critical illness insurance) provides a lump sum payment if you are diagnosed with a serious medical condition covered by the policy. The proceeds of a claim may help you cover treatment expenses or adjust your lifestyle.
Ultimately, having a good understanding your finances before you leave work can provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your health and wellbeing without the added stress of financial uncertainty.
This advice is of a general nature and you should check with experts regards to your particular situation.
Helpful links:
ATO – People with disability https://www.ato.gov.au/people-with-disability
Disability Gateway – Employment https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/employment
Disability Support Pension – https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disability-support-pension
FairWork Australia – Employees with disability https://www.fairwork.gov.au/find-help-for/employees-with-disability
Human Rights Commission Australia – Identifying as a person with disability in the workplace https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/disability-rights/identifying-as-person-with-disability-in-workplace
IncludeAbility – Identifying as a person with disability in the workplace guide
JobAccess – https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/people-with-disability
JobAccess – Your rights and responsibilities https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/employers/your-rights-and-responsibilities
Services Australia – Living with disability https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/living-with-disability
