”How can you do your job when you can’t even walk straight into my office?
Job Interviewer25 Years Ago
Moving from Houston to Fort Worth was a big step for me. I had been referred to what seemed like a golden opportunity – a job at a well-respected company that aligned perfectly with my skill set. The money was right, the phone conversations had gone smoothly, and I was confident and hopeful. This job was supposed to be the fresh start I needed for myself and my boys.
But that hope was shattered the moment I walked into the interviewer’s office.
The job did require making visits to clients, which was fine by me. Yes, I had to walk, but it was just through open doors and to a boardroom table, not on a high wire like an acrobat. I was well-qualified for the role, and I knew I could do the job despite my disability. But as I walked into that office, my gait – the limp caused by HSP – became the focus of the interviewer’s scrutiny, not my skills or experience.
I arrived a few minutes early, was cordially welcomed by the receptionist, and waited no more than five minutes. When I was told the interviewer was ready for me, I walked into his office with a positive attitude.
But the moment I opened the door, I saw the look of disgust on his face. He didn’t bother to get up from behind his desk. His eyes followed my awkward gait, my balance challenges, and my limp. It was clear he saw me as weak and unqualified, despite our exceptional phone conversations.
I had understood that this in-person meeting was a formality, a chance to work out the final details of pay and expectations. But before we could even start, he asked me, “Aren’t you aware that you must visit clients?” I replied, “Yes, no problem.”
But then, he dropped the bombshell. He asked, “How do you expect to do this job if you can’t even walk into my office like a normal person?”
I was mortified. Upset. But I kept my demeanor professional. Before I could respond, he added, “This isn’t going to work out,” and asked me to leave.
This wasn’t my first experience with hateful people belittling me and my disability, but it was the first time I knew it had prevented me from advancing in my professional career. I was angry, and rightfully so. But over time, I realized that person did me a favor by showing his true colors upfront. I wasn’t put through the commitment to a job that likely would have been an unhappy experience.
Today, and only after 25 years do I feel comfortable telling anyone that story. I am now in a place, at an amazing company, that while accommodating when needed, treats me like everyone else. They expect nothing but the best from me, and I respect that more than they could ever realize.
I share this story not to bring up old wounds or to put a now-out-of-business company on trial, but to show that even those of us who exude confidence despite our disabilities are vlnerable, have feelings, and deserve respect.
Oh, and that company, that man? The one that discriminated against me?
I took every single significant client he had and hired the good people that worked there putting him out of business inside of a year.
What is Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP)
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) is a group of genetic disorders that primarily affect the legs, causing stiffness (spasticity) and weakness in the muscles. This leads to difficulty walking, balance issues, and sometimes pain. For those living with HSP, everyday tasks like climbing stairs, walking long distances, or even standing for extended periods can be challenging. The condition can vary widely in severity, with some people experiencing mild symptoms and others facing significant mobility limitations. Living with HSP often requires careful planning and adjustments to daily routines to manage fatigue, maintain independence, and navigate the physical challenges that come with the condition.