Career PlanningWill my TS hinder my ability to get a job? In some cases, yes, but remember most people have very mild TS that will not affect their abilities and should not limit ones goals in life. It is important to be aware that a growing number of people with moderate to severe TS have achieved success in such diverse fields as medicine, engineering, law, journalism, sports and computer science. In addition, many others are training at community colleges in the technical and trade fields. While some People with TS do suffer muscle pains, hoarseness or even injuries due to tics, TS is rarely "disabling" in the usual sense of the word. One must consider the career or occupation being sought and plan your steps carefully. Don't be afraid to call upon professionals for assistance and guidance. A well developed and thought-out plan for the approach, will pay off in the end. Employers are bound by laws that are intended to prevent discrimination and each person should be judged on his/her skills and ability to do the job. Employers are limited for questions relating to disabilities, limitations or health problems. While these limitations are in place, it is always recommended to tell the prospective employer, "I have Tourette Syndrome, but it will not affect my ability to do this job." The TSFC National Office along with our Chapters and Affiliates can offer assistance with Employer briefings on TS. TS in the Workplace"I have been a postal clerk for 27 ½ years with Canada Post. I have moderate to severe TS symptoms and my vocal tics can be quite loud and... unusual at times. One such tic is 'I'm the Cookie Monster, yes I am'. I've had to educate my co-workers from time to time as well as my supervisors and managers, who have all been positive and accepting with very few exceptions. In fact, I won a major national award through Canada Post for leadership in 1999. I find the structure of my job to be very helpful for me. Occasionally some challenges have come up. Once I was working on a voice activated sorting system and my vocal tics would confuse the computer so I came up with a creative way to solve the problem. I hooked up an old unused keypad and with my talent for postal codes and geography I became as quick as my colleagues on the machine. My TS is not really a hindrance at work and can actually be helpful at times". G. B. from Ontario in this section:
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