Is it true a business can't hire me because I can only lift a certain amount of weight?

I understand certain jobs would require this, such as in construction. But I'm talking retail stores, where I would work in customer services, a greeter, a cashier, or helping the customer find something in the store.

I have neurofibromatosis type one and I'm only around to lift around 25 pounds or so. I have a number of tumors all over my body and my doctor is concerned that if I lift too much, the tumors could move around, which could cause problems.

The store told me they could hire be mainly because of the whole weight thing being an issue. They were nice about it, but I still felt it was unfair. Mainly for the reason being that I know they did or still do have an employee that works there, that's in a wheelchair, so I guess I don't see how the whole me not being able to lift more then 25 pounds should be any big deal.

I've been trying to find a job since last summer, like many people. But things have been slow.

I really don't get sick. Never missed a day of highschool. And the only time I missed any college was when I need to have surgry down, the recovery time was 3 weeks, afterwhich I was back in school and graduated in the summer of 07. So I don't think I'm a high risk.

I don't know about the "weight lifting" issue as such; in the UK, a secretary, for example, applying for a job, would not be expected to disclose how much weight he/she could lift, and personally, I don't see how working in customer services in a "normal", everyday retail store should entail heavy lifting. If you were going to work in a "tool hire" store; different matter. But, I admire you for not sitting back and saying "I'm ill; I'm not going to work"; there are many able-bodied people, (all over the world) that are just too lazy to work! Unfortunately, I'm now disabled; arthritus in my back, neck, spine and hands, and the pain factor prevents me from working - I was a legal secretary, and enjoyed it, and not being able to work again really gets to me. Keep persevering, as I'm sure that sooner or later, some prospective employer will not only recognise your academic achievements, but moreso, your determination not to let your illness stand in your way of making your own way. Do heed advice from your doctor though; he is doing his job - advising you in his professional capability if he considers some forms of employment could be detrimental to your health.

Good Luck.

Christine O'

Opps. I meant to add, 'either' at the end of matter. Report It

Turn the situation around.
You are the employer.
You have to take the risk of an employee becoming disabled and the responsibility to support that person for as long as necessary.

Would you?

Sorry, just the facts of life.

As far as the duties, IDK and I can't say one way or another.

They want you to be able to do the whole job and lifting merchandise is one of them. When the merchandise comes in it has to be moved by some one. So since you cannot do the whole spectrum of the job they do not have to hire you,

There is plenty of lifting and moving involved in a retail position so they're probably helping you out by not offering you a job.