Workers with chronic illnesses face chronic uncertainty. That astute observation appears in Lesley Alderman's recent New York Times article, entitled Protecting Your Job While Coping With a Chronic Illness. In addition to uncertainty about their health, workers with chronic illnesses face uncertainty about their jobs.

Many of my clients have experienced that uncertainty. Because a chronic illness does not keep a regular schedule, it is almost impossible for these workers to maintain regular attendance at work.

Once the work ends, however, the uncertainty remains. There is financial uncertainty, and often financial hardship, as these disabled workers await resolution of their Social Security disability claims. Workers with chronic illnesses do face chronic uncertainty, and I spend part of every workday trying to reassure clients who are dealing with chronic uncertainty.