To go to a job interview off my face on codeine?

[Mxflamingnoravera]

My back went into spasm on Friday, it's sciatica, my right leg is in such pain that I can't walk on it. I'm unemployed and I have a job interview in a city 12 miles away, I have co-codomol and diazepam from the doc from a call on Friday, they make me sound like a junkie. This job is one I can do and have done for years and I need it. But I can't drive in this state, I can't even walk.

I can get a cab there and back but can't walk (only hobble) from the cab. It's in education so they'll say if I can't make it- tough, they'll appoint from those who can make it.

I'm stuck, I need the job. Do I go, apologise for being off my face and brazen it through, ask for a postponement (no guarantee it will improve in the near future though). Do I ask for a zoom interview? Or just lose the best chance I have of a job I can do? It's been three months since I left my last job so I need this job.

I'm in tears with the pain this morning. Waiting for my meds to kick in right now, but I know I can't drive with this cocktail inside me.

Ffs what do I do?

YAIBU - suck it up and explain
YANBU- ask for adjustments and risk them saying no

Go for it and explain the situation

I can't walk though- I've put a call out on FB to borrow crutches

They'll admire your determination. You might have to explain if it's going to affect your ability to do the job though.

It doesn't sound like you are in top condition, it seems strange to not at least try and defer - feels like you should try and get in touch with the recruitment team to discuss the options you may have

Ask for a zoom interview, explain you have a temporary physical health condition that’s preventing you from getting there but that you are very keen to interview and don’t want to miss the opportunity.

Call them and let them know you've sustained an injury and currently unable to walk. See what they suggest?

The switchboard don't answer they tell me to email (this was last week during working hours) so I've no way to get to speak to anyone to arrange another date.

Well, let's look at the options...

Don't go, don't give explanation- definitely won't get the job

Go, but off tits on drugs and give no explanation- definitely won't get the job

Don't go but explain situation and ask for postponement or zoom - might get job

Go and explain situation- might get job

in my experience schools/education will hardly ever reschedule interviews. my daughter had covid on the day of hers and they basically said tough. i’d go and explain you are on medication which may effect your performance but you really wanted the chance to interview.

I would ring/email and arrange another date due to ill health, or ask for a zoom interview.

if you have trouble walking, you’re not going to present well at the interview, so that won’t go in your favour.

@Allywill yes, that's my only option I think. You're right, they won't reschedule. A neighbour has offered crutches. I'll just have to get a cab there and then explain. I think.

I've booked a cab, I'll take crutches and brazen it out... I think it's my only option :(

I'll also have to wear trainers, also not ideal but I'll explain!

Good luck OP - I'd give you extra marks for sheer determination!

Yes go an explain, it’s your best option. Good luck!

I had to do something important while on codeine over a few days.
These things helped:
On ine occasion timed my codeine so the event was at the tail end of the dose, about 3 hours after taking it
Made sure I'd eaten
On another day, missed the prescribed meds altogether just before the event taking 2 neurofen plus and 2 paracetamol in their place which took the edge off in combination with some non pharmaceutical measures (alternating hot and cold packs, stretches and topical anti inflammatory)
I told the people concerned I had an injury and said I was in pain. I didn't say affected by painkillers.
The adrenaline kicked in and carried me through.
The way I see it, if you don't go you definitely won't get it, so nothing to lose.

Thought that said coke for a minute, OP. Need to get my eyes tested as at first I thought, now there’s a thread!

Go and explain your circumstances once there and apologise for it, tell them it is temporary. Good luck!

I’ve done some critical/important things in severe pain on codeine and diazepam . You may find that adrenaline will help push you through as it has done with me. That once you’re there and focusing on the questions you will be a bit more distracted from the pain itself. Don’t forget that fear and stress does make the pain you have even worse…once you’re there and overcome that fear of how to get there, how to walk etc you may find it becomes slightly more bareable.
Good luck .

Good luck!

Absolutely good luck OP! I did a zoom interview for CERN last year about two days after breaking my leg filled to the brim with codeine. (And I didn't tell the - it was entertaining at least.) But I've always been "weak" to these kinds of medicines. I hope they are understanding and you get the job! It's maybe an icebreaker at least?

Thanks all, my crutches have arrived, my recruitment consultant is going to call to see if can go to zoom and I've booked a cab. I'll take Meriden plus instead of 2x30mg cocodomol and another Valium on the way...

Fingers crossed my determination wins through!

I had terrible sciatica.
I was on a huge amount of painkillers.
Codeine and diazepam.
I had a job interview. Had no memory of it. God knows what I said but I got the job.

Great, hopefully youl'l get the zoom option. I would email.and explain ahead of time, then at the interview check the panel got the email and are aware of the medical issue. If they're unlikely.to reschedule then I think you're doing the right thing in giving it a go. I had a Teams interview when I had covid first time, pouring with sweat, full on brain fog and couldn't remember what the hell I was trying to say most of the time. Kept forgetting and having to apologise. They understood thankfully and I got the job!

In the interview, stay as calm as possible and don't shy to politely smile and say 'can I just have a moment to think about that please, it's the meds?', to compose your answers as best you can. Do this as many times as necessary. Pause and rethink if you're getting confused.

Fingers crossed OP, I admire your grit and hope you're better soon!

@Mxflamingnoravera as above. Say you hurt your back and can’t drive temporarily but are very keen to interview.