Posted by Emme_V2 on December 11, 2012, at 6:35:44
In reply to Re: miserable at work vs miserable on disability, posted by alchemy on December 10, 2012, at 21:57:22
> Thank u all so much for ur input. I do remember asking if i could go part-time and my sup said no. But maybe intermittent flma? My company is big enough. Even IF i do manage to keep my job, im already in trouble for time off and apts. And im so worn out at the end of the day i am worthless. So i at least need some time off to have dr apts. Part time is ideal for me. But going on my companys short term dis would pay more than a reg pt job and still have access to benefits. Today it seemed like more was piled on me and her expectations are higher now because i am suppose to really prove myself. My head hurts and i want to throw up.
Okay, it sounds like you've may have a rather nasty work situation. They would not pile more work on top of someone going through chemo, would they? This is completely unacceptable. I'm no expert, but it would seem to me that going to medical appointments might constitute reasonable accommodation under the ADA. Have you talked to HR at all? What's your HR department like?
Intermittent FMLA that you use for appointments and such would be a good solution. Also, I don't know if your company does options other than part time - maybe it just depends what your idea of reduced time is. My management has allowed me to decrease to a 4-day week for a couple of months when I've been having a hard time. That little bit of reduced time made a huge difference.
Also, how flexible is your work environment? If I am tired in the late afternoon, I go home a little early, but people know I compensate by doing some work in the evening after I've had a break. (And yeah, they have my cell phone number if they need me.) So some of the accommodation is working with your own energy levels so that you can get things done.
I have allowed a couple of managers in addition to my supervisor to know what my diagnosis is. I did so with trepidation, but I wanted to not be a mystery to them, especially since I think they can tell when I'm tired and worn. They unequivocally indicated that they will work with me, and they have followed through. I know this type of response is not going to be universal, but there are enlightened people out there. I hope there's someone at your company who might advocate on your behalf if they know what the situation is and what you need.
It's tough to have to navigate such a difficult situation while you feel crummy.
Good luck.
poster:Emme_V2
thread:1032741
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20121130/msgs/1032821.html