Sunday, May 27, 2012

FMLA and employers

By Christie Friday, March 09, 2007
Well, I used to work for a very large company in WIlmington, DE. I left there for numerous reasons, but specifically my health. I seem to have a hard time getting up early in the mornings and the long days in front of a computer brought on headaches almost daily. So, I made the decision to leave. Since then I've felt much better being able to be "slow" in the mornings. But now that I've decided to go back to work, I'm concerned about my illness. When I worked at MBNA I had to use quite a bit of FMLA time. I was judged, not promoted (and told that was why..yes I know, illegal), and felt guilty every day I had to call in. Some days it was just to come in late. None-the-less, my headaches are a problem for a "regular" schedule. My degree is in graphic design and account production. The problem is, 99% of those jobs are full day jobs and none are close to home. So when and if I do get hired somewhere, how do I handle telling my employer about my disease? I know I'm protected, but don't have the money to hire a lawyer and I'm concerned that this will hold me back. Do I just keep it quiet until it happens or be up front. I'm typically the up-front, in your face, lay it on the table kinda girl, but this makes me nervous. This disease is invisable to everyone until you have that attack so rarely does anyone believe it could hinder so much of your life. Has anyone else had these issues and what did you do to handle it?  Thanks all!  ~Christie
Anonymous
Anonymous
3/13/07 3:55pm
Hi, have you thought about working from home/telecommuting? If most of your work is done on your computer that might be a viable option for you. You can just roll out of bed in your PJ's and start slowly. That's what I do!!! Or once you get a job -  find out if they allow that flexibility.
Anonymous
Mari
3/14/07 10:39pm

I work full time with migraines.  I have  a schedule in which I start work BEFORE everyone else.

 

If I wake up with a headache, I get ready and go to work as usual, armed with a hot breakfast and tons of medicine.  I can start my days slowly as needed and am usually recovered before the rest of the office shows up.

 

The only time I mention having a migraine is when I am so sick I have to go home. I also have an "elderly ailing mother" that I sometimes claim "needs me".  Mom is healthier than I am, but it keeps me from revealing the truth sometimes.

 

I was just promoted to Payroll Administrator, a one person job with very little back up.  I am amazed I can pull this off but I do it every day.

 

I always go to work, even if I'm sick.  I should mention that I have migraines a couple of days per week.

Anonymous
always blind
1/ 3/10 1:33am

It does help sometimes to be upfront with your employers. I was hired after I disclosed my disabilty, worked for 16 months with no issues. If I had a migraine I let them know and went home or to the hospital. I am part of the 10% of migraine suffers that when an attack happens it acts like a stroke and I can go completely blind with left-side numbness. After 16 months with no issues with my company, we had a change in supervisors and I was told to file for FMLA with company short term disabilty or be fired. I went out on the STD with FMLA, that was a joke, the moment my DR was an hour late getting my paperwork back to them I was "laid off". When the company recieved my paperwork from my Dr they denied the claim and told me to file an appeal with the labor board for my back pay.

 

 I am a healthcare worker, so for me to go into work loaded up on migraine meds is unethical and could cause major damage to my patients. For some full time work is not always a option.

 

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By Christie— Last Modified: 09/03/10, First Published: 03/09/07