Bipolar and Working Online Support Group

Well, it's finally happened - my once very understanding boss is now starting to give me a little crap about all the times I have to take off work to go to my and my daughter's pdoc and tdoc. I don't know what else I can do - I schedule the appointments either first thing in the morning or as late as I can in the afternoon but with me and my 2 daughters in therapy and 1 on those daughters also seeing a pdoc plus my own pdoc and tdoc - well that's a lot of doc visits... even today I have to go to the doc (podiatrist - sprained my foot 6 months ago and it's still giving me problems) and he's already mentioned that to me. I know he will always let me leave but I'm going threw my sick leave like crazy and now I'm starting to eat into my annual leave. Just venting... but if anyone has suggestions on what to tell my boss to make him understand more it would be great to hear!!

Teri,

Thanks for your kind words last night. I'm still gloomy, so sprinkle gobs of salt and what I'm about to say. If you're getting weird vibes off your boss, listen to it. It sounds like his patience is running out, and once it's gone, it's not good. Is there anything you can do differently, whether it's seeing if the doctors can meet you after hours, work compensating hours or find someone in your social network to at least drive your girls - if that's not too freaky for them - to their appointment.

In terms of what to say to your boss to get him to understand, I'd just let him know that you hear his concerns, you're working it, and doing a best to come up with a solution. At least that way he doesn't feel like he's being taken advantage of.

Z

Thanks Z and Hildy for your advice... I do try to get the last or first appointments.. and my girls go to the same office for tdoc so I try to get their appointments together. I'm kinda freaking out cuz I just looked on my calendar and both girls have appoiintments at 12 and 12:30 on Monday - So I guess I'll have to take a long lunch and just try to get back as soon as possible. The worst part is I since I just realized this, I never told my boss and so I'm going to have to spring this on him Monday morning.. ugghh

Have your doctors, all of them, and your childrens doctors, all of them document everything on FMLA paperwork. You have up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave that they have to keep your job or a similar one available to you.

I think you can use it when you want to. Documenting it helps you keep your job, especially if it is about a recurring medical conditions.

Thanks everyone for the advice, I sat down and talked to my boss and told him that I was aware that I take off a lot of time for the kids and myself but that my family comes first and that would not change, he says he understands just gets frustrated when he needs something from me and I'm not there. I understand his frustration, I get frustrated too - mainly because my husband NEVER takes off to take either one of the girls to their tdoc appointments... I just pray my boss stays understanding like he said he would.

Sounds to me that you are a valued employee at work, which is a good thing. I am glad that your boss is understanding and I hope that he continues to be for you.