afraid of being fired

Heavenleah
Heavenleah Member Posts: 31
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Since the CT scan and first appointment with my ENT and getting the initial "I think its cancer" from him, I have been a mess at work. I have since had my biopsy and confirmed. I have been in constant communications with my boss, who was recently promoted to that position as the prior manager took another position in the company. I have given him step by step information as I get it. I should mention that I used my 12 weeks of FMLA with 2 surgeries in the beginning of the year. I have none left. I have put in for STD for the removal of my tonsils next week. My manager, however, is not being the most sensitive about the situation. I work from home for the telephone company, and handle small business accounts and have a very aggressive sales goal per month. Calls that would normally route to a call center, instead, route to work at home employees. More cost efficient to the company that way. Since this all started, I have been depressed, tired, nauseated, among many other things. My manager has been commenting on my job performance, going so far as to tell me "I know what youre going through, my mother just went through it. But you cant let your personal life affect your job" I nearly game unglued on him. Hes now telling me that for any future doctor visits, I have to make up the lost hours on my day off, Saturday. He is constantly riding me for more sales. To be honest, it takes everything I have in me just to roll out of bed and sign on to my phone. I am just trying to make it through my 8 hours without crying. I know that sales is the main job function in my position, but can this get me fired because I just cant drive myself to push sales right now? Im still handling the customers needs with billing, repair, etc, I am just not taking the extra step in offering additional services for sales. I feel like he is pushing me out the door because if I dont make my goal, he gets less bonus. Yes my performance is suffering, but isnt that to be expected? Can he can me? I dont know if I have a leg to stand on here or how to address the issue. Please help.....

Sorry if I am all over the map with my post, I just cant seem to get thoughts out right.

Thank you for listening...
«1

Comments

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #2
    FMLA
    Check over the specific conditions of the FMLA. I don't believe it's an annual time frame, it's rolling..meaning that the eligible dates are dynamic and change based on time.

    Sorry for your ordeal....

    Do you have a HR Department...maybe time to get someelse in your organization involved.

    Best,
    John
  • adventurebob
    adventurebob Member Posts: 691
    #3
    That guy's an ****
    I'm sorry you have to deal with that kind of human while going through all this. I'm not really sure what the legality is but a letter from your doc would officially qualify you as a disabled person with a whole new load of rights that would definitely keep that jerk from firing you or at the very least give you a solid legal leg to stand on if he does. I'm curious what state you're in. In California we get 12 months of state disability. I used all 12 months of mine as I was going through and recovering from treatment. There are a few other states with such a thing in place. I think what I'd recommend is calling up his mother and letting her know how her son treats another lady with cancer. She can probably straighten him out. There's probably a state disability organization that would have good solid answers for you.

    AB
  • Heavenleah
    Heavenleah Member Posts: 31
    #4
    adventurebob said:

    That guy's an ****
    I'm sorry you have to deal with that kind of human while going through all this. I'm not really sure what the legality is but a letter from your doc would officially qualify you as a disabled person with a whole new load of rights that would definitely keep that jerk from firing you or at the very least give you a solid legal leg to stand on if he does. I'm curious what state you're in. In California we get 12 months of state disability. I used all 12 months of mine as I was going through and recovering from treatment. There are a few other states with such a thing in place. I think what I'd recommend is calling up his mother and letting her know how her son treats another lady with cancer. She can probably straighten him out. There's probably a state disability organization that would have good solid answers for you.

    AB

    Unfortunately, I live in
    Unfortunately, I live in Arizona...A right to work state. That means they can fire me if they dont like my shoes...I feel like Im going to get screwed in this here...
  • Heavenleah
    Heavenleah Member Posts: 31
    #5
    Skiffin16 said:

    FMLA
    Check over the specific conditions of the FMLA. I don't believe it's an annual time frame, it's rolling..meaning that the eligible dates are dynamic and change based on time.

    Sorry for your ordeal....

    Do you have a HR Department...maybe time to get someelse in your organization involved.

    Best,
    John

    I have looked into that. It
    I have looked into that. It use to be 12 weeks per illness/emergency, however that has changed to 12 weeks per calendar year.

    I did call my HR guy to tell him what was going on, and that I had put in for the remaining 2 days of FMLA and the STD. I voiced my concerns about losing my job and he told me that to send him an email and he would "see what he could do" and meet with my manager. I have been with the company for a total of 6 years and always had stellar numbers until now. Quite frustrating to say the least that I have to deal with this garbage right now. I cant believe I invited him to my wedding in June...which he came to, before his promotion...empty handed at that... The manager who took a different position would NEVER be as cold as this guy is. She was so supportive and understanding....I wish she would have waited a month to leave. I have to work in an hour and a half and im already starting to panic about what hes going to say about my not working saturday to make up for my biopsy result appointment and lab work for upcoming surgery last week.
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #6
    Heavenleah said:

    I have looked into that. It
    I have looked into that. It use to be 12 weeks per illness/emergency, however that has changed to 12 weeks per calendar year.

    I did call my HR guy to tell him what was going on, and that I had put in for the remaining 2 days of FMLA and the STD. I voiced my concerns about losing my job and he told me that to send him an email and he would "see what he could do" and meet with my manager. I have been with the company for a total of 6 years and always had stellar numbers until now. Quite frustrating to say the least that I have to deal with this garbage right now. I cant believe I invited him to my wedding in June...which he came to, before his promotion...empty handed at that... The manager who took a different position would NEVER be as cold as this guy is. She was so supportive and understanding....I wish she would have waited a month to leave. I have to work in an hour and a half and im already starting to panic about what hes going to say about my not working saturday to make up for my biopsy result appointment and lab work for upcoming surgery last week.

    Actually
    Actually I guess it's now in a 12 month period, which is still different than calendar year. But if you did it in the beginning of the year it's going to be awhile for you.

    Maybe they'll work with you allowing you to work a different assignment during treatment remaining.

    Not sure, definitely a tough situation. One that you shouldn't have to deal with and trying to make it through treatment at the same time.

    JG
  • MarineE5
    MarineE5 Member Posts: 1,030 Member
    #7
    Benefit Package
    Heavenleah,

    I agree with what John mentioned about getting someone else involved. How was your relationship with your old Boss? Was he more understanding to his employee's needs? You might want to contact him/her. Contact the Human Resource Department and find out what is available to you at this time.

    Were you given a Benefit's package when hired? read over it with a fine tooth comb. I feel that we need to know the benefit's package better then the ones that wrote it.

    My Best to You and Everyone Here

    EDIT- I type too slow, I see you answered some of my questions while I was trying to reply.....
  • osmotar
    osmotar Member Posts: 1,006
    #8
    Heavenleah said:

    Unfortunately, I live in
    Unfortunately, I live in Arizona...A right to work state. That means they can fire me if they dont like my shoes...I feel like Im going to get screwed in this here...

    I'm in AZ as well...and have
    I'm in AZ as well...and have the same concerns, my company has less than 50 employees, so with out cause anyone can be terminated.Have you lookd at the FMLA- Family Medical Leave act?
  • Heavenleah
    Heavenleah Member Posts: 31
    #9
    MarineE5 said:

    Benefit Package
    Heavenleah,

    I agree with what John mentioned about getting someone else involved. How was your relationship with your old Boss? Was he more understanding to his employee's needs? You might want to contact him/her. Contact the Human Resource Department and find out what is available to you at this time.

    Were you given a Benefit's package when hired? read over it with a fine tooth comb. I feel that we need to know the benefit's package better then the ones that wrote it.

    My Best to You and Everyone Here

    EDIT- I type too slow, I see you answered some of my questions while I was trying to reply.....

    The last manager was
    The last manager was amazing. She was always firm with goals but did whatever she could to help. My 2 year old has more compassion in her pinky than he does in his entire body. I would contact her, except she recommended him as her replacement while she is doing this other position until April 2012. He was her right hand man. I feel she would immediately go to him and it would make things worse for me. I feel trapped. Human Resources is looking into seeing what they can do to save my job, but wasnt very reassuring about it. I hate working and living in Arizona.
  • Heavenleah
    Heavenleah Member Posts: 31
    #10
    osmotar said:

    I'm in AZ as well...and have
    I'm in AZ as well...and have the same concerns, my company has less than 50 employees, so with out cause anyone can be terminated.Have you lookd at the FMLA- Family Medical Leave act?

    I did look into that, but
    I did look into that, but as i said, I had my gallbladder surgery in the beginning of the year, and then 6 weeks later, the night before i was to return to work, I was back in the ER with stomach pains where they found a 6x8x4 Hematoma on my uterus which required another surgery taking me out for another 6 weeks. all in all, ive used my 12 weeks this year.
  • osmotar
    osmotar Member Posts: 1,006
    #11
    Heavenleah said:

    I did look into that, but
    I did look into that, but as i said, I had my gallbladder surgery in the beginning of the year, and then 6 weeks later, the night before i was to return to work, I was back in the ER with stomach pains where they found a 6x8x4 Hematoma on my uterus which required another surgery taking me out for another 6 weeks. all in all, ive used my 12 weeks this year.

    Where are you located in AZ?

    Where are you located in AZ?
  • Heavenleah
    Heavenleah Member Posts: 31
    #12
    osmotar said:

    Where are you located in AZ?

    Where are you located in AZ?

    Kingman

    Kingman
  • osmotar
    osmotar Member Posts: 1,006
    #13
    Heavenleah said:

    Kingman

    Kingman

    I'm in Buckeye

    I'm in Buckeye
  • rozaroo
    rozaroo Member Posts: 665
    #14
    Heavenleah said:

    The last manager was
    The last manager was amazing. She was always firm with goals but did whatever she could to help. My 2 year old has more compassion in her pinky than he does in his entire body. I would contact her, except she recommended him as her replacement while she is doing this other position until April 2012. He was her right hand man. I feel she would immediately go to him and it would make things worse for me. I feel trapped. Human Resources is looking into seeing what they can do to save my job, but wasnt very reassuring about it. I hate working and living in Arizona.

    So sorry!
    I feel so badly for you & the unfairness you are dealing with. My prayer's & support are with you & your family. I know there are quite a few unkind & thoughtless people out there. However I believe in Karma!
    All my best
    Roz
  • Heavenleah
    Heavenleah Member Posts: 31
    #15
    osmotar said:

    I'm in Buckeye

    I'm in Buckeye

    not too far. 3.5 hours or
    not too far. 3.5 hours or so..
  • osmotar
    osmotar Member Posts: 1,006
    #16
    Heavenleah said:

    not too far. 3.5 hours or
    not too far. 3.5 hours or so..

    True, Hwy 93 to 60 into
    True, Hwy 93 to 60 into Phoenix...not a bad drive, my work takes me to the mine in Bagdad at times
  • Lelia
    Lelia Member Posts: 98
    #17
    Heavenleah said:

    The last manager was
    The last manager was amazing. She was always firm with goals but did whatever she could to help. My 2 year old has more compassion in her pinky than he does in his entire body. I would contact her, except she recommended him as her replacement while she is doing this other position until April 2012. He was her right hand man. I feel she would immediately go to him and it would make things worse for me. I feel trapped. Human Resources is looking into seeing what they can do to save my job, but wasnt very reassuring about it. I hate working and living in Arizona.

    Finesse it.
    Call your last manager, the goal-setting humanitarian. Like you pointed out, you'll have to choose your words carefully, after all, she rec'd this dude for his current position.

    But remember, having supported him for the job, your current manager owes her. How about calling her to ask for her advice. Use that word, people love being asked for advice. If you must leave VM, don't spill the story, just state in an upbeat way you'd love her advice on something and leave your cell phone number.

    When you make contact with her, consider this "I know you supported X for your former job and I'm going to be working with him on keeping my job during my cancer treatment. I'm hoping, since you know him and are familiar with his work, you can give me some personal advice on the best approach.'
  • palmyrafan
    palmyrafan Member Posts: 396
    #18
    Disability
    I would seriously consider disability, either through your employer (if they offer it) or through Social Security. I would also consider seeing what other type of work you can do from home (that is legit) that will pay you what you need to support your family but still let you focus on your needs right now.

    I think we all know that stress, in any form, is not good for cancer patients. The more stress, the worse we feel and you need to conserve all your energy for your surgery and recovery.

    I agree too, that this guy is a jerk. Compassion 101 is not his best suit. He is new to the position and is trying to prove himself worthy of the referral and the job. Your best bet is to keep on HR and make sure that your concerns are well-documented. Also, make sure to get the paperwork from your doctor(s) proving that you qualify for ADA at your place of employment.

    Good luck,
    Peace,
    T
  • DrMary
    DrMary Member Posts: 531 Member
    #19
    Heavenleah said:

    The last manager was
    The last manager was amazing. She was always firm with goals but did whatever she could to help. My 2 year old has more compassion in her pinky than he does in his entire body. I would contact her, except she recommended him as her replacement while she is doing this other position until April 2012. He was her right hand man. I feel she would immediately go to him and it would make things worse for me. I feel trapped. Human Resources is looking into seeing what they can do to save my job, but wasnt very reassuring about it. I hate working and living in Arizona.

    Disability insurance
    Your company benefits might include disability insurance - another thing to ask HR. It won't cost your company extra to use it if they do have a policy and they get to keep a trained employee, so it's in their best interest. My husband's company's policy even allowed him (encouraged, in fact) to work part-time and still get benefits.

    Social Security also does disability payments, but it takes a while for them to start - I again recommend you talk to the social worker at the hospital where you will be treated, as he/she will both be able to advise you of your rights and coordinate benefits.

    I wish I had more experience in this area - folks on the Caregivers list have quite a bit, so you might want to check that out.
  • timreichhart
    timreichhart Member Posts: 194
    #20
    palmyrafan said:

    Disability
    I would seriously consider disability, either through your employer (if they offer it) or through Social Security. I would also consider seeing what other type of work you can do from home (that is legit) that will pay you what you need to support your family but still let you focus on your needs right now.

    I think we all know that stress, in any form, is not good for cancer patients. The more stress, the worse we feel and you need to conserve all your energy for your surgery and recovery.

    I agree too, that this guy is a jerk. Compassion 101 is not his best suit. He is new to the position and is trying to prove himself worthy of the referral and the job. Your best bet is to keep on HR and make sure that your concerns are well-documented. Also, make sure to get the paperwork from your doctor(s) proving that you qualify for ADA at your place of employment.

    Good luck,
    Peace,
    T

    about going disability
    May I ask what kind of cancer you have Heavenleah? did it spread to any other place then the original location? If it didn't then you wont be able to get disability from the feds and now if it did you would get disability from the feds.

    look at this list to see if your cancer is on the list for http://www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm if it is I would diff get the application going.

    Because last year in March I found out I had NPC and but wasted about 6months to find out if I can get disability but after talking to my cousin about it she told me go ahead and apply for it so I applied for it in Oct and about week later I was approved for disability from the feds and I got SSI intill I started my full disability in January of this year. So I got couple months left before they look over my case again to see if I am disabled. Which right now I am sure I will still be disabled because I am having very late side effects of the cancer treatments to effect getting a job.
  • Buckwirth
    Buckwirth Member Posts: 1,258 Member
    #21
    LTD
    Do you have this in your benefits package? If so, you may want to run the clock out.

    Sweetblood's super thread has ADA and FMLA links you may find useful, and Nana b on the CRC board works in HR, you may want to reach out to her for advice.

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