I’ve been with a company since early 2023 and manage 4 people.

18 Comments

1. S MaishaDecember 24,2024 at 2:40PM UTC

   No. Tell HR that you need a 504 which is a request for accommodation for disability. Do not answer any questions, just give the paperwork to your doctor and have him fill it out and fax it directly to HR. Make sure you request intermittent FMLA which means you can take sick time at your discretion or even have an accommodation like working from home as well as in the office.

2. AnonymousDecember 24,2024 at 9:12PM UTC

   But remember, for accommodations to be granted you must be highly specific and I would also include your recommendations from your primary care physician. Companies may take into consideration accommodations but without medical backup they are under no obligation to grant them.

3. AnonymousDecember 26,2024 at 1:44PM UTC

   Ok I did file a new request with matrix for fmla I did ask HR general what to do and this is where they directed me. I haven’t said anything to my boss yet. I wanted to get some more information. But I may need to inform my regular HR person , just not sure on when and how or what I will say

4. AnonymousDecember 26,2024 at 1:47PM UTC

   Hi. I am already working remote so that is good

5. AnonymousDecember 24,2024 at 2:54PM UTC

   No. You need to take responsibility for your healthiest outcome. That means working with your doctors and not guessing whether brain fog is a symptom, what accommodations are required. Whether FMLA OR STD is needed. Understanding protocols for your conditions is your responsibility. You need to understand your private medical condition. Then work with your medical team to design a plan.

   Requirements of training are most likely not your issue after performing the job for close to 2 years. Your manager should only be made aware that you are dealing with some medical issues when you have arrived at a clear plan to address your needs.

6. AnonymousDecember 26,2024 at 1:43PM UTC

   All I know at this point it that they increased my dose of hydroxychloroquine the week of Dec 10 and they said to give it a couple weeks to see how it helps with the Brain fog. I am also going to see my GP on Jan 2 as when I sent follow up message to my rheumatologist on mychart that’s what he said to do in this case. The rheumatologist is nice but doesn’t seem to offer much help with the work side of things although he will need to sign the paperwork for the FMLA which filed on Monday 12/23

7. AnonymousDecember 24,2024 at 8:26PM UTC

   No you don’t tell your boss, yet. You go to HR and request FMLA. They may have a form your doctor will sign. It sounds like you landed a position that could be over your ability and thinking your boss notices means your boss hasn’t met with you about metrics. Or you found yourself in a position that you can no longer manage. Get your medical team together and focus on your health. If your health is impeding in your abilities are there other jobs that would be less taxing on you? Focus on your health, seek FMLA, and if you feel you can go to your boss after your FMLA is approved then have a sit down among other things to discuss your challenges.

8. AnonymousDecember 29,2024 at 7:02PM UTC

   Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated

9. AnonymousDecember 30,2024 at 1:01AM UTC

   You’ve got this! Take the next steps to protect your health and your job. In the meantime seek a better company.

10. AnonymousDecember 30,2024 at 7:08PM UTC

    Sounds good !

11. GirlBossanova934974December 25,2024 at 2:17PM UTC

    There are 2 separate issues here and these issues need to be kept separate. First, you were put into a supervisory position without the proper training and/or education. Unfortunately, this has been happening more and more in the last few years in a lot of companies. Companies want to save money.........Second, you now have a medical condition which MAY or MAY NOT require a leave of absence. The first thing is to find out from your doctor what sort of treatment plan is on the table. Second, you need to get some sort of training or education on people management. What sort of resources does your company provide for newer supervisors?

12. AnonymousDecember 26,2024 at 1:54PM UTC

    Hi. They don’t really have a formal training program for new supervisors- it’s just been train as I go and there are several things to be trained on including knowing the system and processes. I developed my own guide for review of the submissions. I even started to write down the step by step process to actually do the job which they didn’t have but which has really helped me to follow and to do my own work / submissions…but they don’t even think it’s useful or needed. They think that we should just be trained and take good notes which is also frustrating. I will keep using it either way

13. AnonymousDecember 25,2024 at 5:15PM UTC

    You have personally acknowledged to yourself that you may be failing at your role. The question is how will you handle that careerwise. If you think the pressures of managing others is going to be too much with your condition could you step back into an individual contributor role? Would that work? Or with a doctors note could you get some grace for the situation you are dealing with re brain fog etc.? Think about the outcome you hope to have for this because it may affect other jobs in the future and you may want to control your own destiny and story about this. So suggest you speak to your doctor first about convalescence, and treatment. Then if the syndrome is one that requires a work related accommodation ask for one in writing with a doctors note. Then sit down with your manager to decide how to work with this either elevating someone else to the role and you stepping back - temp or perm. Or decide to take a leave or get the manager to help step in to take somethings away or job share with someone on your team for the leadership part which might be the best choice because it also can give one of your staff the uplift which is good for them and you. Good luck.

14. AnonymousDecember 26,2024 at 1:58PM UTC

    Thanks. This is helpful. I am 55 so hoping I can stick it out for at least another 5 years - was hoping that this would be the last job but now not so sure. I have been looking for other jobs and have interviewed but haven’t landed anything yet. There may be an opportunity for a contract job with no direct reports that I’m waiting to hear back from

15. AnonymousDecember 26,2024 at 2:03PM UTC

    My boss and I have already talked about promoting someone who reports to me, then she and I would be at the same level and she may be given one or more direct reports This person also filled in for me when I was ooo for the eye surgeries this year and she did a really good job. I’m thinking now that the eye surgeries could have exacerbated the Mctd but I may have had the mctd my whole life tho and didn’t know it but since age 50 it’s gotten worse due to the drop in hormones

16. AnonymousDecember 26,2024 at 5:32PM UTC

    OP above, sometimes stepping back when you need some grace and space to heal is good. Encourage those who report to you that have filled in and done a good job to succeed too. The best managers do this and that is a sign of your true success.

17. Regina BrownDecember 26,2024 at 12:37AM UTC

    All of the posted comments are very, very good suggestions. I have multiple sclerosis which can impair my cognition and cause fatigue. Having an AI disorder (I don't like the word "disease" because it sounds so fatal) working full time and trying to lead others is difficult but not uncommon.

    Having a disability is not the same as incapable or unable, it simply means we do stuff differently. We get to the same goal but we have to use "workarounds" to get there.

    The first thing you need to do is speak with HR and file FMLA. Then you should schedule a meeting between you, your boss and HR to discuss how you can succeed INCLUDING the proper training you will need to perform your job.

18. AnonymousDecember 26,2024 at 2:12PM UTC

    Thanks They directed me right to matrix and I filed a claim on Monday 12/23. I haven’t spoken to my regular HR person or boss yet … was going to wait until this was approved