Recently, I’ve been having some physical and mental issues—both aiding the other.

Recently, I’ve been having some physical and mental issues—both aiding the other. And work exacerbates both. I received a note from my doctor to take some time off for a couple of weeks. My company doesn’t have FMLA, and my state has no laws in place either. I presented the note to my supervisor, and she flat out denied the request. Didn’t try to say, “well we can’t do that long, but I can give you a couple of days,”or something. Said that whatever I had going on would need to wait until January whether it was treatment or procedures or whatever bc she already had the schedule set for the remainder of the year. As if I can just put my health on hold.

I have worked for this company for two years and until recently, had only ever called out once after having surgery. I’m one of the top three workers here. Hardly ask for time off. Even when I have, I have trouble with that too. I know that others within the company call out and request off consistently with absolutely no issues. Even after telling me the schedule was set for the remainder of the year, she’s let people off that weren’t previously scheduled. It’s as if she needs one person to say no to, and I’m that person. I’m wondering if I should go to “HR” just to make sure there are no other options. Our company is small. 20 employees. We don’t necessarily have an HR, but we have one person who does HR duties. I wanted to go to my supervisor first bc I didn’t want to overstep her. Again, it’s a small company. The officer’s official title is not HR. Some of her duties do include on boarding for new hires and payroll. No one actually goes to HR for issues though, which is why she wasn’t my first point of contact. However, if there are other options, I want to know about them. Is it too late to go to HR? Would it seem like I’m overstepping since my supervisor already said no? These people have worked together for 20 years. My supervisor calls the other officer, “Mom.” Two years compared to 20 means I’m still relatively “new” without much pull. How do navigate this situation?