Hmm, interesting discussion as I sit and ponder how long I can continue working without a crash and burn. I too have taken time for fmla, last year 6 weeks for me and this year two weeks for hubby. I worry that if I stop working I will get more like a hermot and be unhealthy, need disability. I worry that if I keep working there will be nothing left of me. Don't know what to tell you. There is a piece of me that wants to tell you to fight the employer, you still have value. Can you take short term disability? I have always been the one to pay the bills here. Not well, but the mortgage and stuff is paid directly. Hubby has been underemployed and now disabled. I share your wondering, incidently, I am way older and my kids are almost all grown. When can I have my nervous breakdown?