Quote:
Originally Posted by bluebicycle
There's a 90% chance I have to go on a business trip to the Czech Republic. I do NOT want to go. I've been there 3 times already and I hate it there. It's not a bad country by any means, but when you go for work and you stay in an area where most people don't speak English, it's NOT fun, especially when people ditch you because they want to spend the whole night drinking every night and you don't.
I'm afraid I'll get psychosis when I'm out of the country, and then there's NOTHING anyone can do about it. There's no way I can get any Rx changes or additions, and I'll be 6 hours ahead, so calling my therapist etc. will be a pain in the @ss.
I asked my therapist for advice yesterday, but all she said was to ask for work accommodations and tell my boss that such a trip would be emotionally taxing. I can't do or say that. I'm not going to reveal my bipolar diagnosis to him (or anyone for that matter).
I already told my boss that I found the last 3 trips overwhelming because of the long days and long plane rides, but he didn't seem to care. I don't know what else I'm supposed to do except suck it up and hope for the best. It's awful.
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Hi Blue!
It must be so anxiety provoking to be in this position.
How soon is the trip?
Is it possible to again mention your past experiences to your boss?
I don't know his personality and whether he might be upset with you or might just blow you off or might listen if you mention your concerns to him again?
The reason I am wondering if you might feel comfortable having this conversation with him again is: if he was busy when you'd tried to get your points across to him , he may have not heard you and/or just did not have the time/focus to process what you were saying to him?
I know when I was a manager, there were very many times when I did not clearly hear my staff. I was often too caught up in my own responsibilities. If a staff member had come to me again, letting me know s/he did not feel heard, I would be sure to set things aside and listen with complete focus.
Of course, I cannot assume your boss would behave in a similar manner. I do think it may be worth your while to again voice your concerns ? Might doing so harm you in any way?
I am hoping there might be some options prior to having to decide on looking into accomodations. I will say this: Your job is critical for your self-support. If you do have to request accomodations, I do think it might be very important to seek the advice of an attorney as soon as possible.
When I became "disabled," I had to make a decison as to whether I wanted to be fired (because I could not keep up with all of my responsibilites) or if I wanted to try to have a bit more control and, more income, by beating them to it , by requesting accomodations and eventually, having to deal with going onto total disability. So a part of the whole scene can sometimes be: beating them to the punch by being a step ahead.
This was just my own experience. (My immediate manager was very critical of everyone and was also very angry I'd requested any type of an accomodation. He told me is was his opinion that people who ask for accomodations should just resign. This had put me in a terrible position. Yet, at least he was upfront and I knew his stance.)
I realize I am coming in from a different angle. I just want to touch upon this topic as you consider all pertinent info/possibilities.
I am, in now way, suggesting you choose the option of requesting accomodations and/or ever will ever need the option for total disability.
These are very individual decisions.
I know you have much to consider.
Please do let me know if I can help in any way!
Much Love and Support
