[Fencer]

Starting this thread to ask whether any has experience with how to inform one's boss about a clinic stay that is planned in advance and will take weeks, maybe months...

I am goint to be accepte in a psychosomatic clinic after having been transferred there by my psy, in 3 months time. The stay is at least 6 weeks and supposed to intensify psychotherapy over the period to have quicker results than by keeping me in my normal and stressful surroundings.

Fair enough, I have to tell my boss, who will not like it, since I am her only employee and she will find herself alone with 2 stagiaires for weeks in an intense working period. I don't want her to know the reasons why I am going and will pretend it is for long-term consequences of the burn-out for job-related stress I suffered 1 year ago. But I am frightened... to maybe lose my job in the process Maybe this is what must happen, since it is the job causing me so much stress. But I feel not able to cope with looking for another job right now either. Does anybody have experience with facing such questions?

Tx guys...

[perpetuallysad]

That is all very scary. I don't know how to tell you to deal with this. Whether you tell her the reason or not, I am not sure you will still have a job when you get out.

I am not sure what the South African laws about employment and illness are.

I really wish you luck.

[Skully]

Speak with your Human Resources person. Under the American Disabilities Act you should be covered my informing HR of your disability. Even though you may not "feel" disabled, Bipolar is covered under the act. Under this act they have to make accommodations for you that are reasonable. Talk to HR and have a meeting with your HR person and your boss.

[BlackPup]

You have to decide what is more important going to the clinic or your job. From the sound of things, you value the time at the clinic to be more important - which sounds entirely sensible from what you have said.
You can't control what your boss does when you tell them. It's out of your hands - you can only change what you do and say. Maybe you could suggest a replacement to help....
If you do lose your job you will find a way to cope, and you will have all the benefits of the clinic behind you.

[sugahorse1]

I think unfortunately you will need to let her know. I'd probably wait as long as possible i.e. a month before you go. If she does understand, she will support you. She may be able to get some temporary assistance while you are away.
I'm not sure what industry you are in, but could you not go now, or slightly later, when your industry is not in its peak?
Are you also in South Africa?

[Fencer]

Originally Posted by BlackPup

You have to decide what is more important going to the clinic or your job. From the sound of things, you value the time at the clinic to be more important - which sounds entirely sensible from what you have said.
You can't control what your boss does when you tell them. It's out of your hands - you can only change what you do and say. Maybe you could suggest a replacement to help....
If you do lose your job you will find a way to cope, and you will have all the benefits of the clinic behind you.

Blackpup thank you you have so entirely captured the situation. My close ones tell me I am a control freak, and that I have to let go and also take risks, which I am not sued to, I hate things being outside my control. But you are right. I have to decide... and jump either way! either i continue without the clinic, or I go and take the risk of my boss's actions...which I cannot foresee and hich are bveyond control for me. thanks for opening my eyes.

[Fencer]

Originally Posted by sugahorse

I think unfortunately you will need to let her know. I'd probably wait as long as possible i.e. a month before you go. If she does understand, she will support you. She may be able to get some temporary assistance while you are away.
I'm not sure what industry you are in, but could you not go now, or slightly later, when your industry is not in its peak?
Are you also in South Africa?

Suga, I guess a temporary person might be needed. also you are right; to reschedule it slightly by just about 2 weaks further back might be helpful.

No, I am in Europe, working for regional government representation. we are a little agency of our administration, just me and my boss. and stagiaires which constantly change, every few months.

South Africa must be so outstanding and beautiful. quite exotic for me! i have never been!

thanks...