Kinda pissed

So, my husbandÂ’s insurance approved me for 20 days of IOP. IÂ’m on day 4. I still have 2 weeks and 3 days vacation but I would prefer not to use all of my time. So, I applied for FMLA. I got a letter today saying I was denied fmla due to not working 1250 hours in the past 12 months. First I called the school I work for and as I was calling I realized it may be a busy time. The first thing I did when she answered the phone is ask if she is busy. She recognized my voice and told me it was a little busy around there. We got on some topic about the length of time IÂ’d be off (she was trying to pry, I didnÂ’t want to be honest just yet because IÂ’m not entirely decided) and I told her I had no idea how long. Then she referred me to the leave office. I swear she sounded begrudged. Maybe I am just feeling judged and that is all but it doesnÂ’t feel that way. Especially since they can all hear in my voice that I sound fine.

Anyway, I call the leave office to find out how many hours I need to get to 1250. 15 freaking hours. 15. I’ve worked 1235. And, there is no way to pick up those last 15 hours because the 1250 is in a 12 month period so what I gain in the end I lose in the beginning. The good news is we do have an “intermittent leave” policy where I can take doctor recommended time off paid, unpaid, or both (as long as I take the paid time first because once you choose unpaid, you can’t go back to paid.

Then, on top of feeling judged and the fmla issue, IÂ’m worried about being outed. The teacher and assistant I work with both know about my bipolar. Normally I trust them to keep it hushed but what are they saying in my absence? IÂ’m just aggravated and freaked out.

That’s ridiculous! 15 hours One would think they would be lenient in these circumstances. I’m so sorry. This must be incredibly stressful, which is the last thing you need right now. I don’t know the US system so can offer no practical advice. I can only hope something goes right for you so you can have this time, THAT YOU REALLY NEED, without financial stress and the stress that your job is in jeopardy. Keep being strong and hopeful. Things may not turn out as expected, but in the end they may fall in place. Keep posting. We are here for you.

15 hours short definitely sucks. To be honest though, FMLA would not have saved your vacation time anyway. The law states they can take any accrued sick and vacation time as you use the FMLA hours. I have needed to take FMLA a few times in my life and yes it sucks when it happens. I’m sorry you’re going through a rough time.

I have a lot of experience with FMLAs. After working as a cancer researcher for 3 years I had a severe manic-psychotic episode that kept me in the hospital for 8 weeks. I used up all my sick time, all my vacation time, and all my personal time. When I was discharged and returned to work, HR recommended an FMLA for follow-up treatments and further episodes. It worked very well in terms of giving me treatment flexibility and job security. What it did not do was protect my privacy. Details of my illness became public knowledge and my career took a devastating hit. When you apply for an FMLA make very sure HR will maintain your confidentiality.

As much as this news sucks ... please focus on your IOP and know you will soon be back in good shape.

Yes, this is the thing to focus on. Getting better.
Still, so sorry on the 15(!) hours. So.damn.close!

I'm so sorry you're going through all of this, cashart10 It seems like a difficult situation. I agree that it's definitely ridicolous. 15 hours is a really minuscule amount compared to the 1250 you've done already. You'd think they'd give you some leisure in cases like this. I have never experienced this, so unfortunately I don't have a lot of advice to give to you. I agree with what all the others have already wisely said better than I ever could. Focus on yourself at the moment. Take some time for yourself. That's very important. It seems like you're very stressed out at the moment. You always work so hard... I'm so sorry. Try to take some rest if you can. You need to take care of yourself after all. Just remember that you did what you've had to do. It's not your fault. You did your best. Be proud of yourself for that. That's all you can do after all. Although I understand you must be pretty hurt and stressed out at the moment. I'm so sorry, I wish I've had more advice to give to you. I can listen to what you have to say if you want. Remember that we all care about you here. We all love you here. I hope things will get better soon for you. Is there anything we can do to help you? Please let us know. Remember that we're here for you if you need it. Feel free to PM me anytime. Let me know if I can do something to help you. Wish you good luck! Let us know how it goes. I'm so sorry you have to deal with this

Thank you all. Today was a good day. Parts of it were even great!