[Woodchuck]

I work overnights (12 or 8 hour shifts). My coworkers on those shifts are awesome. However, the management and most of the other employees are not people I really want to spend time with. My direct manager, who blessedly is leaving along with another manager (we have a new Head Manager and she seems to be kicking everyone old out), told me that unless I am dead, I need to be at work on time every day, and that I need to be "better than perfect" because "people are watching."

I have taken some sick days over the last year to deal with my depression; because of this I have several written warnings in my "permanent file." I also pick up a ton of extra shifts because we are so extremely understaffed. My manager said that picking up extra shifts doesn't mean much because "it just means the other people on the shift don't have to work as hard" but when I call out, it inconveniences the supervisors who have to try to fill my spot. We are allowed 3 sick days per year, one per quarter. I have taken many more days (about 10) than that.

I'm currently feeling very sick but I know I have no option but to go to work. I like working overnights, but it does mess with your bodily clock and I think predisposes me to becoming depressed because I have to try to sleep during the day and my sleep is never good. Also, the shift differential is pretty insulting, it's an extra $1. Most places pay at least $3/hour more.

I dunno. Now I'm worried about who they will replace the manager with and I am already dreading having to go in tonight in 15 hours.

Sorry to vent.

[seesaw]

Woodchuck,

First of all, kudos to you for working while having depression. I also work while having depression and people have no clue how difficult it truly is. It's a nightmare. Most days you don't feel like you can do much, and that's a good day. Bad days are when your eyes physically won't open because you're so fatigued from the thoughts that go through your head.

Can you qualify for FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act)? Also, and this could be risky, but if you could get a letter from your doctor stating that you are disabled and submit that to HR, it could protect you from being fired for absences that you need to take under FMLA. I don't know, sometimes it can be risky talking to HR, but sometimes it can really protect your *****. I know my work has on file my disability, but I try my very best not to need to use sick days or anything like that just because I want to be seen as reliable even though I have this illness and also, we have PTO versus vacation and separate sick days, so I want to use all my PTO for vacation.

Try not to fret too much and rest for the 15 hours before you have to go in to work.

Seesaw

[Yzen]

Do whatever you can to make the job work for you. If you can find time to take breaks that help you make it though the day---do it. If talking to your coworkers at times helps you get pass an empty feeling during the day--do it. My goal of every work day it to make it through while getting a reasonable amount of work done.

Try not to let yourself feel the "fear" that manger is spreading. That type of talk comes from insecure managers that think intimidation gets results. Nobody's work is perfect. It is healthier to get work done with the best you can do. That is all you can do.

I hope the replacement manager is someone really good.

No problem with venting....we need to vent to talk back to our depression.

[hvert]

Can you start to look for a new job? I know it's hard to do when you are already feeling lousy.

[Little Lulu]

Oh my, the workplace can be so tough. That is such ugly and silly talk from the manager ... you have to be "better than perfect" and can't miss work unless you are dead??? Utterly ridiculous.

I agree with seesaw that if you are going to stay there you may need some backing such as FMLA or a doctor note.

Best wishes to you. I hope you find your answer soon. I know this can't be comfortable.

[Woodchuck]

Ugh, today I have a fever, sore throat, earache and body aches. Emailed my manager. Her reply? "While I am concerned that you do not feel well, you must come to work on time."

I cannot wait until I can quit this job. Even with doctors notes I have been written up at least 3 times for my "permanent file" saying that I take too much time off. I no longer have a psychopharmacologist (who handled my short-term disability event in 2010--different job) so I don't have anyone to go to bat for me. My GP seems unwilling to discuss FMLA and in any case, it is legal to fire someone on leave as long as you have any other reason than taking FMLA leave. So if I took FMLA leave, I could be fired for poor attendance or not getting along with someone. And they would do that, too. I am so tired.

[seesaw]

I'm so sorry, Woodchuck. I second what someone else said, can you start looking for another job? Can you file for disability?

It's miserable trying to work with an MI. I could barely get to work myself today.

Seesaw

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[Little Lulu]

If you get fired, can you draw unemployment until you find something else?? That might be a 'way out'.