I am fine with my job, which involves stocking items, arranging merchandise and doing aisle maintenance. However, I am stressed because I was scheduled to work more than I am used to and the people behind the schedule don't seem to understand how much it stresses me out.

I made a simple request: please don't schedule me more than 2 days in a row (I can handle 2 days in a row but after that I start to burn out). I'm on disability and working part-time so I figured that wouldn't be an issue. But apparently I may be asking for too much.

The person who does the schedule, bless her heart, tried to empathize and understand. She said something along the lines of "I think everyone has some anxiety and depression, they just deal with it in different ways". Ok, so everyone has been hospitalized over a dozen times, tried countless meds, ECT treatments and lots of therapy? The general manager is even less understanding.

I need to have some days off to recoup basically; rest and relax. Otherwise I get overwhelmed and the thoughts of self-harm and suicide come in. My threshold is different from the "normal" individual. But maybe because I look "normal", they don't understand. Or maybe they don't want to understand.

If they continue to schedule me for 3 days in a row or more, I may not be able to stay just because I need to look out for my own mental health.

[divine1966]

Since you are on disability for legitimate diagnosis (not just get occasionally anxious) , I recommend you type up a letter where you describe that you cannot work more than two days in a row due to disability. Make it look formal. Save a copy for yourself. I think having it in writing might get them pay attention

[hvert]

I love Divine's idea. It seems stupid to me that they suddenly insist on giving you a schedule you don't want, whatever your reason.

Yeah good ideas above. Could you get a doctor's note?

Since it qualifies as a disability for you, and if they know that, then scheduling you for more than 2 days in a row...seems like it would be an ADA violation / illegal, really. Are your supervisors aware of your disability?

Originally Posted by starrysky

Since it qualifies as a disability for you, and if they know that, then scheduling you for more than 2 days in a row...seems like it would be an ADA violation / illegal, really. Are your supervisors aware of your disability?

Yepp, they're aware. They just can't seem to wrap their heads around 3 days in a row being an issue or a stressor, perhaps because they are able to work full-time with no trouble.

I would consider a note written by myself (a doctor's note would cost money), but am not sure how I would word it.

I see that you live in Canada, but there should be laws protecting those with disabilities there too.

I think it makes sense that you would not be able to stay if they continue to schedule you 3 or more days in a row.

If you want I can PM you later. I'm pretty good with wording things. It takes a lot of editing, lol, but it's doable.

Excellent suggestions given above, also wonder if you are in a union and if they can advocate for you?

I totally get this. I do okay on my contracted hours too but notice extra hours stress me. It's a very real deal for some of us.

[divine1966]

There is this website AskJan, it breaks down accommodations per disability (or health issue) and I think explains how to write a letter. Check it out

[*Laurie*]

Yes, I completely agree with writing a letter. In fact, I strongly suggest that you do so right away. And do be sure to make a copy of it. The person who does the schedule sounds like she does not even begin to comprehend your request. Putting it in writing makes it legal.

[*Laurie*]

sandc, how's it going?

I had a chat with the owner and the GM. After a rough conversation (at one point I was accused of attacking and threatening them, I was not), they agreed to provide the accommodation if I give them a doctor's note saying that I am safe to work, and require the accommodation.

I need to give proof that I am safe to work because I explained to them that when I am given too many consecutive days of work, I begin to have thoughts of self-harm and suicide. I emphasized that these were just thoughts and I know to go to crisis if I feel like I may act on them, but they really overreacted and said they absolutely NEED to know I'm safe. I guess my word and past years of experience are not enough.

You were very brave dealing with this situation, that in itself could have been very triggering for you.

I hope everything will go a lot more smoothly for you now.

[avlady]

all of above is the advice for you from me.

[MatBell]

Kudos on dealing with them and thereby taking care of yourself. That would’ve been so hard for me to do. You should be proud of that!

[*Laurie*]

Good for you! You are courageous, and I feel happy for you for taking care of yourself. Keep us posted on how it goes. I think they will finally listen to you, now.

[hvert]

Do you think their overreaction came from a place of concern and caring? Bravo for discussing this with them in person.

Originally Posted by hvert

Do you think their overreaction came from a place of concern and caring? Bravo for discussing this with them in person.

Thank you all for your support.

No, I don't think it was from a place of concern and caring, but rather making sure that I didn't act on these thoughts so that other employees were not traumatized.

And I don't think they truly consider it a big deal because I have not handed in the note yet, but will be working today. If they were truly worried, they likely would have made me get the note to ensure I was safe before allowing me to work again. I work with a knife all day and will be allowed to do so today, without the note.

Honestly getting the note has just been a huge inconvenience and is in my opinion, unnecessary (aside from ensuring that my accommodation is granted).

[hvert]

That's pretty obnoxious on their part. I'm glad you're getting what you need and I guess now you are better informed about how they operate the next time they want you to go out of your way for them!