I just started a new treatment that's taking a toll on me. My doctor said going on medical leave would help speed up my healing process but that it isn't absolutely necessary. I'm sure my office will be supportive but I'm worried about missing opportunities that come up while I'm out of the office. Has anyone here gone on medical leave? How much did it help? Was it worth the potential career slowdown?
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I'm sure it would help, but this takes a LONG time to recover from. So are you prepared to be gone for more than a year?
How long have you been ill?
Posted by Stacy89 (Member # 51907) on :
I've been pushing through it for 5 years and haven't taken off work, but sometimes I feel like I'm at the breaking point. I couldn't take a year off but I'm hoping even just 2 months would help.
Posted by Bartenderbonnie (Member # 49177) on :
Stacy89
My experience;
I plowed through 3 years of sickness before diagnosis. Slowly, my exemplarily work record became tarnished. From being an employee who could always be counted on, perfect attendance, always gave 100%, available for call-offs at last minute, ect. . . I became unreliable, miserable and in pain, last minute call-offs, undependable, and a HORRIBLE employee and work partner. This was just the progression of my illness.
There was ABSOLUTELY no way I could work during treatment.
I did return part-time about 8 months later.
Sounds like you are a very good employee. And yes, you will miss some opportunities. But think of ALL the opportunities you will miss if you don't address your health full-on with commitment.
Posted by tickbite666 (Member # 43399) on :
Consider a reduced work week. I did a four day workweek and it helped me get more rest and still get home chores done over a long weekend. And it also allows for Dr appointments and lab work on your week day off.