I am a teacher and I am currently out on medical because of a severe depression. My principal keeps calling me and asking when I am going to return to work. I have told her that I am not in a position to make that decision. Today I called her to let her know that I have a new return to work date and it is not until Aug. 21. That is 3 weeks into the next school year.
She asked me straight out if I thought this was the job for me. Then she asked if I was sure I would be back then. I told her once again, that I am not in a position to make this decision right now. She kept pushing me to tell her I would give up my position. I think she really wants me to quit.
Please tell me your thoughts on this. I don't know what to do. I am thinking of calling a lawyer.
My first thought is, does she have the legal right to be pressuring you like this? Are you out under the FMLA? Has your doctor given you the return to work date? You may want to contact your union representative. You probably don't want it to get ugly, but she is doing the damage here, not you. My opinion.
I can imagine that these conversations only add to your depression. She needs to back off, doesn't she? Well, we have your back, Kerry. I hope it all goes well. Don't let it get to you. Just one day at a time, that's all we can do.
Yes I am on FMLA. I do have a new return to work date but it is after school starts in the fall. Thanks for recommending that I call my union rep. I hadn't thought of that.
Hi Kerry- if you have FMLA, the HR person should really be the only one asking you about your return day, and only then to ask for an update for the doctor who signed your FMLA papers. Under your contact of employee handbook, does it say whether you have long term disability? If you do have a policy and have run out if sick days, you have the right to apply after 60 days and forms filled out by the doctor stating that you are disabled and they can put an anticipated date or state that you don’t have a date of return due to your disability. I would check on that - not sure where you teach. Friday is my last day at school and my doctor filled my papers to say that I don’t have an anticipated date due to the disability. It makes me so sad having to leave a job I love, but the stress has been horrible and I can’t stand it anymore. Time to get sleep, relax, take things slow and hit the heated therapy pool whenever I want. I sure hope you are getting the needed rest and can listen to your body’s needs while you are off. hugs~ Sandi:)
I am sorry to hear about your employment issues. Sound's like your principal needs some education regarding severe depression and how it affects people. Obviously she has no sympathy and she should back off. I would check with your union and let them know she is badgering you. I am sorry you have to deal with this on top on everything else.
Hi Kerry, I’m so sorry you are going through this… It is so hard, stressful and everything seems so uncertain, I was in your shoes one year ago, so my heart goes out to ya, I know what it feels like to not be going back to work & having the pressure from your job.
I don’t think she should be calling you & asking you if your job is the right job for you. I would say keep everything documented well, dates, times of phone calls everything ! a disability lawyer can tell you about some new FMLA laws, I had FMLA and I thought my job was protected, but they actually posted my position after 6 weeks of being out… There is only so much FMLA time you are allowed per year, even though I could have fought for my job, physically I was so stressed over everything it took more out of me than I realized. And a short term disability has turned into a long term one for me. I miss my job everyday !
Looking back, I shouldn’t have talked to my boss about anything, I should have just given them my notes and not worried about what they thought or said. Your health is the most important thing… Take care of you first !!
Hugs & blessings
dee
Thank you Sandi, I do have long term disability and had not thought of applying for it because my short term disability has been paying me. But I have been out for more than 60 days, so I guess I should check to see if I need to switch to Long Term.
I spoke with a union rep today and she was immediately on the phone with the district asking them to make sure that my principal doesn't contact anymore regarding my return to work.
Thank you so much for recommending that I do this.