What would you do?

Question

I've worked for a company for 5 months. I know this isn't long, but I got sick and am going through some medical testing. My doctor sent my employer a note that I am "medically excused from work until further notice." I have been off 2 weeks. I know this is a long time, but I've done superior work and have had excellent reviews. Here's the problem. At first, they called about 4 times a day asking what is going on. They also called and started throwing up false accusations and threatening my job. They are accusing me of lying when I've never given them reason to believe that. I believe this is a good reason to look for another job, but as soon as I go back, I can't and I will have to continue to put up with because I won't be able to get time off for interviews. My fionce' is upset and doesn't want me to quit. He makes enough that if it would take a couple of weeks to find something it wouldn't be a problem. He says it would be too much pressure on him. Advise please!

Ok, I have called every day to tell them what is going on. I have told them down to the detail of what tests are being run, the results and any other information.
I work 31 miles from my home. I get dizzy spells very often and the doctor feels that it is unsafe for me to drive that distance, because it could cause an accident and hurt not only me, but someone else.
Also, my fionce' and I do have savings. He is an electrical engineer at a huge corporation so money isn't an issue except we may not have as much to put away. I would have included this information, but I ran out of space.
Even if I did try to drive all the way there, they will not let me come back until I have a release from my doctor. He won't give it, because of reasons explained above.
I could easily find something within 5 miles of home that pays more. I took that job with the understanding that we would be moving closer but rent was much higher there. All of this is making it easier to want out.

Answer 1

The fact that you are "medically excused" from work does not mean that you cannot go to work if you are able. Speaking as a person who has had many medical procedures and serious illnesses in my lifetime, I have seen many Doctors who are overly generous in writing excuse notes. I once got a six week note and was back at work in a week. Are you truly unable to work or are you staying home simply because the Doctor excused you?

One of the problems you are having is that they are having to call you. It sounds like they think you are milking this for all it is worth. You need to take control of the situation and call them, get your immediate supervisor on the phone and lay everything out for him or her. Explain what is going on, what you are scheduled for, how much you love your job, what a good job you have done and what excellent reviews they have given you. Ask them what their concerns are at this time. Maybe they have been burned in the past by a faker. And ask them flat out if they want you back or not (and make sure you point out how much you do want to be back), and find out what it is they need for reassurance from you.

I don't know how large your company is, but in smaller companies a missing employee is a burden on everyone else, and if the staff feels that someone is milking a medical situation for all its worth, the tide shifts from support for a sick co-worker to being extremely resentful of them.

Your fiancee is telling you that he doesn't want the responsibility or burden of supporting both of you. You say he "makes enough" but from the rest of what you are saying, I gather than neither one of you have "saved enough". You really should give that some thought before jumping into marriage.

Answer 2

If the company you work for has more than 50 employees, they are obligated to comply with the Federal law Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). But you must have worked 1250 hours for them, so in your 5 months, you may not have put in that much time yet, unless you also worked overtime- which also counts toward the total. If FMLA applied, you employer legally could NOT do what he is doing to you now.
If FMLA is not an option, get back to work as soon as you can.
Don't get into an argument about this. Do you work and arrange new job interviews, if you want, before your work start time, if possible. Most hiring employers understand the logistics and constraints of job seekers. Good luck.

Answer 3

there is a labor law that protects you. if you have a medical excuse from your doctor there is nothing they can do. when you get back they may try to fire you. next time they call record what they say take it to the labor board. that is harssement. and also try to contact a attorney if they do fire you and keep on harssing you.