Need advice

What is the best way to go about this…I’ve been at a job since December 2023. My paid leave starts on my due date but unfortunately I truly cannot work the entirety of that time. I have insane pain (sciatica in both sides) and it’s hard to walk each day after ten hours on my feet. When I have a day off and have my 9 year old I feel horrible because I feel almost bed ridden. I have pushed through this pain and feel this way for over ten weeks now and I’m reaching my limit physically and mentally. I spoke to my doctor who is glad to write a note for me but he said they may not consider it because it isn’t a real “medical problem” I was considering speaking to my GM and using my one week vacation and taking two more weeks off that would not be paid. Is it better to have this note and present it to LOA team first or to speak to my GM first. I’m scared I will be looked at negatively. Typically this job and the demands are no problem for me but have gotten very hard. I try my best every single day and have gone out of my way to make changes etc since I have been here and feel I have made a good impact on this store and the GM. I just don’t want to come off as anything but seriously needing the time to rest my body. I’m in tears multiple times a week over this. This is never something I would ask unless I truly reached my limit I have always pushed myself in the work place. How would you approach this for the best outcome? My fear is I will be let go for leaving them 3 weeks early.

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I feel the same.. try pt it helps

@katelynn I’m just trying to wrap my head around fitting that into my schedule. I don’t have the same schedule each week to start and my shifts vary from 7-5, 11-9, 3 -12/1am. My days off are never next to eachother either. I can definitely try but I see it being difficult to do and also get my son during my split custody time. I know it sounds like an excuse probably but

@Alicia my Dr didn’t seem willing to go the disability route unless I misunderstood him. I can try talking about it again for clarification though

I wouldn't ask for disability, but reasonable accommodations. And yes try PT...it might only be 1 or 2 visits and they give you exercises to do at home so just get it in your schedule

So it seems like me taking three weeks (using 1 week vacation I have) is not an option? I’m a restaurant manager so I already ask for help lifting heavy boxes and when I can I sit. But when sales get going and we’re busy I can’t exactly run an entire store from sitting in the office for “reasonable accommodations” but what I’m getting is it might not be best for me to just simply ask to end work early. Which is what I want to be honest.

Usually jobs should be able to accommodate with a written note from your doctor. Mine wasn’t paid leave and they told me that If I ever need to change the start date of my maternity leave for any reason I can. I would speak personally with them and help them understand why you need it. You shouldn’t be pushing yourself so much towards the end of your pregnancy.

@Diana Suarez right this is what I was hoping for. I can afford two weeks unpaid if it can be granted to me by them and understood. I really wouldn’t just ask for this for no reason I am really struggling. Thank you.

@Alicia oh good to know. I assume I definitely get that doctors note then stating I’m in pain to help accommodate my request?

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