What do I tell my Boss
At work I am constantly overwhelmed and not sure what to tell my supervisor, when I’m good to do my job but some days it takes me a little longer.
I don’t want to step down I can still do it most days but on the days I can’t. I want to be recognized. For the pre lupus me. When I went above and beyond, when I helped everyone. Now I need help and support I just don’t get it. Some days it makes me feel like a failure I just need to know I’m doing alright. I work for a large law firm there is no room for error. My supervisor is not approachable.
I should mention I work a for a large non profit law firm. I love my job, I love what we stand for. Which is part of what hurts so much. I don’t ever want to leave
, first off, you are NOT a failure and I can't even begin to imagine how many people you have helped over the years in your position. And, I have only had a glimpse into the world of non profits and law firms, so I have a vague idea of how much work you have and how much pressure there is to get it right every time.
I would love to say that your work would be acknowledged and respected and that your (very reasonable) accommodations would be met with grace and understanding. But, it sounds like that may not be the case, especially if your supervisor is not approachable.
As someone in a legal space and a non profit space, you probably know what rights you have and what standards your workplace should be held to as far as workplace accommodations. I hope you don't have to push your workplace to meet your needs, but, just like you have advocated for others over the years, now is the time to advocate for yourself. And I would hope your supervisor would respect that. Does your supervisor have a clue what a hole would be left behind if you left the non profit? Sometimes, we are *too good* at our jobs and bosses can unknowingly (or knowingly) take advantage of that. Like, your work makes his life easier, so why would he want to have to acknowledge that or make changes for your health and well being?
Anyway, I have just rambled on, but you do have legal rights to reasonable accommodations with your diagnosis -- https://lupus.net/resources-work. I hope your workplace is receptive and I sure hope your supervisor can be approachable for once, though it may be unlikely.
Best, Erin, Team Member.
My fear is asking for help or accommodations,
I have fmla for the rest of the year, I am saving that for the days I literally can not roll out of bed and the summertime.
I am allowed 5 days a month but I don’t want to take advantage of it and just call in every week I want them to know when I do call in it is true , I guess?
I won’t have any other accommodations I
I’m not sure what that would mostly mean
Less work?
Extra time to do work?
Rest periods?
She is definitely not approachable
Last year when I was first diagnosed I asked for an easier assignment and was told no, there wasn’t anyone else that could handle it., I hear you and I am non confrontational, so I totally understand how uncomfortable this is for you.
However, your supervisor kind of showed her hand when she refused you an easier assignment stating "no one else can handle it". I don't know how to phrase this not as an ultimatum, but couldn't you come back with, "Well, if I am the only one that can handle these tasks, then you need to provide me some accommodations so I can do these tasks or I need easier assignements. Those are the choices."
You might have to do some thinking as to what accommodations you need. Do you need more time to complete assignments? More breaks during the work day? As in, maybe take a week to note your needs at work. Note if you are especially tired in the morning or after lunch; does sitting too long cause you pain, which distracts you from your tasks? Things like that. Really take note and write these down so you present some hard data to your supervisor. I realize you probably can't go around or above her, as that would probably make things more uncomfortable for you? But can you brainstorn and see if there is an option you haven't thought of yet?
I'm sure my input isn't all that helpful, but I hope talking this through helps peak your brain and help you come up with some workable strategies to consider.
Good luck!
Best, Erin, Team Member.
Your input is absolutely helpful!
