How do you deal with an unsupportive employer?

[admin]

Anyone have any suggestions for dealing with your employer in the midst of diabetic issues with your kids? We are having a wild blood sugar summer with the heat and all, and when I have to call in, let's say they are less than supportive. REALLY considering if there is any way to work from home!!!!

[Casken]

I have not dealt with this issue as of YET but it will probably arise one day.  Personally, I would sit down with my employer and discuss this.  Explain to them that your job is very important to you but your child's issues are very important to his health.  If your employer still doesn't understand, I think it would be wise to search for another job.  A job is a job.  Your child's health is much more important than a job.  A job can be gone tomorrow but your child?

If your boss is that cold that they cannot understand the importance of your child's health than they don't deserve to have you an as employee.  I can't work for someone like that and won't.  Life is way too short to take people's crap.

There are ways to work from home.  I opened a day home (childcare) while my kids were young.  That just well may be not something your interested in but there are ways to work around this.  How about working part-time around your husband's hours.  This may be an option until you figure out what you can do for a home-based business.

[dancingqueen02]

Yes, I understand this situation quite a bit!!  My daughter who is 9 and diagnosed at the age of 7 with Type 1, I have had to be off with her when she is sick and her appts take up time too!  My husband and I will try to rotate it, but I agree have a heart to heart with your employer, if they are not understanding--time to start looking!  I personally talked to my employer and we are going to try and arrange some different schedules for me to be on and maybe work less hours a week.  Between my daughter's appts, any illness that might crop up and having to be at her school at least once a week, part time is sounding good to me!  But, if you do not have that option or your employer is not willing to listen, I believe you are protected under the FMLA--might want to check into it and see!  Good Luck to you!!!

[avaannama]

I work as a HR Manager. Depending on the size of the company, if you are full time, and have been there for a year, you are protected under FMLA. The Family Medical Leave Act protects your job, while you deal with medical issues, for your immediate family. They don't have to pay you for the time, but they do have to work with your medical necessary need to be with your child due to this type of illness.

Again, if you can show them how much you want to be at work, and that you are willing to go above and beyond in other ways, they should be open to listening to your needs in this regard. Don't take advantage of the situation, and do more then needed when ever possible for your employer, they should be willing to work with you.

Hope that helps.