I have worked very part time for a national retail chain for many years. This is the only work I do because, right now, it’s the only setup I feel like I can handle. They are now asking us to resubmit our availability forms and it was emphasized to me that we are required to be available for at least one eight-hour shift per weekend. I have not worked an eight hour shift in probably four years and it has never seemed to be much of a problem for them. However, I’m concerned that my job could now be in jeopardy if I can’t offer the eight-hour availability. (Workplace vibes are weird right now. We have experienced drastic cuts in hours. There’s concern that they are looking for excuses to cut staff. We are in the process of trying to unionize.)
After everything that has happened over the last several years of my life, I no longer feel mentally, emotionally or physically able to work eight consecutive hours. (But I’m happy to work four or
five hours.) I was told that I could submit an accommodation request for shorter shifts with a doctor’s recommendation.
SO (and thank you if you’ve read this far)… which of my many issues should I focus on when trying to get this shorter shift length accommodation? I am professionally diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and migraines (possibly vestibular migraines). I am currently being worked up for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS — a problem with my autonomic nervous system) and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (a connective tissue disorder which causes pain and injuries) I think I’m also autistic, but an autism diagnosis is expensive, lengthy and perhaps not in my overall best interest. There’s no catch-all category for “has a lot going on and is probably in Autistic burnout and might have a meltdown if has to work more than five hours at a time.” So what do I focus on? How should I approach this? Do you have any experiences you would like to share? I have never done this before and don’t want to accidentally screw myself over.
Note: I think I am well-regarded at work and that I do a good job. I adore my coworkers.
Thank you SO MUCH for reading and for any wisdom you can provide.