Little bit of background.
[M24]I've been working as a subcontractor at my current job for awhile now. And as anyone could guess it comes with the stereotypical bullshit that working for a subcontractor does. I move heavy things and tinker with stuff most of the day. Its labor intensive. I've been working here 5 months been late 1 time and called off onde for a family emergency.
Recently I've been diagnosed with several buldging disks in my back and currently undergoing treatment in hopes it heals to prevent surgery.
My doctor cant give out a “light duty” document unless my HR department sends one out that is specific for my job. I consulted a trusted co worker and he basically told me to tread carefully as they could fire me for doing that. I work in Missouri a “at will” work state. So I thought to myself I'll just suck it up.
Well pain has been getting worse despite the treatment I'm undergoing and certain parts of my job have become extremely difficult.
I gave my doctor the news about my employment being at risk for this and he stated.
“I implore you to get light duty at work, you could end up severely injuring yourself or needing to get surgery”
So I called my manager. Gave her the scoop about needing a light duty work form. She sounded very disappointed and put up quite a fuss. She claimed-
That if I need to go on light duty. There wouldnt be much for me to do and would likely just terminate my employment. Apparently she cant afford to have an employee go on light duty and needs me to keep working like I am to maintain her client.
Okay.
I'm very disappointed and upset, about this, but I also feel incredibly naive and somewhat at fault. I definitely could have handled this more precisely and carefully but hindsight is 20×20 I should have expected something like this to happen.
I'm furious and want to walk out, but if I let them fire me. I could get unemployment and or disability for my condition untill I'm better.
I'm way too young to cause potentially serious/permanent damage to my spine and nerves for a company who could give less a fuck about me.