So, a few days ago I posted about how I've been looking for another job because my current employer has been acting in ways that make me question how successful I will be here.
I recently asked for a raise and was denied, on the grounds that “no one makes that much in this position” and even though I've been working hard was told my work was adequate. So, I started looking elsewhere to guarantee a pay raise because with a 7% inflation rate I need a raise of at least 7%, I think that's fair.
So I was denied. Since then, my boss has been acting like I'm a problem employee even though there's been no official disciplinary action. I work in an office, and when I don't have an appointment with a student or parents, I have the upper fluorescent lights turned off because they give me migraines. I previously discussed this with my boss last year and she said it was fine, as long as my main light is on when I have an appointment. And I have been doing that.
But a few weeks ago, she had this tower lamp installed in my office without asking me, and sent me a long email that I needed to have that light on at all times even if the overhead fluorescent was off. And I asked what the issue was, because we had previously discussed it and she said it wouldn't be a problem. She recommended I get a doctor's note about my migraines for HR accommodations, but I didn't think I should even do that since we had discussed it privately and now she was acting like it was a problem.
Because of the migraines, I have occasionally asked to leave work early to go home and rest. I have never asked to leave work if I still have appointments or called out sick unless I have really felt unwell.
Earlier this week on Wednesday, I called out sick because I woke up with piercing stomach and back pain. I rested throughout the day with a heating pad and felt better, and came in yesterday morning prepared to work the whole day. But then the pain flared up again and was so much worse, so I asked to leave. My boss said that was fine, but she did tell me the director of HR called and said that I would either need to get on the Family Medical Leave Act or submit a doctor's note each time I was sick. I asked what she meant, and she said that the FMLA meant my position would be “guaranteed” if I had a chronic condition.
So I went to the ER, and while I waited looked at the Employee Handbook, and they can request a doctor's note if an employee is out for an extended period (defined as a week or more) with a condition like surgery, COVID, etc. or they can request if they think an employee is abusing sick time. So they think I'm abusing sick time.
At the ER, they ran tests and determined I have several kidney stones in my right kidney, as well as an undetermined mass in my right kidney as well. When I let my boss know, she briefly asked how I was feeling and if they were keeping me overnight for observation. When I explained they had discharged me with some pain meds, she said she hoped I felt better for work.
So I'm here at work today, but it just doesn't sit right with me. I'm hoping to get some perspective. My husband thinks I should just quit and we'll figure it out, but I don't want to quit my job, not be able to find something, and also need treatment for whatever this