Ok this is a bit trite and maybe overwrought, - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Off Topic

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Ok this is a bit trite and maybe overwrought,

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

And probably shows a level of privilege. I know the poem is about race.
But this poem pretty much describes my life right now.

http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/175884

So today I found out my pregnant coworker is taking a combination of maternity leave and FMLA and will not return to work until June 2014. Her last day is Thursday.
I also found out this week my Dad may need a new furnace. Which if true basically kills Australia. His dental work is still ongoing and he probably ran out of dental insurance.

Off Topic

21 replies

Latest reply was from

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I also found this amazing poem
http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy.....nal-poems/

anne

Veteran

Oh Anna - I hope not!!! (re the furnace)

Gaylene

Veteran

Oh, Anna, have you ever considered that you need some time away? A vacation might sound frivolous, compared to a furnace, but I've always thought that poem by Langston Hughes was one of the saddest, and most frightening, poems I've ever read because I think it recognizes something within us that we ignore at our peril.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

On a poetry bender tonight. Also found this

http://jezebel.com/let-tom-hid.....1381407732

Lantana

Veteran

Anna I think it is wonderful, good and healthy that poetry resonates with you.
Meanwhile, Australia will wait for you.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

My daughter (13) was recently asked by her teacher to find a quote that was meaningful to her and she chose from another Langston Hughes poem -- Hold fast to dreams/ For if dreams die/ Life is a broken-winged bird/ that cannot fly.

Anna, it really does sound as if you need a holiday. I really hope your dad does not need a new furnace, and that you don't have to cover all the time your co-worker is away.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

Can you do a mini vacation,,, It's so good for the soul!

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

Anna... Australia isn't going anywhere. It will always be there, waiting for you You will get there, even if it doesn't happen right now. And I agree with Tracey and everyone here who says a vacation is good for the soul. Can you take a few days away?

If you have never read "The Alchemist"... you should. I think it would give you a fresh perspective.

And OMG. I am in love with the voice of Tom Hiddleston. That guy could read the ingredients on my can of hairspray, and I'd melt.

Sona

Veteran

I am just confused. usually maternity leave is considered part of FMLA. maximum of 12 weeks i.e 3 months in a calendar year. I've never heard of maternity leave as non FMLA unless the hospital system you work for has an insane HR dept that is shooting themselves in the foot.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Yeah I don't understand it either. We have a pretty generous parental leave of six months. She's due in October.

I just wish she waited one more day, because on Friday there are only two of us working.

elpgal

Veteran

Sona, in some places, maternity leave is covered under short -term disability leave to which you can add your 12 weeks of FMLA.

Anna, does your supervisor have a plan?

Debra

Veteran

Oh no ........ It never rains......it pours !!!
Hang in there, a mini break would recharge you if it's at all possible and a little something to look forward to between tough weeks ?
Do they not replace staff on Mat leave? That seems very unfair.
Your Dad is lucky to have you and if you have to put Australia on hold, well
We will still be here looking forward to your visit in the future.
Take care

Jjsloane

Veteran

I'm with Sona and thought FMLA has a 12 week limit inclusive of maternity leave. After that the job is not guaranteed or needed to be held. I did not think this varied by state. This was the rule for me so I only ever got 12 weeks.
Sorry, they really need to help you that remain out.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Hmm, I did some digging and found this

http://kuow.org/post/lesser-kn.....e-24-weeks

and this

http://www.lni.wa.gov/Workplac.....veFAQs.pdf

So maybe she's taking more than allowed. Should I complain to my boss or HR?

MsMary

Veteran

My understanding is that those are minimums under the relevant statutes. I don't believe FMLA or FLA prohibits employers from permitting employees from taking longer leaves. She may well be combining sick leave, vacation pay, FMLA, FLA, and negotiated non-FMLA/FLA unpaid leave.

I definitely think this needs to be addressed, but in the context of you getting the help you need rather than complaining about the length of the maternity leave this person has negotiated.

Nicole D

Veteran

I agree with all, you deserve a break! If it's any consolation, in Canada, it is common practice to take 12 months off. A full year. And some teachers get more than a year if they time it to coincide with summer holidays. Pretty disruptive from an employer co-worker POV.

Archer

Veteran

What do you see as reflecting an element of privilege? Do you mean- very first world in nature?

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

As an upper middle class white woman, using a poem based on race inequality to document my current situation.

elpgal

Veteran

I would bring up the issue of your job burden first to your supervisory chain of command and use HR as a last resort.

My understanding is that FMLA can be used to take care of sick family members. It might be worth pursuing if you can use it to tend to your father.

AviaMariah

Veteran

I was hugely grateful for FMLA not long ago when I took it for maternity leave. I can't even imagine having come back to work as soon as some women have had to. On the other hand, I worked very closely with my employer so that my absence didn't put a huge burden on my co-workers. I did come back sooner than I had to so that I was back for my busy time of the year. I agree with the others who have said you should talk to your supervisor - they have an obligation to not work you to death in the meantime. And I like elpgal's idea taking advantage of FMLA yourself to help care for your father. My understanding is that you don't have to use it in one big chunk of time, but that you can break it up as needed.

Anonymous

Umm, I am not sure as to the FMLA rules, but most women take a year off combined, where I work. Irrelevant of that, I agree with Mary, the understaffing issue needs to be addressed and it is a separate issue from her particular negotiation. I am so sorry you seem to be going thru a rough stretch.