Work Details Are Falling Into Place

I found out when I got to work this morning that my supervisor has been talking to the HR supervisor for me regarding my time away from work for my surgeries. I had requested that I be put on unpaid leave and be allowed to keep my sick and vacation days rather than go in the hole. The reasons for this are simple. I want to keep some sick leave in case my first few weeks back to work I am extremely fatigued and need to take a half day or a whole day off here and there. I also know exactly what leave I need to take through the end of the year, and I want to have days for that. There will be no trips to Hawaii or Santa Fe, unfortunately, just family and religious obligations. And when I say obligations, I mean it in the best sense of the word. I get the pleasure of seeing my sister-in-law graduate from her doctorate of audiology program next weekend. I will get to meet my new niece/nephew Labor Day weekend and spend time with my sister and brother-in-law. The high holidays arrive in September, and I hope to spend the week of Thanksgiving in West Virginia visiting home and family for what will be the first time in one year and four months.

As a full time, exempt employee of the Center, my probationary period lasts for 6 months. They are willing to put me on unpaid leave as long as I agree to extend my probationary period by the amount of time I am out of the office on leave. This seems perfectly fair to me and makes total sense. It just means I will be on probation through the end of October, but that's okay. I work hard and am dedicated to my job and to the organization, so being on probation longer doesn't intimidate me. I joked with my boss that now I have to behave myself for longer than I thought I would have to. She appreciated the humor. HR will draft some type of paperwork that I will have to sign to make it all official, and they are working on that right now.

I feel less anxious now that the work details are being tended to. I feel a certain amount of guilt for having to take 4-6 weeks off from work. No sooner will my coworkers have gotten used to having me here and then I disappear for a chunk of time. But I know I did this the responsible way. I am waiting until after LA Pride to have my surgeries. My department is heavily involved in the preparation for Pride, and it is important that I am here to help as much as possible. Things will be very quiet until the beginning of August when we gear up for a big fundraiser. So it is the perfect time to be gone. I talked to my boss about needing to have surgery openly and honestly, and she came back with nothing but concern and support. I have made sure and will continue to make sure that my absence does not negatively affect my department and immediate coworkers, and knowing that this has been done and that I have the full support of my coworkers will help me in my recovery, and I am grateful for that.