Re: HELP!!! My new job is driving my RA into overdrive!!

[Guest guest]

Unless they are going to pay you for the sick leave you have built up (which it doesn't sound like) I would use it in lieu of your notice and relax for that time. You need to let the pressure off yourself. kathy_d87 <kathy_d87@...> wrote: I need some advice regarding my new job. I worked for 16 years at a state university that is within a system. I've had moderate RA for 12 of those 16 years. In November I was approached by a colleague who also worked within the same university system but at a different campus. She

had accepted a directorship at the main campus of the system. She asked me to transfer to the main campus as well. I accepted the offer due to the chagrin of my supervisor. Even though I just transferred from one campus to another, I am on probation for 1 year and I'm in a "employ at will state"—so I can be terminated for anything while on probation. Well, it's been down hill ever since. The colleague is my director, which is fine we get along great; however, I have an immediate supervisor who absolutely hates me. But my main problem is that since the transfer to the new position 3 weeks ago, I've been battling a huge arthritic flare up that I just can't shake. It seems like everything is against me. My commute is longer—I lived just down the street from the smaller campus. The main campus is 25 miles away in bumper to bumper traffic, which means I have to leave home at 6:30 in

the morning and not return home until 7 p.m. or later at night. At the smaller campus my hours were 7:30-4:30 and I was home no later than 5 p.m. (with occasional over-time). During the interview the director had said I could flex my time but once hired the supervisor (who was present during the interview) says I'm not allowed to flex my time, and she wants me to stay late. My job is considered professional staff, so no matter how much time I work in overtime, I will not be compensated. This campus is huge compared to the campus I was working; everything is farther—HR, cafeteria, parking, the distance of the parking lot to the building, steeper stairs to get into the building, the organization of the files, and distance to the restrooms. Neither the layout of building nor the campus is easily accessible for a person suffering with RA. Everything contributes to keeping my flare up going.

My mom and friends see how I'm suffering with the pain, swelling, and fatigue. My feet swell each day I work until my shoes are unbearable to wear. I haven't visited my rheumy yet, I just talked to staff who relayed a message to my rheumy's PA who prescribed a Medrol dosepak and normally they work immediately, but it's has taken a longer time of getting the swelling and inflammation to leave my body, so far I've flushed out 30 lbs of fluid from my body with the dose pack, but this is only a temporary solution. The good news is that a company that I've always wanted to work for offered me a job last week that I accepted. The company is one mile away from my home, and they offer flextime which was discussed in the interview, there is only one building and the parking lot and building is very handicap accommodating. They want me to begin the second week of February. My friends all say this is a

really good place to work with lots of opportunities for growth and very, very low turnover rates. My mom and my friends want me to quit my current job at the university and rest for a couple of weeks until my new job starts. But I'm trying to hold on and work through the end of the month because I don't want to have to pay for COBRA (my new job insurance kicks in the first day of work). I have over 300 hours of sick leave that I will lose when I leave the university. What about notice since I'm on probation? One thought I've batted around was that maybe I can go to the doctor explain the situation and take sick leave through my notice. It is strange to say but I've never quit a job while on probation. I have always had really good working relationships with my supervisors and bosses, so this is completely new to me, plus factoring in my RA. So, how do I cut myself loose from this

toxic job to start my new job? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. K

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[Guest guest]

>

> I need some advice regarding my new job. I worked for 16 years at

a

> state university that is within a system. I've had moderate RA

for

> 12 of those 16 years. In November I was approached by a colleague

> who also worked within the same university system but at a

different

> campus. She had accepted a directorship at the main campus of the

> system. She asked me to transfer to the main campus as well. I

> accepted the offer due to the chagrin of my supervisor.

>

> Even though I just transferred from one campus to another, I am on

> probation for 1 year and I'm in a " employ at will state " —so I can

be

> terminated for anything while on probation.

>

> Well, it's been down hill ever since. The colleague is my

director,

> which is fine we get along great; however, I have an immediate

> supervisor who absolutely hates me. But my main problem is that

> since the transfer to the new position 3 weeks ago, I've been

> battling a huge arthritic flare up that I just can't shake. It

seems

> like everything is against me.

>

> My commute is longer—I lived just down the street from the smaller

> campus. The main campus is 25 miles away in bumper to bumper

> traffic, which means I have to leave home at 6:30 in the morning

and

> not return home until 7 p.m. or later at night. At the smaller

> campus my hours were 7:30-4:30 and I was home no later than 5 p.m.

> (with occasional over-time). During the interview the director

had

> said I could flex my time but once hired the supervisor (who was

> present during the interview) says I'm not allowed to flex my

time,

> and she wants me to stay late. My job is considered professional

> staff, so no matter how much time I work in overtime, I will not

be

> compensated.

>

> This campus is huge compared to the campus I was working;

everything

> is farther—HR, cafeteria, parking, the distance of the parking lot

to

> the building, steeper stairs to get into the building, the

> organization of the files, and distance to the restrooms. Neither

> the layout of building nor the campus is easily accessible for a

> person suffering with RA. Everything contributes to keeping my

flare

> up going.

>

> My mom and friends see how I'm suffering with the pain, swelling,

and

> fatigue. My feet swell each day I work until my shoes are

unbearable

> to wear. I haven't visited my rheumy yet, I just talked to staff

who

> relayed a message to my rheumy's PA who prescribed a Medrol

dosepak

> and normally they work immediately, but it's has taken a longer

time

> of getting the swelling and inflammation to leave my body, so far

> I've flushed out 30 lbs of fluid from my body with the dose pack,

but

> this is only a temporary solution.

>

> The good news is that a company that I've always wanted to work

for

> offered me a job last week that I accepted. The company is one

mile

> away from my home, and they offer flextime which was discussed in

the

> interview, there is only one building and the parking lot and

> building is very handicap accommodating. They want me to begin

the

> second week of February. My friends all say this is a really good

> place to work with lots of opportunities for growth and very, very

> low turnover rates.

>

> My mom and my friends want me to quit my current job at the

> university and rest for a couple of weeks until my new job

starts.

> But I'm trying to hold on and work through the end of the month

> because I don't want to have to pay for COBRA (my new job

insurance

> kicks in the first day of work).

>

> I have over 300 hours of sick leave that I will lose when I leave

the

> university. What about notice since I'm on probation? One

thought

> I've batted around was that maybe I can go to the doctor explain

the

> situation and take sick leave through my notice. It is strange to

> say but I've never quit a job while on probation. I have always

had

> really good working relationships with my supervisors and bosses,

so

> this is completely new to me, plus factoring in my RA. So, how do

I

> cut myself loose from this toxic job to start my new job?

>

> Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

>

> K

>

Kathy if you have that many hours sick pay accumilated, just take a

sick leave. You being on probation shouldn't keep you from getting

something you have already earned. You need down time. Good luck

Jo Nell

[Guest guest]

You have gotten some great advice here hope that you can use it to better yourself and help calm your fears. The only thing I can say is your health is certainly more important than your job. Also get your doctor's assistance if you need backing for the decisions you make, and once you declare your decisions dont back down,thatcan prove hzardous to your health Be strong in what you say and mean it. Hope you gain the strength you need to do the right thing.dearhunterbebe <dearhunterbebe@...> wrote: >> I need some advice regarding my new job. I worked for 16 years at a > state university that is within a system. I've had moderate RA for > 12 of those 16 years. In November I was approached by a colleague > who also worked within the same university system but at a different > campus. She had accepted a directorship at the main campus of the > system. She asked me to transfer to the main campus as well. I > accepted the offer due to the chagrin of my supervisor. > > Even though I just transferred from one campus to

another, I am on > probation for 1 year and I'm in a "employ at will state"—so I can be > terminated for anything while on probation. > > Well, it's been down hill ever since. The colleague is my director, > which is fine we get along great; however, I have an immediate > supervisor who absolutely hates me. But my main problem is that > since the transfer to the new position 3 weeks ago, I've been > battling a huge arthritic flare up that I just can't shake. It seems > like everything is against me. > > My commute is longer—I lived just down the street from the smaller > campus. The main campus is 25 miles away in bumper to bumper > traffic, which means I have to leave home at 6:30 in the morning and > not return home until 7 p.m. or later at night. At the smaller > campus my hours were 7:30-4:30 and I was home no later than 5 p.m. > (with

occasional over-time). During the interview the director had > said I could flex my time but once hired the supervisor (who was > present during the interview) says I'm not allowed to flex my time, > and she wants me to stay late. My job is considered professional > staff, so no matter how much time I work in overtime, I will not be > compensated.> > This campus is huge compared to the campus I was working; everything > is farther—HR, cafeteria, parking, the distance of the parking lot to > the building, steeper stairs to get into the building, the > organization of the files, and distance to the restrooms. Neither > the layout of building nor the campus is easily accessible for a > person suffering with RA. Everything contributes to keeping my flare > up going.> > My mom and friends see how I'm suffering with the pain, swelling, and >

fatigue. My feet swell each day I work until my shoes are unbearable > to wear. I haven't visited my rheumy yet, I just talked to staff who > relayed a message to my rheumy's PA who prescribed a Medrol dosepak > and normally they work immediately, but it's has taken a longer time > of getting the swelling and inflammation to leave my body, so far > I've flushed out 30 lbs of fluid from my body with the dose pack, but > this is only a temporary solution. > > The good news is that a company that I've always wanted to work for > offered me a job last week that I accepted. The company is one mile > away from my home, and they offer flextime which was discussed in the > interview, there is only one building and the parking lot and > building is very handicap accommodating. They want me to begin the > second week of February. My friends all say this is a

really good > place to work with lots of opportunities for growth and very, very > low turnover rates.> > My mom and my friends want me to quit my current job at the > university and rest for a couple of weeks until my new job starts. > But I'm trying to hold on and work through the end of the month > because I don't want to have to pay for COBRA (my new job insurance > kicks in the first day of work).> > I have over 300 hours of sick leave that I will lose when I leave the > university. What about notice since I'm on probation? One thought > I've batted around was that maybe I can go to the doctor explain the > situation and take sick leave through my notice. It is strange to > say but I've never quit a job while on probation. I have always had > really good working relationships with my supervisors and bosses, so > this is completely

new to me, plus factoring in my RA. So, how do I > cut myself loose from this toxic job to start my new job?> > Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.> > K>Kathy if you have that many hours sick pay accumilated, just take a sick leave. You being on probation shouldn't keep you from getting something you have already earned. You need down time. Good luckJo Nell

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[Guest guest]

Dear - The stress of the new job probably is aggravating your flare. I would think of using a biologic, or in short of that, cyclosporine. As your Rheumatologist about that. Medrol Packs really put your metabolism into overdrive and it has the obvious side effect of fluid and weightgain. Vacation pay sounds like a plan. Be in a positive work environment with a flexible schedule and protect those joints. I would seek immediately once you change jobs after this flare to getting a long term disability insurance that will cover costs if you are out of work. No one ever talks about it but the time may come when you cant work and will need to apply for SSDI. Disability can take up to 2 years to receive being unable to work during that time, your long term disability insurance will pay you as would a paycheck for the time between inability to work and your first SSDI payment. Short term disability pay or COBRA doesnt cut it once faced with months at a time. Biologics should severely limit your flares and low dose Prednsione of a few miligrams a day can help without the side effects. My boyfriend says that he has several weeks vacation, annual leave etc saved up. I said it only lasts for a short term. Its not enough. He wont understand the fact that longterm disability insurance is worth its weight in gold, more important that life insurance for those of us with RA to bridge the gap between applying for disability through social security. I am living proof of that. Email off list with any additional questions. I am here to help. Yours, Deborah Ra since 1994

On Jan 22, 2008 6:02 PM, kathy_d87 <kathy_d87@...> wrote:

I need some advice regarding my new job. I worked for 16 years at a state university that is within a system. I've had moderate RA for 12 of those 16 years. In November I was approached by a colleague

who also worked within the same university system but at a different campus. She had accepted a directorship at the main campus of the system. She asked me to transfer to the main campus as well. I accepted the offer due to the chagrin of my supervisor. Even though I just transferred from one campus to another, I am on probation for 1 year and I'm in a " employ at will state " —so I can be terminated for anything while on probation. Well, it's been down hill ever since. The colleague is my director, which is fine we get along great; however, I have an immediate supervisor who absolutely hates me. But my main problem is that since the transfer to the new position 3 weeks ago, I've been battling a huge arthritic flare up that I just can't shake. It seems like everything is against me. My commute is longer—I lived just down the street from the smaller campus. The main campus is 25 miles away in bumper to bumper traffic, which means I have to leave home at 6:30 in the morning and not return home until 7 p.m. or later at night. At the smaller campus my hours were 7:30-4:30 and I was home no later than 5 p.m. (with occasional over-time). During the interview the director had said I could flex my time but once hired the supervisor (who was present during the interview) says I'm not allowed to flex my time, and she wants me to stay late. My job is considered professional staff, so no matter how much time I work in overtime, I will not be

compensated.This campus is huge compared to the campus I was working; everything is farther—HR, cafeteria, parking, the distance of the parking lot to the building, steeper stairs to get into the building, the organization of the files, and distance to the restrooms. Neither the layout of building nor the campus is easily accessible for a person suffering with RA. Everything contributes to keeping my flare up going.

My mom and friends see how I'm suffering with the pain, swelling, and fatigue. My feet swell each day I work until my shoes are unbearable to wear. I haven't visited my rheumy yet, I just talked to staff who relayed a message to my rheumy's PA who prescribed a Medrol dosepak and normally they work immediately, but it's has taken a longer time of getting the swelling and inflammation to leave my body, so far I've flushed out 30 lbs of fluid from my body with the dose pack, but this is only a temporary solution. The good news is that a company that I've always wanted to work for offered me a job last week that I accepted. The company is one mile away from my home, and they offer flextime which was discussed in the interview, there is only one building and the parking lot and building is very handicap accommodating. They want me to begin the second week of February. My friends all say this is a really good place to work with lots of opportunities for growth and very, very low turnover rates.My mom and my friends want me to quit my current job at the university and rest for a couple of weeks until my new job starts. But I'm trying to hold on and work through the end of the month because I don't want to have to pay for COBRA (my new job insurance kicks in the first day of work).I have over 300 hours of sick leave that I will lose when I leave the university. What about notice since I'm on probation? One thought I've batted around was that maybe I can go to the doctor explain the situation and take sick leave through my notice. It is strange to say but I've never quit a job while on probation. I have always had really good working relationships with my supervisors and bosses, so this is completely new to me, plus factoring in my RA. So, how do I cut myself loose from this toxic job to start my new job?Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.K

[Guest guest]

Hi K , Sorry I can't answer all your questions but I have been in your condition and worked till I could no longer bear to walk The overbearing ruthless people around me just kept me tore all to pieces and in such flares the fatigue was so bad I would nod off to sleep standing in the parts line waiting to get my parts . All I can say is Deborah made great points cover your bases with the LTD even if you have to go out of company to find it . I had to give up my biologicals after I had to stop working and lost my insurance then all crap hit the fan with my RA . I was 26 months getting my SSDI & it's still not all settled yet . I had only a short private policy that helped me greatly but it was

only 12 months and ran out way before I received anything and it was a hard wait . I would of never thought I would of had to give up my career 6 years ago it was the hardest thing I believe I have ever went through . ----- Original Message ----From: Deborah Bargad <dbargad@...>Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:00:09 PMSubject: Re: HELP!!! My new job is driving my RA into overdrive!!

Dear - The stress of the new job probably is aggravating your flare. I would think of using a biologic, or in short of that, cyclosporine. As your Rheumatologist about that. Medrol Packs really put your metabolism into overdrive and it has the obvious side effect of fluid and weightgain. Vacation pay sounds like a plan. Be in a positive work environment with a flexible schedule and protect those joints. I would seek immediately once you change jobs after this flare to getting a long term disability insurance that will cover costs if you are out of work. No one ever talks about it but the time may come when you cant work and will need to apply for SSDI. Disability can take up to 2 years to receive being unable to work during that time, your long term disability insurance will pay you as would a paycheck for the time between inability to work and your first SSDI

payment. Short term disability pay or COBRA doesnt cut it once faced with months at a time. Biologics should severely limit your flares and low dose Prednsione of a few miligrams a day can help without the side effects. My boyfriend says that he has several weeks vacation, annual leave etc saved up. I said it only lasts for a short term. Its not enough. He wont understand the fact that longterm disability insurance is worth its weight in gold, more important that life insurance for those of us with RA to bridge the gap between applying for disability through social security. I am living proof of that. Email off list with any additional questions. I am here to help. Yours, Deborah Ra since 1994

On Jan 22, 2008 6:02 PM, kathy_d87 <kathy_d87 (DOT) com> wrote:

I need some advice regarding my new job. I worked for 16 years at a state university that is within a system. I've had moderate RA for 12 of those 16 years. In November I was approached by a colleague

who also worked within the same university system but at a different campus. She had accepted a directorship at the main campus of the system. She asked me to transfer to the main campus as well. I accepted the offer due to the chagrin of my supervisor. Even though I just transferred from one campus to another, I am on probation for 1 year and I'm in a "employ at will state"—so I can be terminated for anything while on probation. Well, it's been down hill ever since. The colleague is my director, which is fine we get along great; however, I have an immediate supervisor who absolutely hates me. But my main problem is that since the transfer to the new position 3 weeks ago, I've been battling a huge arthritic flare up that I just can't shake. It seems like everything is against me. My commute is longer—I lived just down the street from the smaller campus. The main campus is 25 miles away in bumper to bumper traffic, which means I have to leave home at 6:30 in the morning and not return home until 7 p.m. or later at night. At the smaller campus my hours were 7:30-4:30 and I was home no later than 5 p.m. (with occasional over-time). During the interview the director had said I could flex my time but once hired the supervisor (who was present during the interview) says I'm not allowed to flex my time, and she wants me to stay late. My job is considered professional staff, so no matter how much time I work in overtime, I will not be

compensated.This campus is huge compared to the campus I was working; everything is farther—HR, cafeteria, parking, the distance of the parking lot to the building, steeper stairs to get into the building, the organization of the files, and distance to the restrooms. Neither the layout of building nor the campus is easily accessible for a person suffering with RA. Everything contributes to keeping my flare up going.

My mom and friends see how I'm suffering with the pain, swelling, and fatigue. My feet swell each day I work until my shoes are unbearable to wear. I haven't visited my rheumy yet, I just talked to staff who relayed a message to my rheumy's PA who prescribed a Medrol dosepak and normally they work immediately, but it's has taken a longer time of getting the swelling and inflammation to leave my body, so far I've flushed out 30 lbs of fluid from my body with the dose pack, but this is only a temporary solution. The good news is that a company that I've always wanted to work for offered me a job last week that I accepted. The company is one mile away from my home, and they offer flextime which was discussed in the interview, there is only one building and the parking lot and building is very handicap accommodating. They want me to begin the second week of February. My friends all say this is a really good place to work with lots of opportunities for growth and very, very low turnover rates.My mom and my friends want me to quit my current job at the university and rest for a couple of weeks until my new job starts. But I'm trying to hold on and work through the end of the month because I don't want to have to pay for COBRA (my new job insurance kicks in the first day of work).I have over 300 hours of sick leave that I will lose when I leave the university. What about notice since I'm on probation? One thought I've batted around was that maybe I can go to the doctor explain the situation and take sick leave through my notice. It is strange to say but I've never quit a job while on probation. I have always had really good working relationships with my supervisors and bosses, so this is completely new to me, plus factoring in my RA. So, how do I cut myself loose from this toxic job to start my new job?Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.K

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