I recently returned to work after a 2 month leave for a herniated disc. My first day back at work, one of the first things my supervisor said was-'I am surprised you did not have surgery'. I believe she was implying the shorter recovery time.
My second day back, I was given a list of all the errors I made in my projects ( I am a project manager) found while I was out. I do not dispute this, I was aware of them and was going to fix them, that is normal in the course of a project. These would be fixed along the course of the project. I did not forsee that one day I would not be able to walk and my projects would be handed off. I was told that I had 2 weeks to 'shape up or else'
Prior to my leave I was never given any indication whatsoever that my work was sub par, and I assumed all was going well.
I had only been in this job 4 months prior and still learning the ropes. I feel this pressure is very unhealthy and I believe I am being set up to fail/firing as retaliation for extended sick leave.
Today was 3rd day back- I should have held head high but I could not sleep last night, threw up and feel very ill and I left work sick today. I do not know what to do. I do not know how after a 2 month absense in a job I was new at, how I can be expected to perform under this pressure and feel that I am being set up to be fired. I cant afford to quit, but I really think this is affecting my mental and physical health.
what should I do? thanks
Extended time off for injury
I'm sorry about your situation, but I'm not sure what you are asking. Clearly, an employer in Massachusetts cannot fire an employee for taking advantage of laws that allow employees extended leave for illness or other reason. If your employer eventually fires you, and you believe the firing was part of an elaborate plan to illegally terminate your employment, then you should discuss the matter with an employment law attorney. Even though the employer may have what appears to be a solid and legitimate reason for terminating you, if you can establish that the real reason for the termination was discriminatory or illegal, you may have a valid claim.
However, you have not been fired yet. My career counseling advice is not worth the paper that this answer is not written on. But here goes: You need to go back to work, do your best, and try to rectify the situation without letting your, completely understandable, anxiety get in the way. At your home, you can certainly keep written notes, with dates, of any innapropriate comments made or actions taken by your supervisors during the work day. However, this issue must come to a head before you can evaluate your options. Good luck.