How Do I Tell My Boss?

[FindingMyself88]

Sorry this might be long, but advice is greatly appreciated, or sharing of past experience!

Ok so a lot of changes are being made in my life right now, some in favor of my healing and some not. I finally had to come to a consensus with my Primary doctor and psychiatrist that I cannot continue both work and school while dealing with PTSD. I have not been able to work since shortly before Christmas due to health problems (that were made worse by PTSD). I am only 25 years old and being told yesterday that my doctor doesn't think its a good idea for me to return is devastating, but I know in the back of my mind she is right. Even if I choose to give up school and work full time, work is a huge stressor and then I wouldn't be working for my future. This isn't permanent. My doctor wants me to at least get through this semester and possibly year. However thats a long time to be without finances. I have been living off excess financial aid but it is running dry. My psych thinks I should try applying for disability due to PTSD and health issues.

My dilemma is this. About the same time that I had to quit working, the one operator who knew about my PTSD quit, putting another one in charge. This guy actually hired me, but I haven't felt comfortable sharing with him or the owner. However, I need to tell them soon about me not returning for the foreseeable future. I cannot technically say health issues. I would feel comfortable telling the owner, but for some reason I am leery of the operator. I know that it would be illegal for them to say anything to anyone, but I'm just nervous about it. How would be best to go about this or do any of you have any past experiences??

 

[arfie]

I go on the less-is-better philosophy. The essence is, "I quit." A good reference for future employment or whatever would be nice, so making it friendlier would be a good idea. "I need to focus on classwork." is a simple truth. How much of the PTSD stuff I like to tell depends entirely on my comfort zone with whomever I am talking to. Especially at work.

Getting through college can be tough, but it pays off in the long run. Hope you find a way.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Why can't you technically say health issues? Technically, you are leaving because of health issues. Or do you mean to say that you don't want to disclose that it's because of health issues?

 

[radicalgratitude]

I second what Solara said. It is health issues, legitimately so. PTSD is a brain injury.

 

[Lioness]

I work in the HR field so maybe I can reassure you when I say that you can just hand your notice in and not need to give a long and detailed reason. As Arfie said - tell them that you need to focus on school, they don't need to know any more than that. If you don't want to actually quit but just have some extended time off (if you are a full time salaried employee and want benefits to cover your sick time) then you would need to tell them. You don't need to go into details, you can just say stress leave, they don't need to know why you're stressed. Trust me, after you've left you will hardly remember this nervous feeling before handing your notice in. It's important to take this time to look after yourself and not care about upsetting your boss. Good luck!

 

[FindingMyself88]

The thing is, I am not wanting to completely quit right now, unless thats what they suggest. I would like to leave it open where I could come back next semester if I am better. I guess I'm just worried that if I say health issues, they will ask what (they like to be personable). If I say I would rather not share, that raises suspicions that might be worse than PTSD. I don't know, I think I am going to wait and talk to my therapist about it tomorrow before I do anything…