My extended leave got denied

[Denisemac96]

I am so upset. I took 6 months off when Elli died last year. Now, I am being denied another 6 month UNPAID leave because of it !!!
I am so upset. When I found out I was pregnant this time, the first call I made was to the personnel office to see if I would be able to take another leave. Since it was unapaid, they said there would be no problem. In March, they changed their minds and I have been fighting them about it. I tabled it until after Elli's birthday and anniversay, but I just got my answer on Friday. They are only allowing me to take 12 weeks FMLA.
I just don't get it !!! It isn't my office that has the problem with me going, it's the personnel office of the county. My leaving ahs absolutely no effect on them whatsoever, so what do they care ??? I have two weeks left of work to fight and I plan on doing just that, but why does everything have to be such a battle? I am so sick of everything being so difficult. The clincher is, I am not even asking them to pay for my benefits or anything for that additional time off. I am willing to pay COBRA and they still won't give me the time !!!!
When do things get easier ????

[Hop Devil]

That is ridiculous! I know the county is a mess about stuff like this. :( I know I wasn't allowed to take an extended leave after jacob and Evan were born. I was out for 8 weeks prior to their birth and wanted to stay out 6 months after their birth. My boss basically put me on a "PRN" schedule, so I was still working for them, but not putting in any hours or getting paid. A little wool over HR's eyes never hurts. Would your boss be willing to do something like that? Just remember, there will ALWAYS be another job. If you want to take 6 months, you do it! You
deserve it. With your experience, I am positivie you will get rehired immediately!!!! I know lots of people in the industry who are always looking to hire good people (***hint, me ;) )

[PaulaSue]

Hope they change their mind.

Best Wishes!!!!

[Karennboys]

Oh Denise, I'm so sorry... Ugh. I hope you can work things out somehow so you have more time, but maybe if not, like Ronna said, maybe spend some time at home with your little boy and then job hunt somewhere else? Good luck in whatever you choose and I hope it works out for the best for you. ((hugs))

[Margaret]

Dear Denise,

I say forget it!!!! I can't believe that employers would try to put themselves before family. What are they idiots???

That was one of the reasons that I quit too. And let me tell you with the new house and baby on the way, things are tight, but we manage just fine. Just not socking it into retirement right now.

good luck, and I hopethat you can get tehm to change their minds. If not, enjoy a year or two while you're at it!!!

Margaret

[ajpr2]

That is HORRIBLE! After all you have been through... I hope things get worked out for you.

[emcb]

Argh! How aggravating!!!

My SIL took the initial 12 weeks off, then when the time was getting close, realized she really needed another 12 weeks. She asked for it and got it then.

Any chance they'd give you the extra 12 weeks after you've used up this first 12? I sure hope so. Otherwise, I think I'd have to vote with everybody else and say it will be time for a new job. Good luck! Elizabeth.

[Zoemakes5]

Oh, Denise! How awful! I know how employers can be about leave! When I had Zoe, I hadn't been at my job for a year yet. I was only able to take the 6 weeks short-term disability and then when she was preemie, they extended it to 8 weeks (with the additional 2 weeks being either vacation or unpaid). It was sure tough being back to work so soon, but for us, I didn't have much choice.
Best of luck in your fight!
Michelle

[CodeNameMom]

If all else fails they have to allow you 12 weeks family leave and 12 weeks medical leave. If you can't get the full 6 months family ask your dr if he can write you off work for 12 weeks. Some dr's are understanding of your needs and can say you are PPD and unstabel for the work environment. I would try using medical leave for the first 12 weeks and family for the second 12 as your dr is more likely to give you the time off right after baby since your body will need to heal physically and you will not be mentally ready!

**edited to add, I can give you a website that has more information on how to get around the "rules" reguarding only 12 week leave. I cannot post the site on storknet but I will email it to you if you like. momswinbig@hotmail.com