Piddly job vs. surgery...HAHAHA...no contest!

Hey all! I just needed to vent today, so here goes: Okay, so I am a fulltime pre-med student and i work part time for a workman's comp org. (My school got me the position to get me familiar with the medical office environment.) I only work 3 hours a day calling and verifying prescriptions, adjuster info, etc. (My husband takes care of the bills, so this is mainly for experience and extra spending money) Well, I notified my supervisor that I will be needing some time off in Jan. for my surgery. She said it was okay, but to talk to HR. Now HR is saying that since I am part time I am not eligible for FMLA because I have not enough hours under my belt, etc. So, I have to submit a letter to ask just incase they are feeling froggy that day and decide to hold my position while i recover. Blah! My mother and my husband both said to just go with it, and that this surgery is more important than a 15-hour-a-week-job. I agree, don't you? -Phoenix

Phoenix, I'd have to agree too. I know the purpose of the job was some experience in that aspect of the medical profession...and that's all well and good but if they can't hold that position out of courtesy and feel the need to get all FMLA technical on you, then no, their 15 hour/week job isn't worth it, especially not when you compare it to what this surgery will do for you!!!! I wouldn't think twice. Hope it works out for you! Danielle -30lbs

Phoenix, I would do as your employer asks, write the letter. Then, if they decide not to hold your job for you, you've covered your bases & can resign after working a reasonable notice. If they won't hold your job, I'd suggest turning in your letter of resignation no more than 2-3 weeks before your surgery & offer to work at least a 2 week notice. The reason for needing to do it this way is because this "little piddly" job will still have to go on any future job applications & you don't want to give them any reason to give you a bad reference. Also, if you omit it from future applications, it can be considered employment fraud and is grounds for immediate dismissal by most employers. Also, if you must resign, contact the department at your school that secured the job for you & tell them what you're doing & why (you requested medical leave, employer denied leave & you've resigned) . Ask them if they can help you secure another position after you've recovered from your surgery. Any kind of work experience in related fields looks good on your resume and a little extra cash is always welcome!! Good luck on your surgery and hurry up & get your medical degree. We need lots of docs that truly understand MO & WLS needs. Vickie J.

LOL, thanks Vickie! Sorry if I sound like I was going to bail on the job without notice because I thought it was "piddly". I was just venting . I absolutely am writing the letter, and will give at least a 2 week resignation if they deny it--and I always keep in close contact with the career services dept. at my school. I just wanted to post back to let you and others know I'm not irresponsible or blowing it off, I was just having a temper tantrum on the keyboard for a few moments...LOL I have also worked as a floater in doctor's offices for a temp agency, so I understand the importance of the references and experience. Thank you for your response, it was well said (or written for that matter)! -Phoenix p.s. I've got 4 more years until residency--as long as my medical application is approved and I pass the MCATS, and I was actually considering going into the Bariatric field, so let's pray and cross our fingers!!

It's okay, it's a message board, we only know what we read ! (I hope they can find it in their hearts to approve it too, but if not, it wasn't meant to be and there must be somewhere else I was meant to gain my experience from) -Phoenix

In 1991, I had the opportunity to have the VGB surgery that ws just becoming popular but I didn't do it. I convinced myself that I just couldn't tear myself away from my job, and put everyone else's needs in front of my own. I understand we all have responsibilities, but our first responsibility is to ourself. Give your employer the proper notice, and hope for the best. I wish I wouldn't have delayed having surgery (even though years later most of the old-style VGB's have ended up failing due to staple line disruptions). This time, I'm putting myself first. I'm having surgery -- everything and everybody else will just have to wait a few weeks.

Yeppers.. do consider the bariatric field.. you would have hands on concern for your patients. Wishing the best for you! ~Tina~