Question: Dear Luise: I am going to have some elective surgery and I don’t know how to handle it at work. We have sick time but I’m not sick. I really like my job or I would do it between jobs. I’ve already used up this year’s vacation. Do you have any suggestions? Liz
Answer: Dear Liz: You didn’t say much about your employer, so I don’t know if it’s a large company with a Human Resources Department or just a small place with an immediate boss. The only difference is that a larger employer might have a policy for just such a situation and a smaller one might not have had it come up before.
I think I would request an appointment with whoever is directly in charge of you and simply put my cards on the table. If you don’t want to disclose what you are going to have done, then present it the same way you just did to me. However, if it is going to be obvious, like having your breasts enlarged, you might just as well say so.
Explain that you like your job and don’t want to quit so you can have it done between jobs. Also make it clear that you understand that you may not be covered by sick leave. Most employers appreciate a forthright person and a chance to work out a situation in advance. Here’s hoping that’s the kind you have. If not, have it done during your vacation next year. Blessings, Luise
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