Sick and stressed...what is a girl to do.

Oniyx

I've been feeling so sick lately. Migranes, nausia, exhaustion. All of these factors are keeping me from working out the way I want/need to. I'm so stressed out because of work, and it's causing me to go ahead and be unhealth with foods and other choices. Finances and work are getting to be too much for me. I need a stress release however, my boss took away all of my vacation because she doesn't like me. And she makes me wear these headphones even though they give me nauseating migranes. It's not a job requirement to wear these but, if I don't she will fire me, which will make my financial worries even worse. With the migranes these headphones give me, I can't work to the best of my ability and I can't go home regardless of the immense pain and symptoms I face because...I have no vacation/sick days. What is a girl to do. Anyone have any good de-stress methods they would like to share before I give up on everything, including my diet?

stringcheeze

Check with OSHA and with your doctor. If you have a health reason for not being able to wear something that's not a requirement (check your employee handbook or with HR just to make sure), then your boss cannot make you use them, especially when there's an alternative available.

Also, check with HR to make sure she can legitimately remove your vacation time -- if your contract states that you earn a certain amount of vacation for every x hours you work, she has no legs to stand on in regards to that.

The best weapon against vindictive bosses is to use company policy against them.

smuehlbauer

Stand up for your self.
Go to her boss or HR if you have to.
If you talk to her like an adult there shoudn't be an issue, and if she fires you for that I would assume that they have other reasons to fire you or they would have legal issues on threir hands.
Don't let someone like that bully you.

Oniyx

Excellent advice with OSHA. The other information you suggested is also wonderful however, i'm in a sticky situation. My boss is the owner. Of this entire firm. I was already warned that if I try to collect for unemployment for voluntary resignation or even if i was to get fired, which isn't far fetched, that she will not pay. Even though I do my job to it's fullest extent. That if I was to try to collect on anything she would spend every penny of every million dollars she has just so she doesnt' have to admit that she was wrong. She's awful, but there is nothing I can do at this point. There are no jobs available in my area at the moment that I qualify for and my boss is pushing me out the door. Thank you for your support and response and helpful advise. I will definately get in touch with OSHA. Migranes are not too spectacular.

smuehlbauer

Sounds like it's time to find a new job!

weaklink109

Excellent advice with OSHA. The other information you suggested is also wonderful however, i'm in a sticky situation. My boss is the owner. Of this entire firm. I was already warned that if I try to collect for unemployment for voluntary resignation or even if i was to get fired, which isn't far fetched, that she will not pay. Even though I do my job to it's fullest extent. That if I was to try to collect on anything she would spend every penny of every million dollars she has just so she doesnt' have to admit that she was wrong. She's awful, but there is nothing I can do at this point. There are no jobs available in my area at the moment that I qualify for and my boss is pushing me out the door. Thank you for your support and response and helpful advise. I will definately get in touch with OSHA. Migranes are not too spectacular.

Document everything that has happened and does happen. If there is a policy manual for employees, try to get a copy of it, or any written material that supports that the headphones are not mandatory. Keep detailed notes, dates, etc. of everything she does to make your life difficult. Despite what your boss would like you to believe, she doesn't have the power to prevent you from collecting unemployment. If the facts demonstrate that you qualify for it, you will get it. Unfortunately, due to the number of people claiming, it can take several weeks for a decision to be made on whether you will get it or not.

Here is one possible solution: Visit your doctor, get a written instruction that you cannot wear the headphones and present it to your boss (keep a copy). If she refuses to cooperate, hope that she fires you, and with the information you have in writing from your doctor, plus your other info can support your case for unemployment, and since she fired you, there is a good chance you will get it. If you have to quit, due to the circumstances, the documentation could still help you win a favorable ruling.

I am NOT an attorney, and don't know how things work in your state, vs. where I am. Your state's unemployment department probably has a website, so see what info you can find there regarding separation circumstances and how they affect your claim. You may also be able through your State Bar Association to get a low cost referral to an attorney specializing in employment law that could give you advice specific to your situation.

Good luck.

Oniyx

Excellent advice with OSHA. The other information you suggested is also wonderful however, i'm in a sticky situation. My boss is the owner. Of this entire firm. I was already warned that if I try to collect for unemployment for voluntary resignation or even if i was to get fired, which isn't far fetched, that she will not pay. Even though I do my job to it's fullest extent. That if I was to try to collect on anything she would spend every penny of every million dollars she has just so she doesnt' have to admit that she was wrong. She's awful, but there is nothing I can do at this point. There are no jobs available in my area at the moment that I qualify for and my boss is pushing me out the door. Thank you for your support and response and helpful advise. I will definately get in touch with OSHA. Migranes are not too spectacular.

Document everything that has happened and does happen. If there is a policy manual for employees, try to get a copy of it, or any written material that supports that the headphones are not mandatory. Keep detailed notes, dates, etc. of everything she does to make your life difficult. Despite what your boss would like you to believe, she doesn't have the power to prevent you from collecting unemployment. If the facts demonstrate that you qualify for it, you will get it. Unfortunately, due to the number of people claiming, it can take several weeks for a decision to be made on whether you will get it or not.

Here is one possible solution: Visit your doctor, get a written instruction that you cannot wear the headphones and present it to your boss (keep a copy). If she refuses to cooperate, hope that she fires you, and with the information you have in writing from your doctor, plus your other info can support your case for unemployment, and since she fired you, there is a good chance you will get it. If you have to quit, due to the circumstances, the documentation could still help you win a favorable ruling.

I am NOT an attorney, and don't know how things work in your state, vs. where I am. Your state's unemployment department probably has a website, so see what info you can find there regarding separation circumstances and how they affect your claim. You may also be able through your State Bar Association to get a low cost referral to an attorney specializing in employment law that could give you advice specific to your situation.

Good luck.

Thank you very much, this is really helpful. I've been doing most, but you pointed out some VERY good things to do that i've never though about. Thank you TONS!