Work Issue

joselo2

Hello, I just wanted to talk about something.
I have been referred by my dr for specialist weight management support course for people with serious weight problem. I am happy about it, I think it will help me. I must attend 2 nights a week. I think this is not too hard for my work to accomodate but I need to let my boss know, and I guess I need to tell her why. I get on well with her but I am really really nervous to tell her, I never talk about my weight in public really, especially not in a serious way. I'm worried what she'll think, and if she will see me as some big fat guy who has no control to lose weight, and I'm worried I will be upset telling her, it is an emotional thing for me. I don't know what to say I am considering just handing the note then walking out,but then it I'll feel awkward anyways. I don'tknow why this is such a big deal for me, but it is Thanks
xxxxx

ksumme

You are not obligated to go into any detail with any health or medical condition with your employer - and they are not allowed to ask for details. You could say it is for physical therapy, or just a series of doctor's appointments. If it is easier, you might consider asking your HR or ER folks to help you with any scheduling/ shift requirements while you take the class.

Good for you, and good luck!!!

2Bgoddess

aww hon that's tough. BUT. you say you get on well with the boss. The boss must be aware that you have a weight problem, even if it has not been discussed because she sees you all the time. It is embarrassing to talk about it. but put it out there from a health perspective. "this is something I have to do for my health. I need help, and I am gonna make sure I get it. I really need your support so that I can be available for these classes/workshops." and yeah, show her the letter.

good luck to you, and congrats on taking the steps to get healthy.

kr3851

I would just say that I have medical appointments - they can't stop you from going. If they do, I would go straight to the HR department as it's discrimination.

thrld

You are not obligated to go into any detail with any health or medical condition with your employer - and they are not allowed to ask for details. You could say it is for physical therapy, or just a series of doctor's appointments. If it is easier, you might consider asking your HR or ER folks to help you with any scheduling/ shift requirements while you take the class.

Good for you, and good luck!!!

Agreed. You don't need to give any details other than medical appointments. It's none of works' business.
[This hits a nerve, because I used to look for outside affirmation/approval for things that were important to me, but I felt insecure about. Don't apologize and don't explain]

CoderGal

Hello, I just wanted to talk about something.
I have been referred by my dr for specialist weight management support course for people with serious weight problem. I am happy about it, I think it will help me. I must attend 2 nights a week. I think this is not too hard for my work to accomodate but I need to let my boss know, and I guess I need to tell her why. I get on well with her but I am really really nervous to tell her, I never talk about my weight in public really, especially not in a serious way. I'm worried what she'll think, and if she will see me as some big fat guy who has no control to lose weight, and I'm worried I will be upset telling her, it is an emotional thing for me. I don't know what to say I am considering just handing the note then walking out,but then it I'll feel awkward anyways. I don'tknow why this is such a big deal for me, but it is Thanks
xxxxx

That's fantastic! And I'm glad you're feeling good about it. I think the last thing you should be doing is worrying about what other people think about it, you should be proud of yourself. Personally I'd just tell the truth, but you're not obligated to. Just tell her you're seeing someone about your weight? You don't need to tell her its for people with serious problems. If you say you need to attend to something your doctor wants you to do 2 times a week she may get concerned.

bhankiii

If it was one of my employees I would think it was a good thing and certainly be supportive.

joselo2

I did it, I told her!!
I found the conversation very upsetting, because she asked why, and I said I had a note, which I gave to her, and just said that the doctor wants me to do this weight management thing. I said I hoped it didn't seem like I was demanding all this just for some diet class, that is was important for me. Then my boss said she was not annoyed at all, in fact she was happy for me doing it because she had been worrying about me a bit because she noticed I was finding it difficult when I have to bend up and down and kneel down (a whole lot of that goes on in my job,because I work doing alterations for clothing, tailoring, that sort of thing, if you an imagine all this!!), and on a personal level she had been concerned too, but did not want to say anything. I found that really upsetting because I hate the thought of people worrying about me, and the fact she seemed to be saying it impacts on my job. That is very hard to hear, it was awful. But she was very nice and I am glad it is out the way and I hope if it is ever mentioned again it will be in a positive way for people to say they noticed my progress!!

It is now all the more motivation, I don't want to fail anyone!!
xxx

bhankiii

I have about 15 guys working for me and most of them have had some sort of personal issue sometime in the past few years. A good boss will always support his people. Work is never the most important thing in life. I'm glad you had the talk. Now you can turn it into a positive thing by following through.

fiberartist219

I'm glad you told her. It's not always easy to look at the situation and see how it affects your job, but you're doing what you need to do to make it better, and everyone respects that.

I hope the sessions go well for you.

DanaDark

An employee that recognizes a problem and pro-actively seeks to fix it?

Your boss will not be upset.

Ralphrabbit

Yay! Well done for doing the deed!
Now for the hard work & exercise.......followed by all the compliments about how well you are doing!
Got to get easier eh?!?!?