I work for a very small family owned company, only about eight employees. I planned on taking a week and a half of vacation days for my surgery. Im a graphic designer so i sit a lot in my job. One of my coworkers said that I should be taking disability instead of vacation day. However I'm afraid that my boss will treat me badly and be mean to me out of spite if I use disability as opposed to vacation days. (She is a VERY mean boss) I never looked into disability so I'm not quite sure how it works. Does everyone plan on using vacation time or filing for disability? I could use some opinions :/

I work for a very small family owned company' date=' only about eight employees. I planned on taking a week and a half of vacation days for my surgery. Im a graphic designer so i sit a lot in my job. One of my coworkers said that I should be taking disability instead of vacation day. However I'm afraid that my boss will treat me badly and be mean to me out of spite if I use disability as opposed to vacation days. (She is a VERY mean boss) I never looked into disability so I'm not quite sure how it works. Does everyone plan on using vacation time or filing for disability? I could use some opinions :/[/quote']

You'll probably need to just use vacation time. I was sleeved on the 18th and took 2 weeks because I'm a baby like that. Lol But I really only needed a week and that was with them fixing a hernia! But anyway, you may want to look into the FMLA because I don't think the company you work for has to provide that since there's so few employees. Don't quote me on it, but I think a place has to have more than 14 employees. I remember that was an issue for me when I was first checking into it.

But you'll be fine since you're at a desk. Maybe try to schedule the surgery on a Friday or Monday to maximize the time?

I work for a corporation and have been trained on FMLA and LOA. I am in Texas so laws may differ from state to state. I am also in management. I can understand why you are worried and reasonably so. I had a HORRIBLE boss before who made my life a living hell. When I had to take a LOA she was calling and emailing me following up when I was supposed to come back. I can quote you laws for corporations but I am not very familiar with job protection in your situation. You may want to consult Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for guidance. I am taking the maximum amount of time my surgeon and physicians will approve. I am fortunate to have decent benefits. I can take up to 7 weeks paid at 100%/60% after that, have job protection for 12 weeks. My situation is a lil different because I am also Bipolar and I am on several medications that need to be monitored and regulated post op. Ok I am rambling sorry. Another thing is, you are not required to inform your boss why you are needing leave. They cannot/should not know the medical details per HIPPA. All you are required to disclose is that you need medical leave and fill out the paperwork. your HR dept would handle the detailed medical documents and are bound by law not to disclose with your mangement the reasons why.

I live in Cali. My doctor told me I could use my disability. But I'm choosing to use vacation days . I don't want my co worker to know I'm having surgery. I know they would judge me, ask a million and one questions and watch me like a hawk!