Hi all, I have been scheduled for VSG on April 11th. I currently work for my state's government and I have gotten a job offer to move to a new state agency and they want me to start in March - luckily no insurance problem since I am staying on the same state plan. I have not discussed surgery with the new job yet because I was not scheduled for surgery at the time of my interview and I have not responded to the offer yet. How should I go about telling the new job that I may need up to 4 weeks off within the first month of starting (per my doctor)?

I have heard two things so far:

1. take the job and tell them AFTER you are hired, because medical procedures are covered under FMLA, they cannot terminate me for needing time off. I worry that this option will appear 'unprofessional' for not notifying them before making an offer.

2. tell the job BEFORE you take it so you can negotiate your start date for after you return from surgery. I worry that if I tell them now, they will rescind their offer.

Anyone experienced a change in job right around the time of surgery? Any suggestions?

I am pondering this as well. I'm getting sick of my current job and want to change badly, but I'm not because I'm already most of the way through the pre-surgery process.

In your situation, I'd be honest with the hiring manager. You may be surprised how they respond. Letting someone take a week off, early in their tenure, may not be an issue. They will be looking at your qualities in bringing you on. An extra week off in the grand scheme of things is a drop in the bucket.

1 hour ago, Bootscraper said:

Hi all, I have been scheduled for VSG on April 11th. I currently work for my state's government and I have gotten a job offer to move to a new state agency and they want me to start in March - luckily no insurance problem since I am staying on the same state plan. I have not discussed surgery with the new job yet because I was not scheduled for surgery at the time of my interview and I have not responded to the offer yet. How should I go about telling the new job that I may need up to 4 weeks off within the first month of starting (per my doctor)?

I have heard two things so far:

1. take the job and tell them AFTER you are hired, because medical procedures are covered under FMLA, they cannot terminate me for needing time off. I worry that this option will appear 'unprofessional' for not notifying them before making an offer.

2. tell the job BEFORE you take it so you can negotiate your start date for after you return from surgery. I worry that if I tell them now, they will rescind their offer.

Anyone experienced a change in job right around the time of surgery? Any suggestions?

if they really want you, I doubt they'll rescind the offer. When I started my last job (March of 2002), I already had a trip to South Africa planned for the month of August. I told them after I'd gotten the offer but before I said yes, and they were OK with it.

also, I don't know what kind of job you have, but I really only needed two weeks off (I had a desk job)

I’m not sure what state you’re with but I know in NY, if you shift between agencies all of your accruals and I think your seniority stays with you, and people only do probationary stuff once.

I’d take the job and tell them...I’m sure the hiring process is a real hassle for them and took a long time. I’m sure they’ll be understanding.

I would be honest with the hiring manager so they have heads up. For your privacy you do not have to go in to details with the procedure. You have already invested so much for your health, and good manager will understand. As a manager myself I prefer to be notified in advance so that I can make adequate staffing needs.

you can always just tell them you have a surgery scheduled - you don't have to tell them what kind. I can't imagine an employer responding negatively if the person is having surgery...

38 minutes ago, catwoman7 said:

also, I don't know what kind of job you have, but I really only needed two weeks off (I had a desk job)

It is a desk job, I was surprised when my surgeon said "most people take 4 weeks", considering I have read on here that most people only take about two weeks.

Definitely take the new job! Congratulations! I would tell your new manager though. If they are really interested in you for the position and they care for their employees they will understand that you have this pre-planned surgery. Honestly, if they were to rescind the offer because you were having surgery to improve your life and health for the better, would you really want to work for them? Also, from the managers' standpoint, if you wait to tell them then that may upset them because unless it was an emergency surgery typically you know in advance and withholding that information could inconvenience them especially if they were able to find someone to cover for you temporarily while you were out of the office.

I also agree with the other posters that you don't have to divulge what type of surgery you are having if you don't feel comfortable doing so.

On 2/22/2019 at 5:11 AM, Bootscraper said:

Hi all, I have been scheduled for VSG on April 11th. I currently work for my state's government and I have gotten a job offer to move to a new state agency and they want me to start in March - luckily no insurance problem since I am staying on the same state plan. I have not discussed surgery with the new job yet because I was not scheduled for surgery at the time of my interview and I have not responded to the offer yet. How should I go about telling the new job that I may need up to 4 weeks off within the first month of starting (per my doctor)?

I have heard two things so far:

1. take the job and tell them AFTER you are hired, because medical procedures are covered under FMLA, they cannot terminate me for needing time off. I worry that this option will appear 'unprofessional' for not notifying them before making an offer.

2. tell the job BEFORE you take it so you can negotiate your start date for after you return from surgery. I worry that if I tell them now, they will rescind their offer.

Anyone experienced a change in job right around the time of surgery? Any suggestions?

Go for it, being medical it's not pertinent to your job. It's personal. I think there's no onus on you to disclose everything.

And you may find that you only need 2 weeks maybe even less and as said above if you're moving within your department than your work records will follow you and you may be owed sick leave

Also if you feel the new job is better for you and your future and your mental state than go for it because your job will definitely impact on your success in all aspects of life!!

I just did this. You should check with your HR representative who handles FMLA only. They will advise you regarding your institutional policy and cannot disclose because they are designated as confidential HR personnel (if that makes sense). I submitted my FMLA and had been approved. They offer came 24 hours later. I informed the hurting manger at that time and we both agreed my start date would remain the same. New job 3/11, sleeve 3/19. I'm only asking for the same weeks. It's a desk job. But know your policy first before proceeding!

Definitely take the new job! Congratulations! I would tell your new manager though. If they are really interested in you for the position and they care for their employees they will understand that you have this pre-planned surgery. Honestly, if they were to rescind the offer because you were having surgery to improve your life and health for the better, would you really want to work for them? Also, from the managers' standpoint, if you wait to tell them then that may upset them because unless it was an emergency surgery typically you know in advance and withholding that information could inconvenience them especially if they were able to find someone to cover for you temporarily while you were out of the office.
I also agree with the other posters that you don't have to divulge what type of surgery you are having if you don't feel comfortable doing so.

I just did this. You should check with your HR representative who handles FMLA only. They will advise you regarding your institutional policy and cannot disclose because they are designated as confidential HR personnel (if that makes sense). I submitted my FMLA and had been approved. They offer came 24 hours later. I informed the hurting manger at that time and we both agreed my start date would remain the same. New job 3/11, sleeve 3/19. I'm only asking for the same weeks. It's a desk job. But know your policy first before proceeding!

*hiring manager

Surgery twins!!