Was this a reasonable suggestion, or am I mad?

[CallMeExhausted]

After more than 8 years as a SAHM, I started a new job 3 weeks ago, have been doing in-class training.

I found out today that I am going to need some surgery that may require a long-ish recovery period. I contacted my employer right away and explained the situation, and suggested that perhaps it might be best if I withdraw from training, and once I have recovered, rejoin a later training group.

I have worked in HR in the past, and to me it seemed a reasonable suggestion, as if I completed training but was then unable to work, I would have cost the company quite a bit of money. However, if I take the time off and complete my training after surgery, it'll be less of a loss and my training will be more current (there is a new program beginning in the first week of October).

It seemed reasonable to me, but now I am wondering. I am waiting for a call back, as the person I spoke to wants to talk to their superiors.

Should I brace myself to be let go?

Seems reasonable to me given your explanation.

I don't think they can let you go, that would be some kind of discrimination surely?

I think that sounds a reasonable suggestion. At the very least, you sound proactive in wanting to discuss ways to manage this, rather than just announcing that you will be off.

No, it wouldn't be discrimination to let you go, but if they don't need someone urgently then your suggestion seems perfectly reasonable.

Will the surgery you require be covered by disability discrimination?

If not, they could let you go. There's little protection within the first two years unless it's discrimination.

Whether they will let you go will depend on how much they want you, specifically, and whether they can cover you when you're away. If they were planning to hire more people in October you might be fine, too.

Did you phrase your email as if you were finding a solution or did you presume they'd keep you on? The latter would get managements back up in my industry but it's probably very industry specific!

It isn't a case of needing someone urgently, thank goodness, as I was one of 15 brought in.

This is a large program, and new groups start once a month. If I was a solo hire to fill a specific void, I would never for a moment expect them to hold an opening for me.

I don't know how long it'll take me to be ready to return to work - I am having part of my foot amputated. It is a sedentary job, so being on my feet isn't an issue, but I will at least have to have pain etc under control before I can think of going back.

I will let your know what I hear. Hopefully they will be amenable to it. If not, I will deal.

As for discrimination, that hadn't even crossed my mind...

It was phrased to essentially say "this is the challenge I am facing, I understand the degree of inconvenience it must be causing, if you are still willing to have me with the company here is an idea that might work - if not, thank you so much for this opportunity, and I hope that I may be able to rejoin the company in the future".

Do you mean you will leave the company and then rejoin at a later date? Or do you expect them to keep you on as an employee/continue to pay you while you are off?

Ah okay, that sounds good.

Manor raises a good point about your employment status. Being employed may mean you can't get benefits, if you are likely to need them. Look into that before you agree anything.

Fingers crossed!

I don't expect a penny in my absence, was just hoping I wouldn't have to reapply etc.

Just that they keep me on the rolls, not the payroll.

Just that they keep me on the rolls, not the payroll.

Don't know what kind of role it is, but this might be the sticking point tbh, from an HR viewpoint, this is likely to be tricky to achieve.

Do you have a private income? You will most likely find it difficult to claim ESA if you are still employed, but if you're not being paid by your employer, how would you live?

I have been a SAHM for years, DH is the main contributor financially. I do add to it with some custom sewing projects. Fortunately, benefits aren't going to complicate this.

I have decided that, worst case scenario, I'll respectfully withdraw on good terms, and hope they will take me back once I am through the primary part of surgery recovery.

I should be hearing from the "Return to Work Coordinator" today. I will let you know what she says.