Frustrated, Angry, Happy, Enlightened at all the same time?

For only a few who may know, I have been fighting to get my job back for close to 2 months now. I never filled out FMLA papers and was told I didnt hav to. I worked all the way up to almost 2 weeks before my surgery. I am now 55 lbs lighter, and on a better diet for sure as well as gaining strenght back every day.

My Dr. cleared me for regular activities and work with no limitations on Feb. 11th. I was told to get that clearance before I can come back my boss said, and I got it. Not enough, they wanted their doctor to clear me, and I got it. Then as I returned I was told I had to go back for a lifting portion of the exam, got put off for almost two weeks and finally got a date to day. Finished it today, got cleared and was told I just needed to work on my cardio, duh you f%@k! Anyways, I return to work and tell my boss I want to start next week please, we are too behind on bills and I have passed every damn test you have asked of me. He says ok, return next week but to a new position ( of higher demand mentally and physically). So I said ok, that's great, I get a raise too! All in a very polite and respectable voice, not sarcastically. He says " fine, see ya next week! "

He follows me as I am leaving, basically in private and says " So, our PT cleared you for work!?" I said yes, I signed, PT signed and a witness signed and I watched them fax it over, to our secretary of course. He says " for full duty right?" I said yes, it is all in the paperwork that Ms. Roz has, read for yourself. He says, let me talk to Bill (owner) tonight and you give me a call in the morning.

I was even told by a fellow employee that said he overheard them saying they didnt expect me back and were een buying time to figure out how to not let me back. EEOC will not return my calls, and I need advice. I hate the job, and the field! And even ask myself why am I trying to get a job back so hard I hate! Is OCF hiring?????? I don't personally want to involve the legal system and actually doubt I have a shot at taking down a billionaire like this dickhead. I really want to just enjoy my life and try things different, should I just show up to work and start working? Because technically I was never let go, fired etc. Shit I didnt even fill out paperowk for a leave of absence lol. Can they really do this? Can someone help me get some ducks i a row...Should I just show up for work on Monday with a kiss my ass attitude or load up my belongings and ride off into the sunset into my new life? Wow, I hope someone made it through all this jive, I got really good advice a few weeks back from Christine and Eric but now the situation has changed a bunch. I need numerous opinions.

Your Friend,
Nate

Nate,

As we've discussed, I know very little about the labor laws in Texas. Now I know Texas is a right to work state, meaning they can really let you go for any reason. Now how they let you go depends on if you'll get unemployment benefits or not and a lot of that may depend on your employee handbook which is really like a contract. If TX is anything like Idaho, and I think they are similar, then you'll have no issues getting your benefits.

Now, my thoughts on what you should do. Hopefully you've realized that life is short and every breath you take is a blessing...as the Japanese say, "life in every breath". To me this means do what you want in life while you can as your not gauranteed your next breath.

This thinking set me free. I no longer wanted to work for someone elses dream, which is why I started my own business. I wanted to help people, I wanted to make a difference...I wanted my life to mean something while at the same time building a foundation for my children's lives. I'm on that road now.

It reminds me of a quote from Jim Rohn "If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much."

While you can, carve out the life you want Nate, you've faced death already what else is there to fear? Whatever you do, remember life's just too damn short to do something or be somewhere that doesn't make you happy.

Good luck brother.

Eric

Why you gotta kick me in the nuts again Eric, lol.

I took your advice, did a ton of research and really I am at their mercy I guess. I can't collect from unemployment because of something that happened several years ago, and I kinda owe the jerks some dough. I really want to own my own, I would like to start up a tool truck franchise since that would be so easy for me as far as knowing the tools and how to deal with guys in this field. Downside to that, our toolboxes have wheels, we move alot and the last thing I wanna do is track down some ass trying not to pay me. As well as dealing with a district manager, I guess moral of the story is this Eric, I have that feeling of fearlessness now but where that fear once was is now a pressure to take a shitty job and career I hate to keep my family happy.

Trust me, Ive had many of dreams of just making hemp bracelets,listening to Peter Tosh and trying to make as many people smile as possible. You should have seen me today, My mood of agressive serotonine levels really jived those assholes. And as my mentor said " Why even stick it to em', Just turn your back and leave, be who you are and know where youre appreciated and supposed to be! " He said. " Nate, don't you f@%kin' end up like me, live your dreams and dont let nothing stop you!" He said. As it all kept hitting me and I cried for the first time ever talking to this man I hold so high, I realized he was so damn right. I picked this career because I felt I had to make a decision fast for a career. I was pushing a few years out of HS and just jumped in, I hate it. I realize why my Uncle and his nephews are the way they are, why Old Man Jim never gave a rats ass.

Well, it does have wheels...I guess I will make a few phone calls about getting that big ass box again and move on with life. I have no money to start up my own business or get into a franchise. That is the problem with my dreams....Thanks Eric, you are as well another Mentor I hold dearly in my life. I am glad you were put in my path for this journey we call life. Hey, there is always Botany? ; )

Your Friend,
Nate

Gosh Nate, Im really sorry that your situation hasnt improved by now. It is as I had suspected, they werent sure what to do with you and by you showing up they were forced to figure it out and fast. Yeah it sounds great to be your own man and say the heck with it and quit. Logically that isnt the most sensible solution. Everybody needs to earn a living and until you figure out what path to take you may as well be making a salary. Nobody likes their job all the time and we all end up dealing with a whole lot more crap than we originally signed on for. Do what works best for your financial situation. Good luck with your decisions, you are the one who has to live with them!!!

Nate,
You need to think rationally. Unfortunately you NEED this job. You say you are in debt and don't have the money to start your own business. Walking away from a paying job won't get you out of debt or get you the money to start on your own. The economy is lousy so finding another job at this time may not be that easy. DON'T give this employer any reason not to hire you back. Texas may be a 'right to work' state but they are not allowed to fire you because you had cancer. If they do, you can probably sue. Also don't do anything you may regret. It might come back to haunt you. You're gonna need this guy for a reference.

So, unfortunately, unless you have another paying job available, I think you are stuck with this job for the moment. Go back to work, pay the bills, and start working on your dream of how to get out of there. You are young. You can do it.

Take care,
Eileen

Yes- they can't fire you because of your leave of absense to deal with your illness. It is very much against the law! You could go back and then find something else more along the lines of what you want.

Do what you feel is best for you.