The next few weeks will prove to be interesting, of that I am guaranteed. I have been advised by someone well-versed in the subject of short-term and long-term disability matters how various scenarios play out. The irony? At a certain point, the patient begins to have little to do with the outcome. As it stands, there are theoretically three parties; however, only two parties are currently playing. It is rather like a game of hearts when your partner decides to ‘go it alone’. You, the patient, sit at the table and wait until the cards have been played.
Party One: The Employer . . . Has been given information that states unequivocally that I should not be allowed to return to work at all. Ever. End of discussion. The employer has motivation to see the employed (myself) return to work so that some reason can be given to dismiss me upon my return. Yes, we all know there are federal guidelines in place to protect the employee from being dismissed for a medical condition. Employers also have other means of displacing such employees. Am I afraid? Given the times I saw this played out before my very eyes, I certainly believe there is cause for great concern. Nothing is gained, however, by predicting a negative future. As stated previously, I am not a player in the game currently. Certainly it is to the employer’s advantage financially to have me return to work, however. This provides the opportunity for a dismissal of employment rather than a long-term disability payout.
How did I reach this point? I really thought I was going to be gone for a few weeks. . .
Party Two: The Medical Providers . . . Have built a case for why any further considerations regarding a return to work are out of the question. It will not happen, I will never be a viable employee for them. The unspoken words practically scream out, ‘please stop wasting my time and just accept that you have a LTD employee on your hands.’ That is certainly an understandable position as well.
So the cat and mouse game has begun. We will see how long it goes on. No one has very much time left on their hands. And I am sitting there at the card table, just watching the game being played out before me, unable to affect its outcome in any direction at this point.
I never saw it coming.
leave of absence
