Please help me look at all the angles

[bluebird728]

I am seriously considering taking a personal (unpaid) leave of absence from my job for a month.

My situation is this. I have an emergency fund which I could use to cover expenses. I am a widowed single mom, and it has been a very rough year. I had three relatives pass away this year (including my husband), I was a long-term caregiver, I have had some minor health issues of my own this year. I just feel tired, get sick easily, and have a bad feeling that I am on the edge healthwise. People around me are noticing that I am very run down. Had to go to the ER recently and my poor son was imagining that he would become an orphan.

My employer is pretty good about such things. I feel like I need time to rest and decompress and work on getting my own health in good shape. I do enjoy my work and feel that it provides an important structure in my life.

Of course doing this would do terrible things to my budget. I can't quite justify this as an emergency. Thoughts, opinions?

[baxjul]

I would have to say, if you have the funds to cover it, take some time off. You need to take care of yourself. If you can't afford too long, can you take a couple of weeks off?

[Didi]

You sound like you need it; take some time to recuperate physically and emotionally.

I'm not that familiair with the USA system of sick days, but what if you carry on and on while you're not up to it and get sick for 2 months? If you don't get paid for 2 months it may be better to hit the emergency brake right now.

[Darlene]

Sounds like you are a worthwhile investment, don't you think? Answer is YES. You've spent so much time taking care of others that you got lost in the shuffle. Time to find yourself, your happy, healthy self again.

Does your doctor have some thoughts on how best to get you on the road to a better, healthier place? Diet, exercise, therapy...having a professional to talk to can really help you sort through things and help you be come stronger all the way around.
Wishing you well.

[bluebird728]

I have made an appointment with my doctor this afternoon to get his opinion and maybe a plan. I guess what is bothering me is - if I get sick I get paid on short term disability, this would be all on me. But I suppose that going on until I get sick is not a good plan.

[sdrjeolsen]

I agree with the others, take some time off for yourself. If you can't swing a month, take a couple weeks off. I'm glad you are meeting with a Dr. to get a plan, that was a really wise move. best wishes with the time off.

[FrugalMomof3]

I agree that you should take some time off since you do have to funds to do so. Remember who will take care of you if you dont?

Sounds like this is a much needed time off for you.

[leezza]

Bluebird,

I agree with all the others have said I was also thinking about this:

How about you take a week-10 days vacation whatever you have coming thru your job......and go on a real vacation with your son....go do something that would mean alot to the both of you. That way you could both get excited about the planning and you wouldn't be so stressed thinking about money.

JMHO,
leezza

[miss_thrifty]

with all that youve gone through I would go for it. your body is telling you its time to take time off. We all need it for some period of time. If you can afford it, its worth it in the end. Youll feel refreshed and a new sense of energy to get through.

[pip]

If you can do it, you should take the time off. It will be better for you and your family in the long run.

[pita1213]

do you have any paid vacation time coming? if you do, you might want to take a couple of weeks off paid then if it's not enough time, take a couple of unpaid weeks off. but definatly take some time off.
does the short term disability cover mental health or just physical health? considering everything you've gone through this year, the doc might be able to help you get the short term disability for your mental well being.

however it's covered financialy, i do think you deserve some time off to be with your son and to rest up.

[Jskell911]

My vote is for taking the time off as well. You are not going to keep up at the current pace. You NEED a break. If you can afford it, then definately do it. Yes, I would consider this an emergencey. Your health is as vital as those around you.

Good luck.

[gentledenny]

I say a cruise for you and son. Everything is taken care of. the food is as healthy as you want it. free gym , free chef. free roomservice. free free free. well except for the cost heheheh.

[2boysand1girl]

I think you should talk to your doctor about taking short term disability.

[Its_Donna]

I agree...some much needed time off for rest and rejuvenation is exactly what you need. Take as much time off as you are allowed from work and can afford. You need your health and stability for your child.

We're here for you!