Did anybody take stress leave at VMware? I don't care if it's paid or not, I'd just like to know if it's a possibility. Both my physical and mental health has been deteriorating drastically for most part due to work (I'm not even talking about Broadcom - I have a manager who has it out for me and is making my life a living he-l). I desperately need a break.
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Start looking for another job outside if that's an option for you.
Just take the time off and do it now. You have unlimited vacation. As more people leave and the ones remaining are expected to pick up the slack, everyone's stress level will increase. Take care of yourself.
Just take some time off, VMW probably won’t even notice. You are getting ready to experience a lot of inactivity and downtime while this M&A process goes through the process. Productivity as a whole will plummet with all the uncertainty.
If you truly need to take time off because of stress, then this is likely not the right job for you. Taking time off doesn’t fix the underlying problem and just defers addressing it.
I am no longer at VMware, but when I was (within the past year) I looked into this. The doctor's note is the key, and they have the right (as per the VMW policies on this) to have a VMW-selected doctor talk to you as well. These types of leaves are unpaid but your stock still vests (I think for something like 6 months).
Bottom line is that it's possible, but outside of vacation or mental health days, you need a doctor's signature to prevent everyone from declaring it
Check your benefits you can take short or long term disability if they are in your benefits package. You need a Doctors care to use it but it sounds like you need it.
Unlimited vacation..
Just take two weeks off and unplug. Focus on your well being.
I realize this may not be all the time you need but vmw offers 4 take a break days that are supposed to be automatically approved. A manager can’t deny them. There is also free mental health support through Lyra and talkspace. Take care of yourself and as another poster said, go see your GP to discuss.
From someone that suffers from anxiety and has been also very stressed since the Broadcom news broke, I would strongly recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor or GP, and ask for help before you get sick. In Europe, a doctor should be able to sign a 2 weeks sick leave without specifying the reason.
Please know that you are not alone, I understand your situation is a bit different, but many others, including myself, have been asking for help since the Broadcom news broke.
Finally, I recommned you don't make any big decisions while feeling like this. Look after yourself first, and you can decide about work once you feel a bit stronger.
If you are open to taking an unpaid leave, can’t you just quit and be done with him and the company? Your health is never more important than a job. Not trying to be flip or unsupportive with this response; I genuinely mean it.