I don't need the comments about "oh yeah the first place I go for advice is the layoff board" or anything like it. I have struggled severely with some mental health issues and I want to explore a leave of absence. I was wondering if anyone who reads this and has taken a leave for similar reasons or who knows someone who has could share any insight or perspective? I don't want to lose my job (this is a great place to work) and the stigma that comes with this and the fear that it means I'll have an asterisk next to me come the next ROM is a key reason I haven't looked more closely into it. Appreciate anything. Thank you in advance.
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If you have issues around mental health and well being, the last place you should be working is Oxy.
They'll make it ten times worse and then pass water on your grave.
From my experience as a supervisor, you will be asked if there is any dependance on alcohol or other substances. These are typically taken to help people cope with their issues. Alcohol won't be an issue. However, using illegal dr-gs is not allowed which includes mari--ana even if you have a medical card. You will be given treatment options for both. You will be able to return from alcohol abuse but not dr-gs. I don't know your situation and it is not easy. If you can get a handle on either of those issues first then the system will run in your favor. I wish I had better news. Good Luck.
If your Dr. legit says you should be out, take it. I've seen good and bad performers take LOA and it's also about timing - you are not guaranteed a job when you are back! If there is nothing, the good performer may be as much at risk as a bad performer. A good performer will always have an advocate and a spot somewhere. Be not afraid, take care of your health. No money in the world is worth it.
Hey OP:
Unfortunately I can’t advise you, as I don’t have any direct experience with such LOAs. However, I strongly encourage you to see EAP’s help. It sounds like you are going through a hard time, and I did, too, a few years ago. EAP was invaluable in connecting me to the right resources. I wish you well — health above all. Take care. 🤗
Things at Chevron are depressing now days. I am pretty down and just waiting for positive news of some kind. Each day things seems to get worse. I think many are feeling it and wondering when the next layoff will occur.
Start with EAP and with your doctor. If your doctor agrees and says you need time away from work to recover, it’s covered as short term disability. If your doctor doesn’t agree and you want time off anyway, then it’s an unpaid leave of absence. Short term disability provides pay and job protection. Unpaid leave of absence provides no pay and no job protection, and it’s “best effort” to find you a spot when you return. Best of luck and I hope you get the assistance you need to recover!
@flf sure...and everybody is just obsessed with how tough you are; would love you hear your life story. I hard time have not come your way, don't laugh at other so hard, just wait.
Had a coworker in Houston that took 8 months short term disability due to burntout and depression. He returned to work in a different office role in the summer of 2013, was not impacted in 2015 ROM but let go in the later round, I think he left after 2019.
I heard it needs president approval. So not sure how likely it is.
I’ve also been considering this for the same reason. Reach out to the EAP. Trust me, you’ll feel better talking to them about options.
Can't you just take a leave of absence for personal reasons and just call it that? Why pick it apart? No one needs to know all that.
I know several people who took leaves of up to six months. Remember MW took an entire year or two off to coach basketball and not only was welcomed back but was immediately promoted.
Your mental health is a priority, so don't pay attention to if there will be some stigma or slowdown in your career, etc. Chevron will not fire you because you took time off. YOu will have time to bounce back once recovered (which you will!). With out your mental health, you can't achieve those goals anyway. I do not have personal experience with the process but know someone who does, and they were guided on what to do by EAP. Give them a call. Help is available.
There is no stigma….go!
It’s okay Oxy merger soon. Everyone will forget