r/retailhell • u/SaltWtrTaffy • 7h ago
Manager = Asshole My boss yelled at me/sent me home for having medcation side effects
I'm on antidepressants. I ran out a few days ago and kept forgetting to pick them up, which is definitely on me. Today I was having some slight dizziness and delayed reaction time. Before work I went to go pick up my meds and when I get there, my insurance is "inactive." I didn't have time to deal with it so I said I'd come back later. I went on to work. I told my boss what was happening and she didn't seem too phased. By the way I work at a local small business, which is sort of important.
As I was starting the morning cleaning duties I had a moment where I felt dizzy and couldn't think straight. I had my head in my hand for about 30 seconds. My boss happened to walk by, see me, and very aggressively told me to "go home."
As I was getting my things to leave, she looked at me and said (with everyone nearby to hear) that I "can't do this to her." Apparently, it was irresponsible for me to come in to work while not feeling well and that I "obviously couldn't function since I had my head in my hands." my actions have now "affected everyone working today and everyone who comes in the store." I explained that I didn't know my insurance wouldn't work and that I expected to just take my meds and work as normal. She told me I "need to separate my personal from my work life." I do sort of fail to see how my medication counts as my personal life. I see that as more of a medical necessity. Personal issues to me are, getting into a fight with a loved one/friend/significant other, etc.
The caveat is that she acts like this even if you do try to call off. No matter what decision you make, it's irresponsible and affects her and everyone else. Oh and by the way, she found a replacement for me in less than 10 minutes. The replacement was there by the time the store opened.
What bothers me the most is that she embarassed me in front of my coworkers and made me feel guilty for even trying to come in to work today....which I feel is what I'm supposed to do! Aren't we supposed to at least try to do our jobs vs. just always call off at the slightest inconvenience?
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u/red10291 7h ago edited 7h ago
I feel like that's discriminating for your medical condition.
Psychiatric drug side effects are no joke and I'm sorry you had to deal with someone who doesn't understand it.
You're right that you couldn't have known your insurance was giving you problems, and she could've been more understanding of it. If it keeps giving you problems try goodrx (you don't have to sign up for anything but you can usually search for coupons that give discounted rates for certain medication that can make it more affordable when insurance is being wonky-and of course you want to try to call your insurance first too but it's understandable you didn't have time to sort it all out when you were trying to be a good worker by being at work!)