Am I crazy for worrying about this?

I had not put in for a promotion in some time because among other things I still need to take a day or two a month off for my wife for doctor appointments and therapy. Even though they couldn't legally hold it against me because I have FMLA I don't want to start a new job and be the guy that has to keep calling in. The position I'm in now a day or two every so often isn't too bad but it bothers me to do it and as a new manager i think it would bother me more.

I wouldn't even think about putting in for it but the end of this year my depot is closing and because we could screw up anything rather than just be moved into the new one opening blocks away we are going to share it with another group so i am losing several years of seniority and I the opportunity to eventually pick work inside the building. I have been told by several supervisors that I should look into putting in for a promotion this time before things get much worse.

Part of me thinks I should to try and get out of the screwing I am looking forward to but I still don't like the idea of taking a job I may have to take time from while I'm still new.

Do it. If you've got a hot reputation and a polished resume, they'll look the other way as long as you bust your ass. I know from experience. My wife had the same problem for a long time and no one ever questions me.

+1

Do it!

Do it.

Do it. I admire your stance on the situation, but you should put in for the promotion and lose the guilt.

Absolutely. You're about to lose seniority through no fault of your own. Guilt is not required.

You worry about when you have to take time off when it happens. I admire your work ethic, but don't let your sense of duty keep you from moving up just because you need to take a couple of days here and there.

Do it. I'd bet you are the only person there to apply for a promotion and worry about taking time off. Essentially the job is to provide for your family. Taking time off from said job is part of that too.

do it. No question.

put the guilt and loyalty stuff aside and just go for the bigger paycheck already... that's what you are there for- to make money- and they will already know about the reasons that you take time off..

as long as you aren't misrepresenting yourself (i.e promising "i wont take off any more time if i get this"), then you're good.

-J0N

do it … I'm willing to bet that company wide there is someone that has a similar "problem" as yours at this next level and takes the time as needed …

assuming you do your new job in a manner that they expect, I'm sure you new supervisor won't have a problem with the time off you need … especially if you make sure they know ahead of time

Yes. Go get what you've worked hard for. So what if you have to take a couple days off a month? Parents do it all the time and in some ways its easier to do when you're in management.

I'll echo everyone else's sentiment and say "do it!!". And good luck with the promotion, I have a feeling that it will be a good move for you and yours.

As an employer, I'd much rather have a quality person who worked hard and got stuff accomplished despite the challenge of having to help his wife with her care, versus the E36 M3head who came in all day, every day, and sat there like a bump on a log doing berkeley all. Matter of fact, bonus points for being a good guy and taking care of your personal obligations. Do it. (And the reverse of that is that as an employee, I wouldn't want to work somewhere where they couldn't understand the sense of that attitude--so do it.)

Margie

On this one... Put in for the promotion, but be totally upfront and honest about the coming need for FMLA time, and more importantly express your concern for taking the position knowing that you are going to need some time off to care for your wife.

I would hire that guy in a second. Should you not disclose that you are going to need the time... I am going to be very annoyed..

If your employer is respectful of this, or doesn't value that type of honesty, all you have done is saved yourself a lot of heartache, and can begin without reservation to seek a better opportunity.

You have nothing to lose.

A good leader knows how to clearly define and prioritize objectives, anticipate and alleviate constraints, and delegate responsibility / authority.

It’s the guy on the front line that actually has to be there to add any value.

As others have said, just tell them up front and do it in a way that demonstrates your competency. For instance, you could let them know that you’ve confirmed that the times can be predicted well in advance…that the frequency won’t increase…that there’s an expected end date.

Just show them that you’re already “managing” the competition for your time.

Good luck buddy

As a manager of a (smallish) team, I'd like to echo Marjorie's comments. The fact that you're thinking about these issues tells me that you'll be fine.

Yup, Cell phones have made Managing easier and they NEED your expertise that far up the ladder.

My experience with managers is they are usually forgiving of needing time off when they are given notice, notsomuch when someone calls in without notice - although usually understood when children are involved. Since I'm assuming you have some notice when your wife's appointments will be, I'd say you should do it.

I sent in the resume. I appreciate the kind words. Now to practice jumping through hoops.

Looking good Wally. Keep practicing! Seriously, wish you good luck on the promotion.

honestly, if I had an employee under me who did -not- put in for a promotion, I would be worried and would have had a talk with you long ago. While Most companies are glad to have somebody so loyal to both their family and to the business, they do not want to lose somebody like that to burnout.

Do it, put in for the promotion, I think you deserve to do that much

TRoglodyte wrote: Yup, Cell phones have made Managing easier and they NEED your expertise that far up the ladder.

Boy is this true.

Interviews start tomorrow. Hopefully it goes better than last time