A question about my 'being let go'

[Dont Berobot]

I have a question for you guys...

I worked at a store for about four years. Recently, I've had some really severe mental health issues that have caused me to have to take unscheduled time off work. A couple of times I got stuck in the hospital and couldn't call in, and nobody else knew I should've been at work and so nobody called in for me. (The one time I did have someone call in for me, the manager didn't listen and assumed I'd be off for two weeks, so I had to call the district manager and ask for my hours back, which angered said manager.) There was also one other time that I didn't call because I was so out of it that I really didn't know I had a job or anything of the sort, nevermind driving to work and handling fabric and scissors. This all happened over about three months, and before then I'd called in maybe once or twice in a whole year and typically came in for extra hours, stayed late on short notice, really everything I could do to be helpful.

My question is...how do I get past this? I think I may have been terminated by now. It's the only job I'd previously not left because of health issues and I was kind of counting on it as a good reference. I desperately need another job because I am pretty much homeless. Is there anything I can do about this, or am I just screwed? Will I ever work in this town again? :(

[Ree]

You say that you "think" you may have been terminated, but until you know for sure, don't go on that assumption.

If you had a good work record prior to your problems, then they might have given you a bit of a break.
You need to talk to your HR department, or, if you don't have one, talk to a superior of some kind.

I'm pretty sure, if they terminate you because of time lost due mental health issues, you have a legal ground to get the job back.

(Not sure of exact laws, but I do know, in our area, they cannot terminate an employee on sick leave.)

[Bright_Star]

The only way to know for sure IF you lost your job or not is to call them. Explain your situation & see if they're willing to work with you. Don't assume you lost your job.

[LostMyMind]

I would bring in documents that you were in the hospital (a doctor note) and give it to the manager. Put it on record that you gave them notice that you were out for medical reason. If you're in the states, You'll be covered by federal family emergency leave law.

After that ask for your schedule. The manager should say you were "fired", give you a schedule, or a reason for not being on the schedule. And if he don't give the work hours you had before you went into the hospital, go over his head again to the district manager. Let him know that you're being punished by your manager for being in the hospital and ask the district manager what he plans to do about it?