Need advice on handling unpaid leave at work - what should I expect?

I went through this last year. Make sure you document EVERYTHING. Emails, conversations, dates. It'll save your butt if things go south.

Check your company's policy handbook. Some places have specific rules about unpaid leave. Knowing your rights is key.

Ugh, been there done that. It suuuucks. Make sure u know how it'll affect ur benefits. I lost my health insurance for a month and it was a nightmare 😭

Have you considered applying for state disability? Depending on why you need the leave, you might qualify. Worth looking into!

Just a heads up, getting ahold of the right person at the unemployment office is a NIGHTMARE. I found this site (claimyr.com) that has a calling tool. It dials the phone menu, stays on hold, and then sends the call to your phone when a live agent picks up. Costs $20 but saved me hours of frustration. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM

Here's what you need to know about unpaid leave: 1. FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) might apply if your company has 50+ employees and you've worked there for at least a year. This protects your job for up to 12 weeks. 2. If FMLA doesn't apply, it's up to your employer's discretion. Some states have additional protections, so check your local laws. 3. Unpaid leave usually means you're still an employee, so you might keep some benefits. But again, check your company's policy. 4. Your job isn't necessarily protected unless it falls under FMLA or similar state laws. 5. Consider negotiating a return-to-work agreement before you leave. This can help protect your position. 6. Look into whether you qualify for any paid leave options first (sick leave, PTO, short-term disability). 7. Budget carefully. No income for a while can be tough, so plan ahead if possible. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Anyone else feel like the whole system is rigged against workers? Like, why isn't paid leave a basic right? 🤔