Waiting to go back to work

[CalmingCats]

On January 26th I went on leave from my teaching position due to a toxic work environment, stress, and trauma. My therapist released me to start working a four-day week beginning March 1. I met with the superintendent, HR, and union rep on Feb. 26th. I was given additional paperwork to file, which I turned in on Feb. 27th and confirmed they had everything they needed.

On Feb. 29th the superintendent informed me I could not return until March 4th for an 8:00 meeting. I live 100 miles from the school. At 8:00 I met with the superintendent and HR. They told me I needed an additional form from my therapist and would remain on unpaid leave until they received it. My therapist faxed it to them on March 6th. I again confirmed that they received everything they needed.

Late yesterday afternoon my union rep informed me I might be able to start tomorrow, or the start may be delayed to Monday. In the meantime, I am losing pay, money I need to support my family.

My anxiety is unbelievable. I've been staying with my sister who lives 10 miles from my school. I have been sleeping for fifteen or more hours a day just waiting for any communication from school. I am worried about how I will pay for gas, food, rent, and my bills. I want to go home to my husband, but can't afford the gas if I have to turn around and come back to work tomorrow.

The school district has locked me out of my accounts, so I can't even plan for my return. I am so frustrated. They caused my leave with a hostile and toxic work environment. Now they are making my return so stressful. I am overwhelmed.

[Ellamaye]

I'm glad you posted and are reaching out for help. Who can you go to realistically with the issues your facing? There is a place and you do know it x

[OldestSibling]

I’m sorry you are going through this. It’s easy to get depressed when you’re not working and then anxiety starts when you think about going back to work.

I wonder if you could get a job in a different school district. Maybe even a different type of job where you can still use your skills. Idk. Do you think you can deal with the environment better now? Sometimes things happen for a reason. and there is something better that will come along if you are open to it

Hopefully, once you get back to work, you will have less time to worry, keep busy and making money again will help you.

Good luck, I know it must be hard, but try to work on being positive about what your future might hold.

[CalmingCats in reply to OldestSibling]

Thank you for the encouraging words. I have already submitted my resignation effective at the end of the school year. So, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I just want to finish the school year as it will look better on my resume. The school is not allowed to disclose to a new employer anything other than my employment start date and end date.

One of the most frustrating things is that the school districts actions are negatively effecting students. There is no consistency for the students. Some days they have a sub and other days they are disbursed to other rooms. Seven of my students were shifted from another teacher's caseload when she quit due to a toxic work environment. Now I am on leave for the same reason. I stuck it out as long as I could because of my students, but I had to prioritize my health. I feel so bad for them.

Again, thank you for responding and your encouraging words. It is exactly what I need.