I am experiencing severe burnout and mental exhaustion from working here. Thankfully, these next two weeks are quiet, but I’m debating taking FMLA/STD in January or February. I am having a mental breakdown and this job is causing me to move away from my loved ones and family causing me more harm. I’ve never done this before in my whole life/career and I’m wondering exactly what that would look like if anyone cares to share. I’ve been obviously applying to other jobs and have gotten nothing but rejections; I believe around 200+ rejections. I’m exhausted and I need a break. Mentally, emotionally, and holistically and Capital One leadership makes it worse
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Is it possible to go on short term disability after being placed on a PIP and opting in? My understanding is I have a 60 day countdown. Can I stop the counter by getting STD approved? My mental health is suffering at Capital One.
This post reminds me of just one of the many reasons that I am so glad that I am no longer an employee at C1. My mental and physical health suffered so much while I was employed there! It wasn’t until I left that I realized how toxic the leadership and performance management was. I routinely worked 60+ hour weeks and watched as fellow employees worked far more than that. Manipulative and abusive doesn’t even begin to describe the culture. Take whatever leave that you can but don’t kid yourself that it will be better when you return. Run Forest Run!
I was out for the same thing last year for 18 weeks. I have used short term disability at least once a year for the last 3 years. I have not been targeted to be laid off for it. I also know 4 other employees who have used it and have not been targeted. One of them is a lead who is out at least twice a year for a good chunk of time and they have been here 7 years. Don’t be scared to use it. It will actually help protect you if they do try and fire you because a case can be made that it was discriminatory. Being in a protected group isn’t a bad thing.
In Plano you can visit the on site clinic. Dr. Kim will refer you to Connections Wellness. Connections will do a screening and offer group therapy they call intensive outpatient care. You go in for 3-4 hours a day for about 3 months. They manage your meds and offer therapy. They will file all the paperwork for your disability benefits and you can also look at requesting accommodations for your return to work. For example you can ask for extra breaks, unscheduled days off, work from home, and so on. It did me a lot of good taking the time off and I’m doing much better now. Hang in there!
Can you still get severance after taking STD or FMLA or do you just get fired after that?
Take it, it would also likely give you leverage to negotiate a severance package. As soon as you take FMLA you are a double lliability on the balance sheet and they would probably be open to severance.
Do it. Make appointment with your primary care physician to establish the concern and then make an appointment with a psychiatrist even if your PC does not refer one. Based on your post it sounds like you may have a legitimate mental health condition claim which is a covered a condition under CapOne FMLA. Be advised that you may be prescribed medications as part of your treatment plan but you could always try talk therapy/counseling as a more conservative option. You have to be your own advocate so if your provider does not mention time off then do not be afraid to ask for it. I found that the most challenging part about the FMLA process is the paper work part of. Get very tedious especially when you’re trying to recover but if you find the right providers who are compassionate and willing to do the paperwork then you’ll be fine. Wish you the best of luck!
Speak with your doctor and go on long term disability and never return. While I disability you can rest and then apply for other jobs. You don't even have to tell them you're in disability when you apply. But keep in mind once you go on leave they will certainly fire you upon return or while you're on leave. So plan on not returning period.
Hey OP, I wanna echo what many here have said and say you're not alone. I'm currently on STD after experiencing a lot of similar things. My wife and I had some of the darkest points of our relationship fueled by the stress of midyear leading to severe manic episodes on my part. The time off has been invaluable, I feel like I'm a real person again. I hope things get better for you too. The market is rough out there but you can keep applying over 3-6 months with STD. Get the break you deserve and are entitled to. Also if it helps your decision, FMLA is paid 100%, 3 months of STD after that are paid at 85%. Your life is valuable.
If the original poster is smart they'd apply for short term disability and move to long term disability and never return to work. Coordinate with your doctor. If you tried short term disability they'll likely fire you upon return. Therefore your strategy us never to return period.
You should take it. But keep in mind once you go on leave they will use it against you and PIP and fire you when you return. As long as you know there is no going back and you need a serious mental health break
Agreed, do not afraid to use STD or FMLA. Communicate your situation to seek help. Understand the anxieties, but looking for jobs in a rush can be frustrated, may not land on a better one. You should take time off to get yourself back first. Looking back at my low points in career, I realize it’s usually myself causing more harm than any other factors. Wish you a relaxed holiday season, and good luck!
I don’t know much about FMLA/STD, but want to share in solidarity. I’ve been experiencing the exact same symptoms since mid year, and the depressive episodes have only gotten worse over time to the point of daily occurrence now. I looked up burnout symptoms, and found I fit >90% of them. I started directing my frustration and helplessness at my loved ones, all while knowing it hurts them but I can’t express how I feel appropriately. I don’t understand how Capital One has done this to me, but it has shattered my willingness to even be a working professional, and definitely gave me PTSD in a sense that I now expect all workplace to be mentally abusive and toxic. OP you’re not alone, you’re having a normal reaction to a terrible situation, and I hope we all get through this low point in our life next year. Sending you virtual hugs!
In agreement with the last poster. I have had to take FMLA/STD. Do not be afraid to use it. The sad thing is that the physicians/counselors/psychologist have no problem taking employees out of work at Capital One so that they can get themselves together mentally which is sad. My counselor stated that over 85% or their patients/clients that need therapy come from Capital One which is insane and sad. I honestly feel like this should be a actual media and/or news story that is sent into the newspapers or local tv stations to put this ridiculous company and its ridiculous management/leadership on blast for the way they treat their employees.
You absolutely should take STD/FMLA. This job is an absolute soul crusher where you feel like you're constantly walking on egg shells and obsessing over not only not screwing up, but not being "outdone" by your peers. Take this time off to not only recover, but reassess what your wants and needs are and start looking around for other employers that align with your physical, mental, financial, and moral needs and wants. Hope you have a great holiday season, and good luck!