Sick leave from work starting HRT...

[Elvis the Pelvis]

Hello! Just wanted to ask if any of you were able to take sick time from work to transition? I live in Canada and I'm wondering how that all works. If you've had success leaving your job to transition, and then come back to work as the lovely you, how did it go?

[ImagineKate]

I can take long term leaves of absence but it would be unpaid. It can be for any reason or FMLA (I'm in the US) which offers additional protection.

However transition costs money...

Taking a week or two or three or four (the max vacation I have) off for surgery though? Not a problem, at least not where I work.

[jessical]

I grew up in Canada, but I now live in the US.  In Canada any long term leave (not disability related) would be unpaid.  Sick time usually various from company to company.  I am curious why you would want to take time off when starting HRT?  The changes from HRT are slow.  The majority of changes (but not all) happen within two years or greater.  Taking that amount of time off would be likely impossible without quitting.

[mrs izzy]

You should be able in most cases if the providence covers GCS, Breast mastectomy or hysterectomy and some maybe BA you can get short term disability based on a doctors recommendation.

As for just HRT i doubt it unless you have some underlying other medical condition.

[Elvis the Pelvis]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, in Canada I'm looking at doing short term disability but mainly using accumulated sick time. I earn sick leave every pay period. If I'm looking at a few years for the majority of the changes to occur, then I'll like only have to use sick leave. My occupation doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to being respectful and embracing diversity, so I am looking at a full on department change down the road. I just really need to plan it all carefully. Your input is greatly appreciated 

[kelly_aus]

There is absolutely no need for time off when you start..

I'm kinda wondering why you'd take time off for something that, when starting, has fairly minimal impact.

I spent the first 4 weeks with a combo of menopause and andropause symptoms, all the time away from work I took was 3 days for a migraine - my doc was a little surprised by my reaction.

[Cindy]

Just a point worth considering. I think RLE is a requirement in Canada for qualifying for GRS. RLE requirements according to SOC7 as living and presenting as your affirmed gender at work, socially - basically everything in life.

Taking prolonged sick leave so that you can avoid work interactions may be regarded negatively by the psychs when you want your letters, if you want them, there is no reason for GRS unless you really desire it.

Just to clarify, some transwomen think that GRS is the next step to 'prove' their femininity. It isn't!

[Elvis the Pelvis]

Ok. Clearly there is an issue with the idea that I would take time off from work. This would be for GRS surgery. I may not have enough sick time to cover time off, so using Short term disability may be what I have to do. Yeesh..I am FTM. I have been presenting as male for the last 20 years. I haven't identified as being male.

Oh and I personally imagine that staring HRT is a HUGE DEAL and could possibly have a huge impact emotionally.

Just trying to think ahead. Have never been through this before and I just want to be prepared.

Thanks