Balancing Work and Family: How Can I Extend Leave for My Son's Autism Care Without Losing My Job?

I am working with a bank. My son has been diagnosed with autism, so the doctor has asked me to stay with my child for a complete year or more if required. My husband is working on a project abroad. Initially, I was told to apply for leave for 3 months and continue as needed. I was following this advice. Since this disease does not have any cure except for behavioral therapies, it takes more time to see improvement. As my husband is staying abroad, I thought of going there to get my son treated. Hence, I sent an email requesting an extension of my leave. However, nobody approved it; they just asked me to send an email. But it has not been sanctioned, and I feel I might receive a letter from HR for absenteeism at any time. Please guide me, as I do not want to leave my job, and I also cannot leave my son at this point in time.

It is sad to hear about the problem your son is afflicted with. You have rightly decided upon your priorities, to be with him. Your location is given as Atlanta, US. I understand that it may not be feasible for your employer to keep on extending your leave.

Exploring Sabbatical Leave Options

Will it be possible, if you have been working for several years with your company, to grant you a Sabbatical Leave?

Considering Alternative Work Arrangements

If not, will it be possible for you to look for a part-time job or "work-from-home" positions? Do keep your options open and look for something that can keep you gainfully employed, rather than a regular job.

Warm regards.

It's a government-owned organization, and everything related to my son's health has been communicated to them from time to time. It will take one year to see some positive changes or maybe more. The suggestion I received from my organization was to apply for three months and then extend it. I applied but never got approval.

Dear Pal79,

Given that you are working in a government-owned (nationalized?) bank, there is an avenue available to you. The Ministry of Finance issued instructions to the Chief Executives of all Public Sector Banks on 28th February 2012, instructing all Public Sector Banks to grant sabbatical leave of 2 years to the women employees of PSBs (Public Sector Banks) to meet their special problems during their careers. There are some conditions that are applicable to taking this leave.

I am attaching a copy of the instructions that were issued by the Finance Ministry, which you can use to seek formal approval for an extended period of time from the bank that you work with.

All the best.

Regards,
Raju Bhatnagar

Setting Priorities: Leave or Resignation

Well, as per the scenario, you have to set your priorities and choose accordingly. As far as leave is concerned, no organization will allow or approve leave for one year. It would be better if you resign, specifying the reason yourself. Once your son is well, you can look for another job or approach the organization where you worked to see if there are any vacancies that match your skills and qualifications.

Regards

The Government of India has issued instructions to Public Sector Banks to grant women employees sabbatical leave for up to two years in their career. Pal79 should make use of this facility and avail the leave as needed.

Regards,
Raju Bhatnagar