Well I’ve finally got my date for occupational health. It not until the 11th march. I’m pretty fed up with waiting and wished in some respected I’d gone for early retirement. I feel I’ve been messed about and feeling cheesed off today.
I don’t know if anyone has gone over the 1 year’s sickness and how this affects your pension. My employers stop paying me on the 12th quite ironic really. Just want to know if anyone has any experiences to share with me.
I think I’ll give my union rep a ring although when I have tried to contact her before I didn’t get anywhere.
A meeting is booked with my employer for next Fri to discuss any issues related to returning to work. Will definitely discuss the “work-at-home” option.
For those of you who have been through this and are going through this. Any other issues I should include that may of help?
Steris: hope everything goes well with your return. Work does give us some normality in life. And yes, I can’t wait for the day I start working again.
I’ve just returned to work this week on a phased return. I did 3 half days this week and will build up my hours over the next 12 weeks.
I was very fortunate to have had 6 mths full pay and 6 mths half pay which was due to run out on 13 March. After that I would have been on pension rate which meant I would still have an income equivalent to the pension I already accumulated (33 years conts) but with no further accumulation of my pension contributions. Have to say I’ve stopped worrying about my pension though knowing that I’m not likely to be around at 60 to collect it.
I would most definitely give your union a call. They will have pensions specialists and will know what is in your terms and conditions relating to your pension and sick pay. They’ll be able to discuss options for you and have the benefit of previous case studies.
Just to let you know that I finally got my date to return to work. Seems like a ages since I started this process. About 3 months I think.
had along meeting with my team leader and ironed out all the creases, there are bound to be more when I go back on Monday.
Feel a little anxious as its been such a long time but I have decided to shadow a work colleague for the first few days.
It has been agreed
T
hat I do 3 hours per morning Mon,Wed & Fri so I don’t have to work two consective days. So hopefully this will ease me in gently.
hi my name is nicky, i was diagnosed with terminal cancer last april with only month not years to live. i immediately left work sick on sick pay and now am looking at retiring. i sometimes feel incredibly guilty that im not working, however i feel i should enjoy life. everyone has been amazing, but i still question myself.
Hi Nicky, I am so sorry about your prognosis, and that you find yourself in this position. I think that your body and mind have really been put through the mill recently, giving up work is probably a wise choice. Your free time will allow you to take things a little slower, relax and take time to enjoy things which we are normally running around like headless chickens after. Like you I have stopped working, the cash would be handy as I have 3 children to look after, but-I am spending my time with them and enjoying their company. I enjoy taking the dog for lovely long walks and spending time with my family and friends as well. Why should you feel guilty? This is your time now, don’t waste precious time with negative feelings…enjoy your life!!! love and hugs to you…xxx
Hi Nicky,
sorry to hear about your diagnosis, you say you were given months last April, well you are well on your way to a year and from then hopefully the year will be years. Many people on here have extended a short prognosis to many years.
Don’t feel any guilt, you have to totally put the need of you and your family first. Enjoy your life with no regrets!
Hi there,
After having a really bad prognosis when I was given the news that the cancer had returned on the 5th Feb last year, I stopped wprk and got involved in chemo and such. I still popped in on a regular basis, soo when I had haulted treatment I felt I would luv to get back a sort of ‘normal’ life, so returned for 3 days a week x 3 hours.
It was the best thing that I did as the social aspect of work realy gave me a boost instead of sitting at home, doing nothing much.
This was a sucess till I had to go on some more chemo and hed to phase it down to a few hour a few days a week, my boss was so good, they let me reslly pick and choose when or if I went in. It broke my heart to not go in at all, which is what I have had to do, given the news that I was dying and very soon…
Just want to say though, it was worth all the tiredness it created and would do it again if I ever got fit enough to climb the stairs in order for me to clock in. LOL
Now I am a seasoned lady that lunches, long may it continue, many are people from work, so I do catch up on the news.
I do hope you enjoy it, just pace yourself and I’m sure it will do you the power of good.
Hi Potmaid, just wanted to say I’ve seen how supportive and warm hearted you’ve been to lots of people on the forum despite your own prognosis so would like to send you a big hug just for yourself xx