Hello Marie Ann,

Thanks for your question. I understand your hesitation around asking for some flexibility with your schedule in order to attend this program. While the job may still feel new, since you've been there for 8 months you likely have a sense of what the environment is like and where this is, and is not, leniency. Think about what you've seen so far and evaluate what your boss would respond to most positively. Have any coworkers needed time off or flexibility with their schedule? Do you recall if/when anyone had to deviate from the normal structure and how that was handled? Thinking about those scenarios can be helpful in framing your approach.

It sounds like you've got the right idea by approaching your employer with some solutions to the missed time. It's a good idea to bring ideas to the table so your employer is less inclined to feel the burden is on them to figure out how to make the request work. You don't need to tell your boss specifically what the program is, but think of ways you can frame it that present it as something that is important, but also vague enough so that you do not have to disclose your diagnosis. Perhaps letting them know that you have a personal commitment that will last 10 weeks, would they be willing to allow you the flexibility with your schedule for that limited amount of time. 

If you're still feeling unsure about what approach to take, feel free to reach out to me directly and I'd be happy to brainstorm or practice how to communicate your request. My email is njarvis@cew.org. 

Best,

Nicole Jarvis, LMSW