Question for business types (Mr. S?)

[LBTC]

My job is support (Treasury Assistant) at a pretty high level in a large private company. One of my bosses (I have two until one of them retires) insisted that I take a business law course. The course, it turns out, does not cover what is actually relevant to my job. In addition, with my terribly low energy, and so many bad days so often with this recent diagnosis of Crohn's, I have stalled halfway through and cannot finish in time.

I can get an extension, which the company is willing to pay for, but I know that the next 18 weeks will be no better for me to finish the course.

Ultimately, my heart is not in it. And with such limited energy resources at my disposal, I want to use them in more positive ways for myself.

My question:
What is my best approach for letting my bosses know that I will not complete this?

I'd appreciate any views on this!

Thanks!
~T~

[SadieKate]

Are they already aware that the course isn't as relevant as they'd thought?

[LBTC]

I did tell this to the one boss, the other may not know.

[Starfish]

My question:
What is my best approach for letting my bosses know that I will not complete this?

For me, some of this would depend on what your relationship with them is like, and what you know about their attitudes towards balance, self-care, health care, and so forth.

And, I wonder if there are any alternatives you could find that would create a win/win for you all? For instance, is there another way you could study the information they want you to have, without doing it through a demanding course and timeline, etc.?

[Mr. Bloom]

I agree with the other comments.

For me, I'd be pretty understanding...but then, I'm pretty understanding. Not everyone is...

However, the other perspective I'd offer is that they may be thinking of you expanding into a different role...and if so, they may see this as preparation for that...hence the lack of applicability to your present role but the relevance to their plans for you.

One of Steve Covey's "7 Habits" is "Sharpen the Saw"...he's right. I encourage you to pursue this, but only as you're able to do it really well.

I think that the message to the bosses should be:
- I appreciate your interest in my continued education and growth.
- I am interested in doing this and welcome the opportunity to expand my knowledge and perspectives,
- But, with my newly emerging health issues, etc, I'd like to defer this endeavor to a later time period so I can give it my full effort and excel at it.

Would this work?

[LBTC]

Thanks for your feedback. I'll have to talk with them tomorrow, and I'll use your ideas, too.

Thank you!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Mr. Bloom]

Thanks for your feedback. I'll have to talk with them tomorrow, and I'll use your ideas, too.

Thank you!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

How did it go?

[LBTC]

Hi, Mr. S.

Thanks for asking. I did this by email as both bosses were in quite a few meetings today. I meant to point out that the only time I have missed from work due to this health issue has been for medical tests and appointments, but I forgot.

One boss popped by to tell me he was fine with it and that my health is more important. I'm learning on the job, and will have the chance to take this or other courses in the future. I didn't hear back from the other boss before I left for the day. I'm curious, but am refraining from checking work email from home. I know if I do, then I'll do some work, and that doesn't help me get to bed on time!

Thanks for your ideas, they really helped to craft a better sell on a difficult subject!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~