<p>Marian, I know EXACTLY where you’re coming from! I work for a small technology-oriented company populated mostly by 30-somethings. I’m good at what I do, but I fear that if they need to lay someone off, they might decide it’s more cost effective to dump the old lady than one of the whippersnappers. </p>
<p>It’s not a matter of my rights as an employee, or getting into trouble for abusing sick time. Of course I have the right to take care of my medical needs – just as they have the right to decide I don’t get a promotion or a bonus. For me, it’s a matter of de-emphasizing my age. I don’t want to create the impression that I’m too old to fit in with the rest of the staff, or too old to be a valuable contributor, or too expensive in terms of health insurance costs. Old people go to the doctor a lot, and old people may become dispensible in this economy – that’s the perception. It’s not fair, but it’s the reality and we have to be aware of it. </p>
<p>My strategies (some of which mentioned above): </p>
<p>*If at all possible, I get the first or last appointment of the day. This isn’t as noticeable as leaving in the middle of the day and then coming back.
*I never schedule an appointment for first thing Monday, or last thing Friday. Such appointments create the impression that you just want to extend the weekend.
*My primary doctor works one Saturday a month, great for the annual exam, follow-ups, and non-urgent appointments.
*I sometimes take half a vacation day, and knock out several appointments. No need to tell the boss WHY I’m taking half a vacation day!
*My lab opens at 6:30 am, so I never have to take time off for that. BUT I have to arrive by 6:15 to beat the retirees (IMO labs should have an express line for people who have to get to work!). It’s also open Saturday morning.
*If I’m having multiple appointments for a single issue, I do tell my boss. Last year, I had several crowns, which of course involved a number of appointments. By telling her about it, she knew I wasn’t slacking/abusing and that there was an end in sight on this particular issue, which made it more palatable to her.</p>