Latest news with #FMLA
News18
4 days ago
- Health
- News18
Indians Can Take 30-Day Earned Leave To Care For Elderly Parents. What Do Other Countries Offer?
Central government employees can use 30 days of earned leave annually to care for elderly parents, enhancing family balance and mental health Central government employees in India can now utilise their paid leave to care for elderly parents, providing much-needed support for work-life balance. The employees are entitled to up to 30 days of earned leave each year, which can be utilised for personal reasons including caring for elderly parents. This provision is expected to greatly benefit employees who previously found it difficult to balance work and family caregiving responsibilities. It aims to improve family harmony and support mental well-being. Importantly, this is not a new category of 'special leave' but part of the existing earned leave under the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, now specifically permitted for such purposes. In addition to earned leave, central government employees are entitled to: Union Minister of State for Personnel, Dr Jitendra Singh, recently confirmed this provision in the Rajya Sabha. His statement responded to an inquiry regarding whether government employees could take leave to care for elderly parents. Comparative Leave Provisions Across Countries Leave entitlements for caring for elderly or ill family members differ globally: United States of America: The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) grants up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for serious family health issues. Some states, including California, New Jersey, and New York, offer paid family leave schemes. Canada: Federal and provincial laws provide leave options, often paid or partially paid, for caring for seriously ill relatives. European Union: Various countries offer paid, partially paid, or unpaid family care leave. Sweden, Norway, and Germany, for example, allow leave to care for sick family members, including elderly parents. Japan: Leave for family care is generally unpaid but may qualify for unemployment insurance benefits under certain circumstances. South Korea: Family care leave exists, usually unpaid but occasionally supported by financial assistance. These provisions vary widely in terms of length, payment, and eligibility. Types Of Leave Under Central Civil Services Rules, 1972 The Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972 came into effect on June 1, 1972. They govern leave for all government employees except those covered by separate regulations (e.g., railway employees, All-India Services members). Types of leave under these rules include: Leave credits are posted twice annually, on January 1 and July 1, and deducted when leave is taken. Other leaves such as casual, restricted, compensatory, and special casual leave are regulated by government instructions. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Newsweek
11-07-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
American Mom Moves In With Mexican MIL Postpartum, Has 'Eye-Opening' Moment
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new mom from Chicago is going viral for opening up about the difference between American and Mexican postpartum cultures. Hannah Leon, who lives in a Mexican household as an American, (@hannahmaeleon) posted a clip on TikTok on the subject and explained the "noticeable" contrasts between the two cultures. "I love my mom, but the ways that my mom has shown up for me in early postpartum versus my husband's mom has been night and day," Leon said in her video. "My own mother went back to work just two days after having me, so that shaped my expectations," the 30-year-old told Newsweek. "While it's possible to break those cycles, most people show up the way they were taught." From left: Hannah Leon holds her baby in a carrier on her front while talking to camera for her TikTok video. From left: Hannah Leon holds her baby in a carrier on her front while talking to camera for her TikTok video. @hannahmaeleon For instance, Leon's mother helped with a grocery trip while she was still in the hospital, but she had already left town by the time Hannah and her husband brought their baby home. Her husband's mother-in-law, on the other hand, invited the couple to move in with her. "It was really important for me to have a seasoned mom telling me what's normal and what's not, cooking healthy meals, helping me maintain my mental health," Leon said, adding that she suffered from postpartum depression and her support was vital. "I was treated like glass those first 40 days—encouraged, even demanded, to stay in bed and stay inside," Leon said. "Even when I felt up for a walk, I was advised to rest." The idea of 40 days of postpartum rest—known as la cuarentena in many Latin cultures—is a deeply rooted tradition in Mexican households. The belief is that the first 40 days after birth are sacred for healing and bonding. Mothers are encouraged, even expected, to stay inside, rest and be cared for. "It was such a foreign concept to me, but I'm deeply grateful for that wisdom because I truly believe I healed so well because of that care," Leon added. The level of care she received from her mother-in-law made Leon think about U.S. laws around maternity leave. The U.S. is one of the only high-income countries that does not guarantee paid maternity leave at the federal level. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible workers with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, but many parents can't afford to take that time without pay—and many aren't eligible at all. "It's inspired me to not accept bare minimum and that we go above for those we love," Leon said. "I just dropped frozen meals at my husband's cousin's house, who's due soon. It's really made me reassess how I was raised and how I want to show up for others." Leon's clip has been viewed over 2.3 million times, and many users celebrated the postpartum Mexican culture within the comments. "I'm so glad you've had the chance to experience our culture and I'm not at all surprised your mother-in-law was so loving. She's the embodiment of Mexican Love," one user wrote. "Cuarentena is so important for mom and baby. [They] need rest and deserve to be given the space and care to heal and bond. Giving birth is no joke, don't know how some people take it so lightly," another posted. For friends, new moms or family members looking for ways to help someone during the postpartum period, Leon said they should just step in. "Bring a meal; help with cleaning; sit and hold the baby if needed while they shower [or have some alone time," Leon added. "It's so important to simply show up. A healthy mom is a healthy baby, and taking things off her plate allows her to adjust and heal."
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
"My Mom Almost Died From It": 21 Common Medical Conditions That Can Be Much, Much More Serious Than You Think
When it comes to our health, sometimes seemingly small things can have big consequences. Recently, on Reddit, people shared common medical conditions that can be much more serious than people realize, and it was really eye-opening. Here are some of the top comments: 1."Sleep apnea." —SwiftBilly "I was diagnosed 12ish years ago, but couldn't stand the CPAP they gave me, so I pretty much ignored it. About eight months ago, I was diagnosed with seizures. Turns out they're a secondary condition of untreated sleep apnea. I got an updated CPAP about four months ago, and it works so much better than my first one." —epicenter69 Related: 2."High blood pressure. We don't call it 'the silent killer' for nothing." —JoMoBloMo "Oof, for real! I left my hypertension undiagnosed and untreated for numerous years. No one thought it was true for me because I was 'so young to have high blood pressure' in my early and mid-20s. But heart problems run in my family, and I had all the high-risk behavior. When I got on meds, it was a game changer, and I feel so much better." —Secure-Persimmon-421 3."Autoimmune disease. It's painful, silent, and not easy to diagnose." —Teeeeeeeenie "It takes, ON AVERAGE, years to get diagnosed after the onset of symptoms. In the meantime, doctors are completely dismissive of your symptoms. You are tired because you are 'depressed.' Your hair is falling out because of 'stress.' Meanwhile, you feel like you're going crazy." —johnstonb "It took 11 years for me to get diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease. I also have vitiligo. I honestly feel like if the vitiligo hadn't shown up, I would still be fighting for a diagnosis. Once I had an autoimmune disorder that showed on my skin and couldn't be ignored, doctors started taking me more seriously." —Opening-Interest747 "I lost six years of my life, was put on every anti-depressant/anti-psychotic medication, was diagnosed as Bipolar, and was eventually locked up in a mental institution. All because it never occurred to my doctors to check my thyroid." —ChefCarolina 4."Migraines. They can be totally debilitating and increase the likelihood of other serious neurological disorders." —Quickhurryupslowdown "I had to take FMLA seven years ago for a migraine that lasted day and night for 2.5 months straight. MRI showed I had suffered four mini strokes on my left temporal lobe. That was miserable. Wake up, light and sound hurt, and pass out from pain. I ate once every other day at best." —ozzies09tc "My husband has had chronic, almost daily migraines for almost 20 years. It's debilitating! His life revolves around how his head feels. It's the worst during the summer months, he spends days to weeks in our bedroom with blackout curtains drawn and an eye mask on. I feel so horrible that I can't help him. He's tried numerous medications, injections, supplements, diet changes, etc, and nothing helps. He's seen all different types of doctors to try to nail down the cause, but no one can figure it out. I can't imagine being in the amount of pain he is in most days, but he is still the nicest, most positive person I know." —takethepain-igniteit 5."Dehydration. It can impair brain function and cause organ failure and death. It's also easier than you think to become dehydrated." —notade50 "After a bout of gastro managed to get dehydrated. Couldn't remember certain details, such as where I was and what day and date it was. Couldn't remember a special holiday and whether it had happened or was about to happen. Scary, and yet nobody thought I should get to the ER. I've said to those close to me that if that happens again, get me an ambulance. Really sucks not to have the same concern shown to me that I show to others." —CEO_of_my_life "Had kidney stones twice and was hospitalized for dehydration twice. Drink lots of water, my friends." —Without_Portfolio 6."Having chronic pain. People just can't imagine never having a break from being stuck with pain, and how it affects basically anything in daily life. Directly and indirectly. From systemic sleep deprivation to a full-blown depression and all sorts of other health risks." —Ortofun "Agreed, never-ending pain, daily... and as you mentioned, all the depression, hopelessness, and more creep in over time. I have had severe Rheumatoid Arthritis since I was 12 years old and have had it for almost 30 years. The older you get, the more difficult it becomes to keep up with life as a whole. Can't even tie my own shoelaces. Keep strong and all the best." —PampoenKoekie "It affects everything: sleep, diet, daily routines, mental health. Because I am in pain, I don't want to move. Because I don't move, I get more pain. Activity means more pain. Inactivity means more pain. There is no winning. Chronic pain causes severe fatigue. Fatigue means less exercise. We don't get better from fatigue if we don't exercise. But too much exercise can also give us more fatigue. Getting food means pain. Eating and digesting mean more fatigue. Food is as important as exercise. So, eating well is a must, if only we had the energy for it. It is a battle with no end. Depending on the reason for the pain, we can add some lovely side dishes like migraines, food intolerances, allergies, sensitivities, temperature dysregulation, sleep disorders, emotional dysregulation, social isolation, depression, anxiety, grief, and whatever else. When we consider the side effects of the medications... well... May the odds be ever in your favor." —StrikeExcellent2970 Related: 7."Diabetes." —dee-three "I was diagnosed type 1 when I was 22, I'm coming up on my 10-year diaversary… I can't tell you how many times I was hospitalized in the beginning. Even now with an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor, I struggle some days. It can be very unpredictable. The worst so far for me has been slow healing and ridiculous wounds. I currently have no skin on my heels, all because I got a blister. It'll be a year tomorrow since I was first hospitalized for that." —mvachino67 8."Heartburn." —DoubleSunPossum "Yep. My mom had GERD, then Barrett's Esophagus, then malignant neoplasm of the esophagus. She's alive still, but I think only because they caught it early and could actually see damage." —Puzzleheaded-Diet-46 9."Epilepsy. People think my life isn't being impacted just because I'm not currently having a seizure. That's not the only symptom. It's so common, yet people generally know nothing about it." —LadyPickleLegs "Not to mention injuries, SUDEP [Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy], and status epilepticus, people can get brain damage, and some can even die from a seizure. I never knew that there were all different types of epilepsy or how dangerous some types can be before my daughter had her first (which was clusters for 30 minutes before paramedics arrived). Also, side effects from medicine affect day-to-day life and require extra caution with activities like swimming." —ScreenSignificant596 10."Changes in bowel habits — don't delay investigations." —sprinklywinks "Seriously! And if your doctor doesn't take you seriously, find someone else. I nearly died from fecal impaction throughout my entire large intestine, and even into my small intestine. My doctor actually had a go at me for 'complaining about symptoms that were just annoying but not serious' for YEARS before referring me to a GI specialist. I would have saved myself a lot of pain and malnutrition if I'd just gotten a second opinion earlier." —ImpactFlimsy5376 Related: 11."HPV can cause cervical, uterine, ovarian, and esophageal cancer. But it's commonly looked at as 'most people get it at some point in their life, it'll go away on its own in a few years.' And HSV (herpes/cold sores) can be deadly for babies." —Ask4Answers_ "Agreed. It's such a silent thing in your body. I was 33 when the regular smear test turned out to be a CIN III, the stage before it became cervical cancer. I had a review appointment with a hospital, not knowing they would do a treatment to remove a certain amount of my cervix right away. I was shocked how close I was to getting cancer there." —Common-Extension8892 12."Pediatric asthma. We've been to the PICU twice, and she's only 3. It's scary how rhinovirus can trigger respiratory distress. " —External-Ad-5642 "I was one of those kids, way back before the treatments and meds we have now. I was hospitalized 16 times between the ages of 5 and 16 with pneumonia. Had a collapsed lung once. Missing so much school alone had a profound effect on my life. I'm so lucky we have inhaled steroids and rescue inhalers now. I can't imagine how it was for my parents, watching their child gasp for air like a fish out of water. If I caught a cold, it almost always ended in pneumonia. I feel for you and your child, but know we're in a much better position to treat this disease now. Hang in there." —DarthFoofer 13."Endometriosis." —flaminhotcheetah "I battled endometriosis for years; it was debilitating. I felt like I got no freaking break from it, I was hurting before, during, and after period, and it started all over gain next month. I couldn't do it any longer and finally had a partial hysterectomy at the age of 27." —Successful-Love6146 14."Sepsis. Many think it's just a bad infection, but it's a life-threatening response to infection that can lead to organ failure and death if not treated quickly. Early signs like confusion, rapid breathing, or extreme chills should never be ignored." —ColdAntique291 "My mom nearly died from sepsis. She got a UTI and had zero symptoms until she developed the symptoms you describe. If my dad didn't notice her confusion, she might not have gone to the hospital in time. She now has to regularly take home UTI tests because she continues to get asymptomatic UTIs." —justlkin "Spent weeks in the hospital this past fall with sepsis. I'm positive that the only reason I survived it is because I wasn't septic until AFTER I checked in. I arrived with four different severe infections, and they flagged me as a high sepsis risk. Lo and behold, about 12 hours after I got into my room, my skin felt like it was on fire, and I started projectile vomiting every 5 minutes, and I shivered so hard I cracked two ribs." —ready_set_cry 15."Alcoholism. In A LOT of circles, getting completely hammered every single night of the week is seen as commonplace and even amusing. The physical health aspect alone is disastrous, not to mention the mental health piece is completely nightmarish. I got out of it before things got too bad for me, but I was easily heading down a road you don't want to be on. Quitting drinking 100% saved my life in more ways than one." —eggflip1020 "I'm watching one of my daughter's friends slowly drink herself to death as we speak. She's 22. She's been in multiple car accidents she doesn't remember, she's urinated on herself while sleeping, she's bloated, and she HAS to drink every day at this point or she starts going through withdrawal. She realized she needed to change when she was blacking out every time she was drinking- turns out, she's reasoned that this 'change' was that she needed to stop drinking hard liquor. Her parents are quite literally drinking themselves to death as we speak, so it's no wonder she's on the path she is. I wish I could do something to help." —Yabbos77 16."Pregnancy." —nomcormz "It seems like people forget that women still regularly die while pregnant and during childbirth." —creepyging923 Related: 17."Anemia. Not only are there very serious types, like sickle cell, that can be extremely painful and life-threatening. But even plain old iron deficiency anemia can be extremely debilitating and difficult to treat." "I have regular old iron deficiency anemia. It's caused by extremely heavy and constant menstruation from a combination of uterine fibroids and bilateral ovarian masses that are quite literally the size of small melons. I am scheduled for surgery in September, but I need to manage as best I can until then. The fatigue and tiredness I feel are beyond description. Some days, I can barely even make myself get up to go to the bathroom. Most days, I can only muster up enough energy to be functional for a couple of hours. I can't drive long distances anymore. I'm worried it's not safe. I'm always cold, my hair is falling out, and my skin is dry and itchy. I also get sores in my mouth and bruises that never heal. I take supplements, eat an iron-rich diet, and have infusions, but it's slow going to actually see improvement. The anemia and the treatments I've undergone to help fix it have caused a cascade of other vitamin and mineral deficiencies that have their own side effects. I can't be out in the sun, or I break out in hives. Some of my issues have been caused by the bleeding itself, like dehydration and hypovolemia. People, even some doctors, don't understand that severe cases of anemia can be debilitating. My whole life is more or less on pause right now because of these issues." —kmill0202 18."PCOS. While it's not disabling, the symptoms have dominated my life since puberty and into my 30s and foreseeable future. It's not just irregular periods and intense pain when it comes. It's been nearly two decades of battling with acne that is more than 'you need to wash your face and use topicals.' It's endless frustration being told that to get rid of it, I must lose weight. Not understanding why the same diet and exercise regimens weren't working for me as for my friends, only to learn at 30 that PCOS gives me insulin resistance and I have to eat less and completely differently." "A battle to look normal. And I don't even have the infertility struggles and hair growth issues that other PCOS sufferers have to endure." —Majestic_Frosting316 "Most doctors only give a shit about PCOS in regards to infertility, not any of the debilitating or humiliating symptoms that can wreck one's life." —littlecactuscat 19."Urinary tract infections. Lots of elderly people end up with broken hips or even blood infections that begin as UTIs." —Emergency-Economy654 "My gramps died earlier this year from a UTI that was symptomless but got into his bloodstream." —1800twat "The symptoms it causes in elderly people are also different from the ones exhibited by younger people. One of the main symptoms, other than pain, is confusion/dizziness. The symptoms can manifest almost like a stroke or hypoxia." —Yabbos77 20."ADHD. It's definitely commonly recognized and treated, but I don't think most non-ADHD people truly understand how frustrating it is to live with it. Your whole life revolves around it, because unless you're always keeping it in check, you can't live in normal society, and it's fucking exhausting having to always be hyper aware of everything you do. Your productivity, your memory, your sensory perception, all of that, is, by default, hindered permanently compared to a neurotypical person, but unfortunately, most things are built around neurotypical capabilities (working 9-5, etc.), and it's so mentally draining to force yourself to adapt to that culture. "Meds and good habits help, but they can only do so much. No matter what you do or take, you will sooner or later fall into a cycle of procrastination, of forgetfulness, of 'ADHD paralysis,' of sensory overstimulation, and it fucking sucks because it's so difficult to explain to people. It's become so normalized that most people, at least the ones I've talked to, think you're overplaying it or that it's not that big of a deal." —Frysken finally, "Impacted wisdom teeth. I almost died from mine. One day, I woke up with a toothache and went to the ER. They sent me home, said you have a toothache, go see a dentist. The next day, it was swollen, and the pain was worse, so I went to a different ER. They gave me painkillers and told me to go see a dentist. The next day, I woke up, and my eye was swollen shut." "My throat was swollen, and I had trouble breathing. Went to a third ER where they told me I had an abscess from impacted wisdom teeth, and the swelling was very close to my brain. If I had waited another hour, I'd be dead. So I went from a minor toothache to almost dead in about three days. So any time I hear someone question whether or not to get their wisdom teeth out, I insist they do!" —MeggyGrex Is there anything you would add? Tell us about it in the comments or via the anonymous form below: Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful:
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Can an employee contribute to an FSA while on an unpaid leave of absence? Ask HR.
Johnny C. Taylor Jr. tackles your human resources questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world's largest HR professional society and author of "Reset: A Leader's Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.' Have a question? Submit it here. Question: I'm considering taking an unpaid leave via the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). During my hiatus, can I continue contributing to my FSA (Flexible Spending Account) even if my employer isn't paying me? – Nisha Answer: Taking unpaid leave via the Family and Medical Leave Act is a significant decision prioritizing your health and family needs. It's commendable that you're considering how this will impact your Flexible Spending Account, as it demonstrates foresight and prudence. Here's how you can manage and potentially continue contributing to your FSA during your leave. Under the provisions of the FMLA, you retain the right to maintain your contributions to your dependent care FSA while on leave. The IRS guidelines offer a few options to manage these contributions: Prepayment: Before starting your FMLA leave, you might choose to prepay the contributions that would be due during your absence. This strategy enables you to continue benefiting from your FSA seamlessly, maintaining your financial stability and planning flexibility. Continued payroll deductions: If part of your FMLA leave is paid, you can continue to make regular payroll deductions. This is perhaps the simplest method, as it requires no additional action beyond ensuring your HR department has everything set up correctly. Direct contributions: During unpaid leave, you can arrange to make FSA contributions directly through your employer, following the same schedule as your regular payroll deductions. Advanced payments and catch-up contributions: Some employers allow you to take an advance on your FSA contributions, with the understanding that you'll make catch-up contributions once you return to work. This requires careful financial planning, but it ensures your FSA benefits remain uninterrupted. Additionally, you have the flexibility to adjust your FSA election under a cafeteria plan if your circumstances change, similar to those taking non-FMLA leave. Should it become necessary to cease your contributions temporarily, you would be permitted to reenroll upon your return. This extensive list of options ensures your absence doesn't hinder your ability to accrue and use your FSA benefits, reflecting a broader understanding of how adaptable life situations and financial planning must be. It's crucial to consult with your HR department to understand specifically how these options are implemented within your organization. Each employer may have different procedures based on their plan guidelines. Remember, the FMLA and IRS guidelines were designed with your well-being in mind, supporting you during times when work needs to take a backseat to personal health and family responsibilities. Consider this a proactive step in maintaining your overall life balance and ensuring financial wellness during your leave. I work in our product development group, and our account management team has recently approached me about transitioning to an account executive role. Working as a design specialist for almost a decade, I have a deep understanding of our client's business. I also have expert knowledge of our deliverables and capabilities as a vendor. What should I consider when exploring a significant career shift like this? Should I be concerned that I'll lose expertise? ‒ Lori Embarking on a career shift is an exciting opportunity to broaden your horizons and add new dimensions to your professional portfolio. As someone with a solid background in product development and design, transitioning into an account executive role could be a natural progression that leverages your existing expertise while allowing you to develop new skills. First and foremost, it's important to recognize that your experience as a design specialist provides a strong foundation for your new role as an account executive. Your deep understanding of client businesses and thorough knowledge of deliverables and capabilities put you in a unique position to seamlessly bridge the gap between design and account management. Rather than seeing this transition as leaving your expertise behind, view it as expanding your toolkit. You'll be enhancing your ability to communicate the value of your company's products and services from a more strategic and business-oriented perspective. In considering this transition, evaluate how the skills you've acquired in product development can be applied to account management. As an account executive, you'll be responsible for building and maintaining strong client relationships, understanding their needs, and providing solutions that align with their business objectives. Your background equips you well for this, as you likely already possess strong communication skills, the ability to empathize with clients, and an in-depth understanding of how your products meet their needs. Further, consider how the account executive role can enrich your career. It can provide you with a broader perspective of the business landscape and offer insights into strategic decision-making, negotiation, and leadership. Developing these skills can position you for future roles requiring a mix of technical prowess and business acumen, thereby expanding your career trajectory and potential opportunities. While it's natural to worry about losing touch with your design expertise, keep in mind that skills are not just retained but can be adapted and applied in new ways. Stay engaged with your design passion through side projects, professional development, or cross-functional tasks, ensuring your skills remain sharp and relevant. This dual expertise not only enhances your current role but also increases your value to any organization. Moreover, as an account executive, you'll have a platform to influence the direction of product offerings based on client feedback, thereby indirectly shaping design and development processes. Your intimate knowledge of design nuances can be a critical asset in delivering tailored client solutions and driving innovation. Ultimately, approaching this career shift as a chance to diversify your skill set and explore new avenues of professional growth can be incredibly rewarding. Embrace the challenge and use your existing strengths while being open to learning and adapting. The account executive role can be a complementary addition to your career, enriching your professional life and opening doors to new opportunities while leveraging the skills and expertise you've cultivated over the years. The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can an employee contribute to an FSA while on unpaid leave of absence?
USA Today
01-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Can an employee contribute to an FSA while on an unpaid leave of absence? Ask HR.
Johnny C. Taylor Jr. tackles your human resources questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world's largest HR professional society and author of "Reset: A Leader's Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.' Question: I'm considering taking an unpaid leave via the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). During my hiatus, can I continue contributing to my FSA (Flexible Spending Account) even if my employer isn't paying me? – Nisha Answer: Taking unpaid leave via the Family and Medical Leave Act is a significant decision prioritizing your health and family needs. It's commendable that you're considering how this will impact your Flexible Spending Account, as it demonstrates foresight and prudence. Here's how you can manage and potentially continue contributing to your FSA during your leave. Under the provisions of the FMLA, you retain the right to maintain your contributions to your dependent care FSA while on leave. The IRS guidelines offer a few options to manage these contributions: Additionally, you have the flexibility to adjust your FSA election under a cafeteria plan if your circumstances change, similar to those taking non-FMLA leave. Should it become necessary to cease your contributions temporarily, you would be permitted to reenroll upon your return. This extensive list of options ensures your absence doesn't hinder your ability to accrue and use your FSA benefits, reflecting a broader understanding of how adaptable life situations and financial planning must be. It's crucial to consult with your HR department to understand specifically how these options are implemented within your organization. Each employer may have different procedures based on their plan guidelines. Remember, the FMLA and IRS guidelines were designed with your well-being in mind, supporting you during times when work needs to take a backseat to personal health and family responsibilities. Consider this a proactive step in maintaining your overall life balance and ensuring financial wellness during your leave. I work in our product development group, and our account management team has recently approached me about transitioning to an account executive role. Working as a design specialist for almost a decade, I have a deep understanding of our client's business. I also have expert knowledge of our deliverables and capabilities as a vendor. What should I consider when exploring a significant career shift like this? Should I be concerned that I'll lose expertise? ‒ Lori Embarking on a career shift is an exciting opportunity to broaden your horizons and add new dimensions to your professional portfolio. As someone with a solid background in product development and design, transitioning into an account executive role could be a natural progression that leverages your existing expertise while allowing you to develop new skills. First and foremost, it's important to recognize that your experience as a design specialist provides a strong foundation for your new role as an account executive. Your deep understanding of client businesses and thorough knowledge of deliverables and capabilities put you in a unique position to seamlessly bridge the gap between design and account management. Rather than seeing this transition as leaving your expertise behind, view it as expanding your toolkit. You'll be enhancing your ability to communicate the value of your company's products and services from a more strategic and business-oriented perspective. In considering this transition, evaluate how the skills you've acquired in product development can be applied to account management. As an account executive, you'll be responsible for building and maintaining strong client relationships, understanding their needs, and providing solutions that align with their business objectives. Your background equips you well for this, as you likely already possess strong communication skills, the ability to empathize with clients, and an in-depth understanding of how your products meet their needs. Further, consider how the account executive role can enrich your career. It can provide you with a broader perspective of the business landscape and offer insights into strategic decision-making, negotiation, and leadership. Developing these skills can position you for future roles requiring a mix of technical prowess and business acumen, thereby expanding your career trajectory and potential opportunities. While it's natural to worry about losing touch with your design expertise, keep in mind that skills are not just retained but can be adapted and applied in new ways. Stay engaged with your design passion through side projects, professional development, or cross-functional tasks, ensuring your skills remain sharp and relevant. This dual expertise not only enhances your current role but also increases your value to any organization. Moreover, as an account executive, you'll have a platform to influence the direction of product offerings based on client feedback, thereby indirectly shaping design and development processes. Your intimate knowledge of design nuances can be a critical asset in delivering tailored client solutions and driving innovation. Ultimately, approaching this career shift as a chance to diversify your skill set and explore new avenues of professional growth can be incredibly rewarding. Embrace the challenge and use your existing strengths while being open to learning and adapting. The account executive role can be a complementary addition to your career, enriching your professional life and opening doors to new opportunities while leveraging the skills and expertise you've cultivated over the years. The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
