Migraine Layoff?

I wasn't going to talk much about the latest round of layoffs my company just completed and just stay grateful that I still have my job, which I am. There are several that bother me, but one I want to focus on now. I understand the layoffs are due to the economy and that these types of cuts are hard for everyone.

My position is held by four people; one in each division around the country. It's not as big of a position as it might sound, but I feel it is an integral part in the daily operations for each division as we manage a unique group of talented people that interface with both internal and external customers of all levels.

Well, one of the four of us, Emily, was part of these layoffs. I know we were/are all vulnerable to the layoffs and Emily always seemed very capable. They did stress all along that these layoffs have nothing to do with job performance or competence, but are all areas that could be right sized.

It's taken me a little while to figure out part of what is really bothering me about her layoff. Emily is a Migraineur. To me, she was always strong enough to stay home when she did not feel well enough to go to work, then she would work from home after she started feeling better that day. My employer definitely knows I have Migraines as they have made workplace accommodations for me, but I am still hesitant to call out sick even when I know I should.

I've been doing a lot of reading when I can including Megan Oltman's articles on MyMigraineConnection where she has posts on working rights which includes topics on FMLA, ADA, HIPPA, accommodations, etc. I know Emily couldn't be legally discriminated against for her Migraines when the lay off happened, but it can also be very difficult to prove in the midst of all of these layoffs. I don't know the extent of all of the layoffs that went on in her division yet, but our division was hit pretty hard. Why would her division not deem our position necessary any longer while the other three divisions feel it is still essential? Could it be Migraine related? Just me thinking out loud again.

I know there are some things I do right with my Migraines, but I have never treated myself the way I should in terms of taking quiet time when I need it. I don't know for sure if that's why Emily was let go and never will. In the meantime, I know I will continue to try to find my balance between taking the down time I need and my struggle at work while I try my best to stay employed.

I will stay aggressive with my doctor in trying to get better control of my Migraines so this is not such a big issue. It would also be helpful if it would stop raining almost everyday. The weather is on my list to talk to my doctor about during my next visit too.