During my high-risk pregnancy, my doctor urged me to work remotely to protect my health. My boss dismissed it as a “personal problem,” forcing me to endure a brutal commute until my blood pressure landed me in the hospital.
When I walked out to save my baby, I thought I’d destroyed my career. Instead, my absence triggered a company investigation that exposed toxic leadership, forced policy changes, and created permanent remote and hybrid work options.
My boss admitted her cruelty came from fear about her own health and resigned. I was promoted to VP of Employee Wellness and returned to work on my own terms after giving birth to a healthy daughter.