For Member's Only

Good morning, I hope this message finds you well. I would like some clarification regarding the concept of domestic responsibility. On February 13th, I received a court order in North Carolina granting me custody of my 74-year-old mother. I had not seen her in more than 25 years, and I was informed that if we did not take her in, she would potentially become a ward of the state. I have been actively working to manage her healthcare and organize her medical appointments, which has been a steep learning curve for me. Balancing my responsibilities has been challenging, especially since I have worked at my current job for ten years and have not previously needed to take significant time off. Throughout this period, my boss expressed a lack of understanding regarding my situation, often suggesting that I should place my mother in a care facility. This lack of empathy was disheartening during an already difficult time. For instance, after my mother experienced a nosebleed on May 30th, I felt compelled to call out of work due to my concern for her well-being. When I returned to work on April 1st, my boss expressed his frustration with my absence, leading to an uncomfortable exchange where he used inappropriate language in front of my colleagues. Despite this, I continued to perform my job to the best of my ability and remained committed to contributing to the business. This past year has been particularly challenging. On January 3rd, 2024, I received devastating news about my fiancé, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident. I was at work when I received the call, and it left me shattered and disoriented. I then had to travel to North Carolina to bring my mother to my home, where I had limited space. Throughout this time, I remained dedicated to my job and continued to promote the business, even as my personal circumstances became increasingly difficult. However, my boss seemed to only focus on my absences for medical appointments, failing to acknowledge my efforts and dedication. Over the years, despite my consistent work ethic and commitment, I have not received a raise. I have frequently inquired about salary adjustments due to the rising cost of living, but my concerns have not been addressed. My boss appears to prefer hiring individuals with limited English proficiency, which has added to my workload as he relies heavily on me to manage store operations. I apologize for any delays and absences that have occurred but assure you that I have always maintained my responsibilities at work. Currently, I am actively seeking new employment as I navigate the responsibilities of caring for my mother. Could you please help me understand what is meant by domestic responsibility? Thank you for your assistance.