Is it time for me to look for a different job?

As many of you know, I had extensive knee surgery in January, and I am still not back to work. I am the assistant manager in a podiatrist’s office, which means I do a little of everything there. A month ago, the surgeon said I could go back to work if I only do desk work because I am not able to walk without assistance yet.

My boss has an “all or nothing” stance about my return to work. He wants me to be able to do everything again when I return. Meanwhile, he has hired 3 temps to do the work I was doing. I saw the surgeon today, and I have improved, but not enough to be on my feet all day as I once was. He is preparing a statement saying I can return to work, but must not be on my feet more than 2 hours. My office is in the same building as the surgeon’s, and I went to see my boss after the appointment to update him on my progress. He still refuses to allow me to return to work with my present limitations. I’m not even sure if he can legally refuse my returning under the circumstances.

Since I am fully able to do a desk job, I was thinking of going to the hospital to apply for an administrative job there. That way I can work, and the physical demands will be tolerable to my condition. Do you think it would be in my best interest to seek other employment, or wait until I am fully healed and go back to my present job? Also, do you have any suggestions on what I should apply for? I do the billing and coding and surgical scheduling on my present job, among other things.