any ladies work retail?

I manage retail and am on my feet for 9 hours straight a shift. I try to take at least 1 sitting break in addition to my lunch breack but because I'm the manager I'm constantly getting called for returns...so getting up every 2-5 minutes makes my sitting break pointless.

now my ankles are swelling and I just don't know what to do! My husband has been laid off for over 2 months now so we can't afford for me to quit...but my position requires me to work 45 hours a week which means 9 hour shifts. This past week I'm realizing its now becoming more than I can comfortably handle. My ankles feel like they are going to explode!!!

I guess what I'm saying is...have any of you ladies been salaried in retail and been able to talk to HR into dropping your hours down without demotion successfully? even if I could do 8 hour shifts instead and drop myself to 40 that'd help...but I'm afraid they will say if i can't do the 9 hour shifts then I can no longer fulfill my job requirements and they may strong arm me into demoting myself BEFORE the baby comes.

sorry for the long vent / ramble...

Re: any ladies work retail?

I don't work retail anymore but I do remember a co-worker of mine in the past dropping down to 35 hours with a Drs. note successfully without a demotion. This was many many years ago (probably about 12-15 years ago) but I don't think that it can hurt to discuss this with HR especially because you are salaried not hourly. Good Luck. I can imagine it being very difficult.

Re: any ladies work retail?

Get your dr to write you a note to start your maternity leave early or have you work less hours. With a dr. note your HR can not say a word. That is what i did and my short term disability started early.