I am also in the same boat. However my employers knows all about it. And also ready to give vacation during the gap period. Also they are filing my H-1B while I'm in CPT. As I researched DSO can approve our OPT once Sevis is realsead. I don't know how to appeal with DSO though. Still doing more research. Monday ma international advisor lai bhetra kura pani garchu and I'll share with u!!