I've got a stinking winter cold currently (started last Thursday evening with a temperature - didn't actually measure it but my husband said you could have fried an egg on my forehead). Friday was worst - splitting headache, tired like hell, everything ached, blocked nose, sore throat, the works!
But I still dragged myself into work both Friday and Monday (not much recovery over the weekend as two small kids to look after and husband also not feeling well). The background is that I co-hosted my first ever symposium on campus on Monday (80 participants). For this, we obviously had some last minute prep work on Friday. Plus two attendees flew in from Canada and wanted to meet me before the symposium to make their time worth while.
In other words - I couldn't really take time off even though I should have. And of course yesterday, I had to host my own symposium. I managed to drag myself through with a grin and bear attitude....
This is not the first time this happened - I have often dragged myself into work knowing that a class would just be a nightmare to reschedule, and just simply knowing that nobody will pick up my work for me whilst I am away, given that it is so 'personalised' to myself. We are a small department with very specific staff expertise in narrow fields, so it would be very tricky for someone else to cover my classes.
Luckily, I had nothing important on today and was finally able to give in to my cold (and some extra sleep) - whilst looking after the toddler who has also caught it... think Peppa Pig on endless cue.
Make me feel better... I am sure I am not the only one who is doing this! In academia, our work is just so personal to us and any taking time off will just lead to it piling up for when we return. Anyone else?
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Do you often work through illness?
8 replies
dodi1978 · 11/12/2018 15:50
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