Day off work to catch up at home?

[Shoodoodoo]

I have 2 toddlers who are not sleeping well and all week I've felt absolutely awful. I work part-time but have them at home with me when I'm not working and constant tantrums have left me unable to get anything done and I've felt snappy and overwhelmed.
I came downstairs this morning feeling groggy to rubbish bags and nappy sacks infront of the backdoor, shoes all over my lounge (the kids have been playing with them) a sink full of dishes and general chaos.
DH and I went to bed straight after the children last night as we are too exhausted to do much else as they are up during the night and we both have colds.
Today, everyone is out, DH is at work, toddlers at nursery and being the last to leave the house as DH drops them off on his way to work, I looked around and thought "I can't leave this."
I then rang in sick.
I have never done this before, and I'm sat here enjoying the peace, catching up on emails, I've made a few appointments, cleared all the rubbish, made a soup for later on, washed up and watched TV.
I feel better but guilty that I've taken a day off sick to catch up.
I just want to feel better about it. Has anyone ever done this before?

[Spam88]

Totally understand needing a day to catch up with everything, but you could have booked a day of annual leave.

[Shoodoodoo]

I couldn't @Spam88.
My holidays are set.

[Aridane]

You should through a sickie to catch up with household admin, tempting as it is

[crosser62]

Ahhh chuck it in the fuck it bucket and get on with your day.
It’s not like you do it every week, it’s not like it’s an actual day off for you to doss around and it’s bloody good for your mental health.
It’s probably had a very calming effect and allowed you to recharge for a short time.

I’d say, if I were sat next to you right now, don’t give it a second thought, you gotta do what you gotta do to get you through a day when you have little ones.

[crosser62]

That’s said..I’ve never been brave enough and haven’t had a sick day for over 10 years, but I totally totally get where you are coming from! Wish I were braver sometimes.

[Khione]

I think it's important to look after your mental health too but it's something you it is very unreasonable to do repeatedly, if feeling like this is a regular occurrence then either you or your needs to reduce your paid hours a bit and spend the time catching up - or if you can afford it (maybe on a temporary basis) get your children into childcare/nursery for another half day in order to have the time - or get a cleaner.

It's also unreasonable to do this if others have to pick up the slack and cover your job when you are not there.

[Shoodoodoo]

I think I've needed to do it for my mental health really. DH is all over the place with anxiety and was raging around the house this morning as he was late and creating mess and chaos. He sets me on edge and I feel like I'm the one to hold everything together. I also need to sleep. I am forgetful as I'm tired and I feel like I.need time to catch up and rest. I don't feel too well either. Wish I didn't feel guilty and could get on with the day.

[Aridane]

You should through a sickie to catch up with household admin, tempting as it is

That was supposed to say shouldn’t

[Shoodoodoo]

Nobody has had to cover for me at work and I've sent information to people who need it this morning so that they can do their jobs despite me not being there.

[MaidenMotherCrone]

You did the right thing Op!

[LividLaughLovely]

You did the right thing.

Life is about more than work and sometimes you need to put yourself first, just as much as you would if you were puking.

[stopchewingeverything]

I would definitely call this a mental health day and not feel guilty about it at all. I would imagine you will be more productive at work tomorrow knowing that everything at home is done and not looming over you. Put the kettle on!

[Slowride]

Good for you

[Aridane]

So when you rang in sick - or the other posters who take ‘mental health days’ - what sickness reason do,you give when phoning in sick?

[Charmali]

Go you!! Home is just as important as work. You are unwell - exhausted, drained and have a cold.

[CinnnemonBeauty]

I had a day or half a day at some point a few weeks ago - I had done a late night at work - I had insomnia. I was working from home but you’re regularly monitored. I just told my boss I’ve worked a shit load - I’m exhausted and I’m switching off at 1pm. I did and I went to bed. Totally needed it.

[coffeandcake30]

God don't feel guilty, living in a shit tip makes me feel stressed and run down. I'd do the same