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Original poster

Holiday whilst off work

46 replies

Becuriousnotjudgemental1980 · 07/08/2026 21:04

I’m off work on long term sick. I had a breakdown after my mum passed away. Things are getting better and I’m hoping to get back to work in the next few months
We had had a UK break booked for the end of August booked for ages and booked whilst I was at work. Said to DH I didn’t think I should go as a) I’m off sick and b) I’m just starting to get on top of things. I said he should just take the kids. He said I’m allowed to have a life and it’s no one’s business what I I do while I’m off sick. I don’t really know?? What do you guys think?

OP posts:
Randallscandal · Yesterday 06:04

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Original poster
Becuriousnotjudgemental1980 · Yesterday 01:31

I haven’t completely changed my mind! I’m having a think about it with all the advice given. Thanks all for being so nice about it. I really thought I was in the wrong for even thinking about going.

OP posts:
Doteycat · 07/08/2026 21:46

Huskysledging · 07/08/2026 21:08

Ask your GP what they say and ask work via HR.

Show quote history

HR have nothing to do with it and its none of their business..

seawitchandgarden2 · 07/08/2026 21:45

I would go. It will be good for your mental health and if you are planning to go back to work you need to start easing yourself into normal life and see how you cope.

youalright · 07/08/2026 21:35

Absolutely go it will do you the world of good to have a break and a change of scenery. You don't need to stay in just because you're off sick getting out and about is part of recovery. Its not like ringing in sick saying you have diarrhoea and then going for a day out. Go and have a great time

SquigglePigs · 07/08/2026 21:34

Definitely go. It’s part of your recovery as much as anything.

Garfieldloveslasagnepie · 07/08/2026 21:32

You should definitely go. You aren’t pretending to have a bug or a broken leg.

I had 2 weeks abroad when on leave after my DF died.

Traceyatnumber32isaloudgobshite · 07/08/2026 21:30

I had a breakdown in 2024 menopause related....although other things also culminated to make me crash. I was off sick with mental health related issues when I was due to go away and ran it past HR (i work in travel and had a holiday booked through work) who agreed it was what I probably needed. Albeit there was some "gossip" from some small minded twits I worked with because they knew about me still going!!!

Go and enjoy and relax.

CaptainCalm · 07/08/2026 21:20

I’m very sorry about your mum and your health issues OP.

I’m in HR and can confirm that there would be no concern with this at all. If you want to go, and are able to go, of course you should. We would much rather you went on holiday and it helped with your recovery rather than staying at home unnecessarily.

Randallscandal · 07/08/2026 21:20

Becuriousnotjudgemental1980 · 07/08/2026 21:16

Thanks everyone. I think I’d talked myself out of it. It’s not going to be a taxing kind of a holiday. It’s also only a two hour drive away so if it is too much I can leave easily or I could go for the last few days. I’ll have a think on it. Husband will be pleased people agree with him😂

That took 12 minutes!!

Randallscandal · 07/08/2026 21:19

Becuriousnotjudgemental1980 · 07/08/2026 21:16

Thanks everyone. I think I’d talked myself out of it. It’s not going to be a taxing kind of a holiday. It’s also only a two hour drive away so if it is too much I can leave easily or I could go for the last few days. I’ll have a think on it. Husband will be pleased people agree with him😂

Wow that was a quick change of mind!!

Original poster
Becuriousnotjudgemental1980 · 07/08/2026 21:17

And thank you for the kind words about my mum. ❤️❤️

OP posts:
Ribenaberry12 · 07/08/2026 21:16

One of my colleagues was off in similar circumstances. Her brother booked for the family to go to Center Parcs for a weekend. She told management and colleagues about it because she she was all in a tiz about what people would think if she was seen there or if it ‘got out’ that she had gone. I don’t know of a single person at work who wasn’t supportive and didn’t think that positive family time was exactly what she needed in the circumstances. Go enjoy your break if it’s what you need, OP.

Original poster
Becuriousnotjudgemental1980 · 07/08/2026 21:16

Thanks everyone. I think I’d talked myself out of it. It’s not going to be a taxing kind of a holiday. It’s also only a two hour drive away so if it is too much I can leave easily or I could go for the last few days. I’ll have a think on it. Husband will be pleased people agree with him😂

OP posts:
SparklyBrickViper · 07/08/2026 21:15

Go.

Perhaps don’t post photo’s all over social media, especially if you have colleagues who’ll see them. People can be very judgmental with knowing the full facts.

I’m sorry you’ve lost your Mum.

hourspassed · 07/08/2026 21:09

Of course you should still go. You can't be expected to sit in a room at home doing nothing for the whole time you're off sick.

100% agree with pp that doing 'normal things' is part of your recovery.

I was on long term sick several years ago for 8 months and we went away a couple of times. I was absolutely not well enough to be at work but a car journey, short ferry ride and a few days away from home was exactly what we needed.

So sorry to hear about your Mum too. It's a really difficult time for you. Take the time and do what you need to do to start feeling better. Sending hugs.

mumofsevenfluffs · 07/08/2026 21:08

Absolutely go. Will benefit your mental health

Huskysledging · 07/08/2026 21:08

Becuriousnotjudgemental1980 · 07/08/2026 21:04

I’m off work on long term sick. I had a breakdown after my mum passed away. Things are getting better and I’m hoping to get back to work in the next few months
We had had a UK break booked for the end of August booked for ages and booked whilst I was at work. Said to DH I didn’t think I should go as a) I’m off sick and b) I’m just starting to get on top of things. I said he should just take the kids. He said I’m allowed to have a life and it’s no one’s business what I I do while I’m off sick. I don’t really know?? What do you guys think?

Ask your GP what they say and ask work via HR.

flowerworld · 07/08/2026 21:07

If you would like to go then go. If you feel like it would be too much then stay at home. But don’t just stay at home because your on sick, you deserve a nice break like everyone else

HavanaOhna · 07/08/2026 21:05

You absolutely should go. There’s this misconception that people off sick should be ashamed, not leave the house etc, but the best thing for your MH and recuperation is to relax and have some time away. it’s all part of recovery and getting back to you.

Randallscandal · 07/08/2026 21:05

Do what you YPU think

Although I don’t believe you think you shouldn’t go at all!!