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Original poster

I am really ill and I start my graduate job Tuesday HELP

69 replies

Graduateaccountant · 21/07/2019 14:51

I am really really ill. Aches, fever, going hot then cold then hot again, dizziness. I start my graduate role on an accountancy scheme on Tuesday!!! What should I do? There's no way I'll be well enough for then.

OP posts:
Cymbalon · 21/07/2019 14:52

That’s rubbish timing but there doesn’t seem to be much choice other than to ring in and explain. Some things you can battle on through and some thIngs you just can’t. I hope you are soon feeling much better 💐

SunnySomer · 21/07/2019 14:54

From your description it sounds as though you have flu - how long have you been feeling like this?
Personally I’d be inclined to take some paracetamol and lots and lots of fluids and get as much sleep as possible then see how you feel tomorrow.

Original poster
Graduateaccountant · 21/07/2019 14:58

It just came on all of a sudden yesterday morning.

I've just heard so much conflicting advice and don't know what to do.

OP posts:
Cymbalon · 21/07/2019 15:01

If it appeared almost from nowhere it does sound like flu. Colds you usually have a few days of sore throat, feeling tired, generally bit off etc but flu just suddenly starts.

You aren’t going to be able to concentrate at all if it is flu and risk passing it round the office. It’s obviously not ideal on your first day but if you wake up feeling as crap tomorrow I’d just apologise for your absence and tell them you have flu.

MyDcAreMarvel · 21/07/2019 15:01

Just ring and explain you have flu it will be fine, nothing you can do.

MyDcAreMarvel · 21/07/2019 15:02

Ring on both Monday and Tuesday.

soulfuleyes · 21/07/2019 15:03

If it's what I had recently ( and it sounds like it is), the really ill bit doesn't last very long, I was okish after two days. So hopefully you may be OK by Tuesday. Fingers crossed.

Original poster
Graduateaccountant · 21/07/2019 15:03

Should I ask if they can move my starting date to later (so possibly the next Tuesday?)

OP posts:
NoBaggyPants · 21/07/2019 15:09

Are you starting on your own or in a group? If it's a group start there will be activities and presentations organised, they're not going to rerun them just for you. If you ask to start at a later date then that could be the next intake, which might be months away.

If it's just you then there will be more flexibility.

I'd make every effort to get there. It's better for them to see that you're ill and send you home.

Isthisafreename · 21/07/2019 15:09

Honestly, while it's not ideal, it's not really a big deal. I spent the first 2 weeks of my current job on sick leave.

Phone tomorrow and explain the situation. If they suggest putting off your start date, that's fine, otherwise phone in daily with an update.

The only issue I could see would be if it's a big firm with a load of graduates starting at the same time on a formal, intense, graduate training programme. If that is the case, they'll work around it.

Illstartexercisingtomorrow · 21/07/2019 15:10

I’ve been in this situation. I know the awful feeling of worrying about calling in sick on your first day. But there was absolutely no way I could have managed.

I think it would be smart to phone Monday and let them know you are unwell and may not be able to start Tuesday, but say you will see how it goes for the rest of the day and confirm on Tuesday morning. I know it’s a hard conversation to have but definitely more professional this way. You can’t help being sick.

Isthisafreename · 21/07/2019 15:11

I'd make every effort to get there. It's better for them to see that you're ill and send you home.

Do not do that. Turning up with flu is irresponsible. You're starting in a graduate role. I would expect them to trust their employees to be sensible in this regard.

twirlypoo · 21/07/2019 15:13

I am going against the grain here - I would be hoping I’d feel a million times better in 24 hours and I would be seeing how I felt tomorrow. Obviously if you are no better than you can’t go in, but I’d be trying to dose myself up and get in if I could.

I know this is an unpopular view though, and I hope you feel better soon Flowers

Original poster
Graduateaccountant · 21/07/2019 15:16

It's just me starting, the next one isn't starting for 3 months.

OP posts:
Original poster
Graduateaccountant · 21/07/2019 15:19

I am currently lying in bed feeling dizzy, I would be worried about travelling to work on my own

OP posts:
Isthisafreename · 21/07/2019 15:21

@Graduateaccountant - It's just me starting, the next one isn't starting for 3 months.

Then no biggie. Phone tomorrow (assuming you haven't made a miraculous recovery), tell them you have the flu and, unless you've recovered by the following day, you will not be able to start then. Tell them you will update them each day and will start as soon as you are sufficiently recovered.

Do not go in and infect your new colleagues.

twirlypoo · 21/07/2019 15:23

Oh hang on, are you due in in the morning? Sorry, I got confused and thought Tuesday so you had 2 more sleeps before you had to go in. In that case, def call them and explain. I was just trying to buy you more time!

twirlypoo · 21/07/2019 15:25

OFGS, you did say Tuesday. Ignore me, I am making a mess of your thread Grin

I would still see how you were tomorrow before I called though. If it’s a virus and not flu then you might feel a million times better after a good nights sleep Flowers

Isthisafreename · 21/07/2019 15:26

@twirlypoo - If it’s a virus and not flu

Flu is a virus........

Original poster
Graduateaccountant · 21/07/2019 15:27

I don't know if calling in sick everyday for probably a few days is going to look bad :( That's why I'm wondering whether they could officially move me back a bit iyswim

OP posts:
twirlypoo · 21/07/2019 15:30

isthisafreename you know what I mean though - if it’s a virus that knocks you out for 24 hours and then mysteriously buggers off - rather than flu which knacks you for ages!

But yes, you are technically correct Grin

wizzywig · 21/07/2019 15:32

Thing is, you dont want to pass it onto anyone else. You'd be remembered for all the wrong reasons

BlueberryFool123 · 21/07/2019 15:32

Rest today and tomorrow. Go to bed. Drink lots. Take paracetamol regularly as per the directions.

See how you are tomorrow. If you feel bad ring in and just day heads up and say you will do your best to get in. Do not ask if you can push start date back tomorrow.

If you still feel ill on Tuesday you will have to call in sick, but I would be doing everything to go in.

WrongKindOfFace · 21/07/2019 15:33

If it’s not until Tuesday you could well be fine by then. It’s probably viral - painkillers and plenty of fluids will help. Eat what you fancy. I wouldn’t be panicking just yet.

Isthisafreename · 21/07/2019 15:34

@Graduateaccountant - I don't know if calling in sick everyday for probably a few days is going to look bad sad That's why I'm wondering whether they could officially move me back a bit iyswim

Ask what their preferred option is. I would expect them to tell you there is no need to call every day but I think it looks better to offer to do that as you are new.

Really, it's not a big problem. Stop worrying about it, get plenty of rest and drink loads of fluids.