Going off sick.

[MollyWintertime]

Hello. I've been at my job for a good few years. I have a good reputation I think. However I was ill with some type of virus 6 weeks ago and was only off for 1 day. Since I've been back I've had sore throat and diarrhoea. I'm under the gp for this. Anyway things have been getting on top of me and I kind of told my manager today I've had enough and won't be in tomorrow. Feeling bad.

On top of this it's a busy period which is fine. But I feel like the team PA. When I'm in charge I have lots of staff phoning me for information they should know or sending me messages when I'm in clinic. I feel like I don't get a minutes peace. I feel like I'm working my arse of clearing the work whilst others are sitting chatting. I felt like someone was sitting on my chest today I was so stressed.

Repeat after me....my job is not more important than my health.

Take the time you need and after that request a meeting with a manager to find a strategy to stop the pressure. Realistically a manager should be taking on the questions other people have. If you're not paid as a supervisor, stop supervising!

Hope you feel better soon.

I just feel like they wouldn't dare pester other people. I literally cannot get a thing done because it's stupid questions and constant interruptions. I literally have seen my arse.

Turn off your phone

Recuperate

Fuck work, it isn't more important than your health

If you are ill take a few days of sick. And request a meeting with your manager when you get back. This constant interruption needs to stop.

She won't do anything.

I've been really happy there but it's getting beyond a joke and I'm suffering.

Can you delegate? Are you a doctor?

I'm not a Doctor and I do delegate yes but then people moan because they've got to do work.

Spoke to my Doctor who was good. Wants me to get an ecg due to chest pains but thinks it's stress. Said she'll sign me off for 2 weeks.

I cant see things changing

Let them moan. If you line manage them then they need some sharp reminders that they’re being paid to do the work that is put in front of them. And the moaning simply needs to stop as it is unprofessional to moan about having to do your job rather than sit chatting.

If they are the same grade as you you can’t go on covering for shirkers. See your manager after your 2 weeks off and tell them that the workload is shared too unevenly in the department and then just leave it to them to think of a solution. That’s why they get paid more than you - to take on these additional things to think about.

next time you’re ill with a virus make sure you don’t go back too soon. It’s the kiss of death if you are already overstretched and overburdened at work, you’ll just end up off with stress again.

I know I was stupid to go back. I felt bad. I've had dodgy bowels for a month! I want my manager to set out to staff that they should only contact the person in charge that day, that person takes responsibility for the running of the team that day and doesn't palm shit off and staff to check diaries before incessantly contacting people and phoning them in a clinic about shite. We do hand over and I try to improve things but people are talking over me about their grandchildren or leaving the room. I wonder why I bother.

🤔

And I don't want to ignore things I want them to stop.

Are you a health care professional? If so I highly recomend the "You Are Not a Frog" podcasts. So many really helpful ones which have massively helped me re-evaluate my working life and make positive changes to reduce stress. There is a free webinar also on July 16th all about how to lead a team without becoming the rescuer ( which is one of my main issues too!)

Thank you. It just feels like it's all on my shoulders because good old Molly won't complain.

I'll try that thanks.