I can’t believe I’m going to be sick on my first day tomorrow

[appleandbrie]

I’ve been promoted at work and start tomorrow. And I’ve got a full on cold, sore throat, cough, snotty nose and feel chesty.

I actually can’t believe this has happened, I’m worried this is going to look so bad. And I’ve been on leave for two weeks but this randomly came on last night and it’s full blown cold this morning :(

what can I do? This isn’t the start I wanted to leading a team. I won’t be calling in sick but I’m just feeling so anxious now. I might have to WFH as we work hybrid and I know no one will want me coming in with a cold but how crap is that.

not sure what I’m asking, maybe some advice.

This happened to me on the first day of my very first job. No advice, but I sympathise!

Promoted means that they already know you, yes? Which means that they really believe you can do the role (or they’d have chosen someone else because they know you rather than just going on interview). So deep breath, WFH and it’ll be fine.

Can you get in touch and say you are sick and don’t want to bring your germs into the office, and then wfh, but take it easy?

A wise woman once told me that if you are sick and shouldn’t be at work, then you shouldn’t be at work.

^This.

Nobody is going to thank you for taking a virus into the office.

First Defence is great at limiting the duration and symptoms.

I'd just dose up on flu tablets and get on with it.

We've had all this and it came on overnight just as you said, and it's a bad case of Covid. My partner is only just feeling better 4 weeks later and myself and our 6 month old feel awful! Obviously you don't have to isolate now, but I don't think your fellow employees would want a 4 week long illness! Sometimes you just have to be honest - it doesn't make you look bad prioritising yourself and the health of those around you.

Work hybrid, take some berrocca to fend it off. Plenty of liquids, paracetamol and rest in between. You can do this!

So would I - but would also work hybrid if the people involved already knew me well (sounds like they do if it's an internal promotion)

If it makes you feel any better, I was once sick on my new boss's shoes on my first day 😆

It's just a setback and won't define you in your new role. By not going into the office tomorrow and WFH you're actually setting the tone for how you want others to behave with consideration towards their colleagues.

Try not to overthink it, I'm sure everyone else will just feel bad for you that you're sick.

Wfh, apologise profusely but explain you don’t want to spread your lurgy and hope to be in in person asap.

Hope you're feeling a bit better today @appleandbrie

Thank you - I felt worse today :( but I powered through and worked from home. First day went okay in the end, another early night for me!