Worried I'm taking too much time off work?

[Anonymouskitty]

Hi everyone,

Just thought I'd post on here as I'm feeling a little anxious. I started back at work a few weeks ago after being on maternal leave for my 2nd child. That leave was very stressful as he was diagnosed with epilepsy after having seizures from 3 days old, and was in ICU twice. Thankfully everything is managed for now and I'm back at work.

In the last few weeks I've been called 3 times to get him due to cold/ temperature. I just feel nervous that I've already had to call out of work for 3 separate days already as it's coming up to the busiest time of year for the business. I don't want to be seen as a liability but worried it's coming across that way.

Unfortunately I take on the load of picking up sick children as my husband is a lorry driver and by the time I get the call he is always about 3 hours away so can't do pickups for obvious reasons.

I think I'm just feeling burnt out and looking for reassurance that I won't lose my job :(

Thanks guys xx :(

You may need to think of alternative arrangements like trusted childminder or nanny or relative who can pick up

Unfortunately kids get sick a lot especially at nursery where they pick upneveryhh to big. You’re going to have a lot of this to come. Companies can be understanding but you do need to share this with your dp, if he can’t so pick up maybe he comes home as soon as he can and you work in the afternoon, or he takes the following day off so you can work. We save a bank of annual leave each for kids sick days.

I already pay for nursery fees and we can't afford a childminder to pick up. We have no family in the same town.

If the sickness lasts 2 or 3 days he picks up days then but the initial pick up always has to be me unfortunately 😕

Is your work flexible, so you could e it her take annual leave or make up the time in the evening? If you can do this then there should hopefully not be too much of an issue as long as your do is doing his share of the follow on sick days.

I have asked my boss if I can make up some time this evening and he said of course, as long as I still take some time for myself, so he's very understanding about it, always has been.

It's just me that's feeling burnt out and nervous about it all but I suppose I have to wear my big girl pants and get on with it x

Unfortunately yes, this will be life for a while now but that is great you have an understanding boss.

I’m not sure if uuniversal but we get some paternity days each year to cover childcare ie when they’re sick. Genuinely not sure if a perk of where I work or uuniversal. But worth checking. X