4 missed calls from my boss, I am SO SCARED

[Countrymouse1]

Have emailed in sick today after being off last week I just want to leave I am shaking again now, don't know to answer the phone or not. The calls won't stop. Wtf do I say when I answer I dont want to discuss it and say its precisely to do with that work environment, I dont want to get into an exhausting argument on the phone.

Just need to vent, I am doing ok with my anxiety and then every time my boss calls I get so tearful and shaky and dont know what to do.

Well done. You've done all they can ask for now.

Might be an idea to keep a log of the calls, what you said to your boss etc.

do you have a family member / friend that can call in on your behalf and explain that you're unwell and not up to taking calls?

We'll done mouse.

Tell your gp everything.

Well done on taking the call. That was really brave. Now try and relax, do something nice, and then prepare for your docs appt.

Without wanting to stress you out more, I agree with whoever said keep a log of calls, what was said etc. I wish I had done this, as my boss did and I felt wrong footed by it as she could refer back to stuff I couldn't prove/disprove and my head was all over the place.

If you feel strong enough, a follow up email confirming what was discussed during the call would be even better. Just something short saying you acknowledge the 7 attempts to call you, and that during the final call you said x and y and agreed to give an update following your GP appt. Just the facts, nothing else.

I asked for a contact in HR and dealt with them rather than my boss, that made it a bit easier. Could you do the same?

OP I'm sorry you're feeling so poorly. Hopefully you'll start the road to recovery after seeing your GP today.

I think it's a little unfair to place the manager in the role of bad guy without knowing all the facts. He has an employee who has been off sick for a week already, has e-mailed into today (which in many organisations will not be following protocol) and on the face of the OP isn't giving any idea of a return date or any inclination to discuss the matter.

We don't know OP's job, might be easily coverable, might he she's a brain surgeon with a full theatre schedule. If it's the manager that's causing the anxiety that's what HR depts or union reps are for. Lying low and hoping everyone can just wait till you get better won't help your own recovery, because they're just going yo get more impatient.

Glad you answered.

I'd be embarrassed to have rung anybody 7 times! Hope you feel relieved now. Have you heard of EFT? it helped me a lot with something I felt too anxious about.

Well done for calling back. You definitely don't sound ready to go back to work, so I hope your apt this afternoon goes well.

Thank you.

Will be sending follow up email this morning once ive calmed down, had a cup of tea. I feel I need something in my stomach even though i feel sick.

Definately not a brain surgeon! that made me smile so thanks for the lighthearted moment.

Mjor part of the problem is my original job has almost fizzled out and so I am being made to do stuff i have no experience of in a field I have no interest in. Very different to what my job was originally.

Well done OP.

Tell the GP everything - even how these 'phone calls made you feel.

Get yourself well first, don't worry about work at this point (easier said than done I know) then look at the job situation and your options.

Well done, Countrymouse, you've filled your side of the deal re contact when sick, so you can ignore any further calls if there are any.

I hope the meds stabilise how you're feeling very soon and you can concentrate on getting better and getting out of that workplace if it's contributing to how you feel.

Well done OP

Feel better soon

Well done OP, anxiety is so difficult. I hope you feel better soon.

OP- well done with answering & handling that phone call.

It's not easy especially as you were expecting it to be a challenging conversation.

Much better than just turning your phone- you can now try to relax and get on with the day.

I would echo the previous advice about making a note about what was said, agreed etc.

The best way would be to send an email stating all the facts, this way you will have a 'paper trail' so to speak.
Good luck!

If your original work has fizzled out then is there is a risk you are redundant?
Is it a big company?
Do they pay you when you're off sick?

Well done Countrymouse, stay focused and strong you can do this x