To ask if this is bad?

[WorrisomeShell]

Been on an intense grad scheme since September, and have had to take exams alongside working. This has obviously had a big effect on my general state of mind/health due to the stress and pressure (have taken and passed six since Christmas - if I failed a single exam twice I would've been sacked).

As a result I have been more susceptible to illness: had 1.5 days off before xmas and now on my second ill with heavy cold. Work seem fine but I am panicking a bit! Is this too much?! I normally don't get ill.

Second day ill that should say, so 3.5 days in total since Sep.

I'm an employer, and I wouldn't mind that level, especially the amount of hours you are putting in to move forward in your role. Hope that helps.

I don't think it's too much at all but my own employers would. But they're utter, utter bastards. Depends on the employers I guess and yours seem not to mind so I wouldn't worry. Get well soon

Work will have a sickness absence policy with triggers for the number of days off and instances. After each absence, your line manager should check in with you to see how you are and give advice as to any further action or support required.

If they don't tell you, ask. It will set your mind ease. Usually 3 periods of sickness in 12 months will trigger a formal warning.

Hope you feel better soon.

I have checked, and it's ten days in a year i.e. two weeks. Don't think it is triggered by incidents. I still feel guilty though!

Is it accounting you are doing? I had very similar when I was studying it, I got a chest infection and couldn't attend, when I called I couldn't even speak it was that squeaky rasp when you lose your voice and it triggered an asthma attack which resulted in me going to a&e. During my return to work interview my boss made a comment about it being unacceptable to take time off if you are not really ill but he was an absolute bully and I left the job shortly afterwards as I couldn't work with someone like that (many other incidents that led up to it). Most places are much more understanding.

You do your best work when you are well. If you went in today, could you stand by the work you produce if it were scrutinised in 2 weeks time? Would you say 'cut me some slack I was sick'?

You can't produce lower quality work, so the only slack you get is sick pay. Use it when it is necessary and without guilt, but I wouldn't ever phone in sick if I thought I was still capable of working to the required standard.

Yep it is - it's slightly strange where I work as I don't have a formal boss or manager. Instead I email a designated person on the day I am ill. All involved have been very nice and understanding so far but I still have that horrible feeling of guilt!

Probably not helped by my mum freaking out on the phone when I told her I was ill and saying she was "worried for my job"!!