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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To call in sick for an interview

53 replies

Flowerypig · 08/10/2018 23:25

I am not happy in my current job for several reasons and have been looking for something else. I have been offered two interviews for two different posts- 1 on Thursday, 1 on friday. However, i’m Supposed to be in work those days. I can not book holiday as we cannot request leave at this time of year. Company policy. There is no chance i’d get it authorised. The interviewing companies couldn’t be flexible on the days/ times.
Soooooo....I figure I have to call in sick. I hate to do this - but can’t see a way round it. I’ve haven’t had a sick day for over a year, but i’d Have a take two days😢. I won’t get paid for those days and i’m A terrible liar so hate having to do this.
Am I being unreasonable calling in sick? If I just said it was an interview I know they wouldn’t grant me leave either....and then i’d be stuck on difficult situation if I didn’t get offered either.
What would you do?

OP posts:
SpoonBlender · 08/10/2018 23:27

Call in sick. How else are you ever going to escape?

TotallyWingingIt · 08/10/2018 23:28

I would call in sick. You don't like your current role and these are two wonderful opportunities. They won't have any reason to disbelieve you if you don't normally call in sick. Good luck OP Grin

garethsouthgatesmrs · 08/10/2018 23:29

no yanbu its what you have to do. You will be stuck at the job forever if you don't as nowhere is going to give you loads of notice for an interview date that suits you. As you won't get paid anyway I don't think you should worry too much. Call in on thursday morning and say that you have been vomiting and its probably s&d so unlikely you will be back in friday, then you can probably just email in friday to confirm you are still feeling rough.

Returnofthesmileybar · 08/10/2018 23:29

Definitely call in sick, give as much notice as possible and complain on Wednesday afternoon about not feeling great

DialsMavis · 08/10/2018 23:32

As you wont get paid anyway I wouldn't feel too guilty.... Needs must

buscaution · 08/10/2018 23:33

I would call in sick, do your interviews and enjoy the extra time off

RedWineAllMine · 08/10/2018 23:37

Call in sick. You can't reschedule your interview as that is a big no no and just for that reason you probably wouldn't get the job.

Original poster
Flowerypig · 08/10/2018 23:38

ThAnks for replying. Not that unreasonable then, I guess. I just hate letting people down ( my colleagues, really. The management is one of the reasons I want out! ) and feel bad about lying. But I do reallllly want either one of the two jobs i’m Interviewing for.

OP posts:
DC18 · 08/10/2018 23:40

I would call in sick. You don't get paid sick days so you arent cheating them or anything. Give yourself a chance to get the job you love. Just mind don't put anything on Facebook etc x

RedWineAllMine · 08/10/2018 23:42

Don't feel bad. Everyone is replaceable in a job. A job would think nothing of firing you and anyone then getting a fast replacement. So you need to do what's best for you, not the job that you're In.

PickAChew · 08/10/2018 23:44

Worst case you lose the job you hate. There's no escaping it unless you do call in sick, clearly, so probably your best course if action.

BewareOfDragons · 08/10/2018 23:54

Vomiting bug. Oh dear. What a shame.

Good luck on your interviews. I hope you find something better quickly so you can get out of there.

VladmirsPoutine · 09/10/2018 00:02

I think there's something like a 48hr rule following certain bugs/illness that precludes you from going to work for effectively 2 days. Get some rest.

Italiangreyhound · 09/10/2018 00:08

Call in sick. Do no elaborate unless you have to.

I usually go with Unwell! I am sick (of working here) would be OK too!

Good luck.

Shadow1234 · 09/10/2018 00:10

I know a few people who have done just that! Its not a crime and if you dont go to the interviews, you will be stuck in a job you hate, forever.

(vomitting and diarroah is always the best excuse!)

Rebecca36 · 09/10/2018 00:34

You can be ill for two days, you have to do what you have to do but I understand you not wanting to.

The companies to whom you will be going for interviews are unreasonable in my opinion. Most places will arrange early mornings or after work interviews.

Anyway, good luck!

Ariela · 09/10/2018 00:44

Definitely feel ropey on Wednesday afternoon - maybe have a chicken sandwich for lunch, and then spend a bit of time in the loo, complaining of tummy ache a couple of hours later.

TheDarkPassenger · 09/10/2018 00:59

It’s early autumn and perfect time for those nasty little bugs to get around...

Good luck with your interviews!

Purpleartichoke · 09/10/2018 01:55

Everyone job hunting has to call in sick or go to the dentist at some point in time. Sometimes multiple times. You would be surprised at how many visits a toothache can generate.

MarcieBluebell · 09/10/2018 01:59

Don't feel guilty. You have to look out for yourself in life sometimes. Go for the interviews and don't give it a second thought.

BoneyBackJefferson · 09/10/2018 07:01

I know of several people that were caught out having called in sick and gone to interviews.

Their employers rang the companies that were giving the interviews to see if they were there, the interviewing companies didn't say yes or no but neither candidate got the job.

strawberrisc · 09/10/2018 07:04

just hate letting people down ( my colleagues, really. The management is one of the reasons I want out! )

Oh I’ll definitely be on the lookout for sick colleagues today! 🤣

Good luck!

TestingTestingWonTooFree · 09/10/2018 07:06

BoneyBackJefferson Presumably they had a tip off? You couldn’t phone everywhere every time some called in sick unless it was a teeny tiny industry where only one place was recruiting.

It might be gross misconduct but I can’t see you have any choice.

BoneyBackJefferson · 09/10/2018 07:18

TestingTestingWonTooFree

I can only talk about the one that went for an interview, but its was the same as the OP in that they had applied for the day off and didn't get it.

Gottagetmoving · 09/10/2018 07:19

But you are sick! Sick of your job and having to take measures to get better by going for interviews Grin
You won't be paid so no need to feel bad really. Seriously, you need to do what you need to do.
I understand though because I felt guilty even when I was really sick! 😊

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