To seriously consider taking a sick day tomorrow due to burn out?

[Lizzie523]

I have been working from home since March and live alone.

For the most part I've done okay but now after 9 months I am struggling to keep going. I'm in Scotland in tier 4 lockdown here which is tough. I've managed to keep going but something has changed.

I moved to a new house last weekend and it was the most stressful period ever. Last weekend I allowed myself to sleep in both weekend days and still woke up tired. Last night I was lying in bed before 7pm feeling I'd been hit by a bus.

Today I got the flu vaccination and had a slight temperature tonight that has improved. Been in bed exhausted again for hours. Lying here tearing up at the thought of getting out of bed again tomorrow. I just want a day to rest. AIBU?

I am taking time off at Christmas but it seems so far away. All my energy seems to have disappeared, I feel like a zombie.

Your mental health is no less important than your physical health. Take a MH day x

sorry meant do not so doh!

Is taking a day off going to make anything better or just isolate more?

I would. I felt quite "below par" for 36 hours after my flu jab. I wasn't due to be working but had a "be kind to myself day" instead of housework and errands: sat in bed, watched TV and read. It made me feel much better.

@stovetopespresso I wish I could - we are in lockdown and everything is closed.

@BoomBoomsCousin it is more needing a good rest - I can't remember when I actually just stopped. Yes I am isolated but I am meeting a friend for a walk this weekend.

Take a day off - when I had my flu jab the surgery said 1 in 10 people get symptoms of being achy and tired. I did-ish, slept in and went in about lunchtime.
If you have a day to catch up on your sleep, your quality of work will be tons better than if you struggle through without a break.

I had a day off today , just couldn’t face it this morning and had a headache.

Day off and a long sleep has done me world of could. Can keep the 10 hour days going til Xmas break.

One of my staff members took a day last week, she's now changing a Few aspects of her working world to help her with those areas she's struggling with. Fantastic in my mind. She's taken the bull by the horns, sorted herself out, and is now adjusting her world so it fits her well-being needs. I've told her 100% I'm supportive, if anything doesn't work let me know and I'll do what I can to adjust

• just airing and having ideas for solutions is a big step forwards - try to just focus on the future and more positive working and how your lines agent may action - good luck

I feel like you OP, months of WFH without a proper break has affected my motivation, I've got a lot of work on this week and I just can't face any of it. I have a few weeks off soon though so just going to try to get through it, but you sound really unwell so I'd tell them you're having a reaction to the flu jab and will be off the rest of the week.

[quote Lizzie523]@stovetopespresso I wish I could - we are in lockdown and everything is closed.

@BoomBoomsCousin it is more needing a good rest - I can't remember when I actually just stopped. Yes I am isolated but I am meeting a friend for a walk this weekend.[/quote]
If it's exhaustion rather than depression, then time off might be a good idea. But a bit unreasonable to take it as a sick day if you're really exhausted because you over did it at the weekend moving instead of taking annual leave to get everything done in a less stressful way.

Please take a day off, OP. It's essential for your health. You will become even more ill if you don't look after yourself immediately.

I’m an employer, I don’t own the company etc but I’m a senior manager in a huge company.

Where someone takes the mick, ie calls in sick intermittently/frequently for a day I have little sympathy as a rule.

Where I can see (or just feel/tell) someone is pushing their limits I usually tell that person to take a day off. Most react surprised and say how can you say that to me, my response is simple

I’d rather talk to you about easing your life, than talk to your husband/wife/kids at your funeral having to explain why I worked you so hard

Most managers are realistic, I am, and I’m not unique, they'll have more sympathy than you may think (in most cases)

Take the day off. If you had a broken arm you'd take a day off, this is no different. Your mental health is as important as your physical health and everyone should look after them the same.
If this is a long term thing I'd really look into what you can do going forward too. Speak to your manager after Christmas about your workload etc. if you're not feeling any better. Life is far too short to be so stressed over a job.
I hope you take off a few days and give yourself time to rest and recuperate.

I'm not in favour of skiving. But you sound I'll to me. Take a sick day or more till you feel better.

You've had a flu jab and it's knocked you for six. Just tell them that in the morning.

I think this year's one is having that effect on people. DH never normally reacts to it, but he felt rough after his last week, and so did MIL. I've got mine tomorrow.

Don’t forget that your brain is part of your body and a sick day can be needed for your mental health too. Rest up.

@CheshireDing you are so right, even in the 70’s and 80’s there were plenty office staff. There was admin support, we had tea breaks away from our desks, poured by a tea lady, we had one hour lunch breaks in an office canteen. We made friendships that remain today because we had time.

Today we do a lot of our own admin because of computers, even more so WFH. We have coffee on the go and many people lunch at their desk, we have virtual meetings. We are often too busy to build supportive relationships in the office. Totally agree with your assessment of the co-op and retail run on less and less staff to increase profits.

Do it OP. Nobody ever gets to their death bed and lies there thinking 'I just wish I'd spent more time at work*.

Take care of yourself x

@baubling yes it is strange, I have never had a reaction to the flu jab before.

So far had a temperature tonight, plus achey and tired. I'll set my alarm for usual time and if I feel the same will take the day.

@Gooseygoosey12345 I'll bear this in mind
I was recently put on a new project, but given a smaller role than usual as my manager recognised my workload. So far unfortunately the person who is supposed to be taking charge has done nothing which has meant I have had to do step in and move things along. I don't want to 'tell' on this person but she needs to step up and soon.

Take the rest of the week off. Sounds like you really need it. Tell them sore back or whatever, so you don’t need to take a test. Normally this is something I am totally against, but for your own wellbeing it sounds like you need a break.

Or just tell them you had the flu jab, and feel under the weather.

I've done it before as a mental health day. So long as it's only when you need it it's as valid as being physically unwell. Which you also might be due to jab.

OP take the week. It sounds like you just need to STOP.

You have a temperature that may or may not be a reaction to the flu jab, you are obviously ill. Take the rest of the week off.

You need a mental health day for sure! Being sick isn't always about physical afflictions. Take care!