To say "Sod it" and call in to work to ask if I can work

[icantfindmyshoes]

What the title says.

DC (4 and 7) have gone to their Dad and his parents until Wednesday, they're meeting his lovely partner over zoom - all very exciting. My parents cant come because they're in a tier 4 section and I'm gonna be alone.

I'm an end of life carer, and I chose to work Christmas Day and boxing day this year but now Im wondering if it'd be too cheeky to say "sod it" and call in when office opens (9-30) and ask if I could take some office work in the morning/afternoon just so I wont mooch about at home.

I would. Can't blame you.

Do it. I often find myself going back to work earlier than planned after taking time off from work because I'm bored and would rather be working. I don't think your work will find it cheeky at all.

I’d guess if you call, work will appreciate it, and the patients will be glad to see you. Your work is important, so thank you.

That's a tough thing to deal with.
Whether you work extra or not, do try to do some nice indulgent things for yourself, however small. And eat some of your favourite foods- the ones the kids never like so you don't bother buying them.

Is the “cheeky” bit because they’d pay you for those hours? Not judging just curious! Because obviously you’re not being unreasonable either way.

Yesh I don't get the cheeky? Surely they'd be pretty happy?

They were going to be paying you for holiday anyway

Having a mooch at home sounds like a great thing - it’s just one day.
Some time to yourself, pottering about doing your own thing.
Go out for a long walk.

All work & no play...

I did it last week. I'd booked Thursday and Friday off and my wife wasn't finishing until Friday evening. We'd planned to finish off the final bits this week together, so I'd have been at a loose end for two days.

Said sod it on Thursday morning and worked the two days. Glad I did, I shifted a fair old amount that would have been waiting for me when I start again in January.

Yes do, I suspect it can be really difficult to get staff to work Xmas.

There is nothing cheeky about asking, I guess there is a risk they will say no as either they don't have enough work to go around or they have limited numbers in for infection control reasons but there is nothing wrong in asking.

I expect you will be appreciated for doing so.

If it gives you some company then do it rather than be on your own. I'm off to work soon and already planning to stay late instead of 4.00 finish just so I'm not stuck in the house on my own. Not looking forward to having 5 days off either

That's really sad. You are an adult and you can't occupy yourself.

@lunalula83
Really? You’re an adult and you can’t be nice? You could have suggested things the op might like to do rather than just being pa mean

A whole week across Christmas is hard - is this the normal arrangement?

I wouldn't blame you for packing the week full of shifts if it will help keep you occupied, but don't forget to let yourself relax. Being childfree for a few days can be a blessing too in terms of relaxing or having no responsibilities for Anyone else and it's sad that you don't seem to see that.

I had a day to myself this week it was bliss tier 4 so all diy- hair and eyebrows dyed, pedicure, exercise class, special lunch ordered in, bath, baking and a film. Might do it again sometime!

Do it. I’d do the same. I hate mooching.

I’d do the same . I’ve been working from home since March and now off till January the 4th. Find it really hard switching off from work and even called in yesterday to check a big order was going ok. Usually I’d go to the gym or see my mum which would help alot but I’m avoiding doing both at the mo so it’s not helping .

I just wanted to say thank you . My dad is currently 'end of life' and has carers in twice a day. It's just me and my mum the rest of the time and without them we would be forced to put him in a care home, probably to die alone given the current circumstances.

If you'd rather work then do that, but I hope you also get some more positive down time and some special time with your kids once they're back.

Yes, good idea, work, and then plan a few nice random days off in better times OP

Do it! You’ll be making life easier for your colleagues and potentially improving things for your clients. Doesn’t need to be a full shift but a few hours admin (or phone and offer to cover any carer visits they’re short of) and could make a big difference to your families.

Could your offer to work mean that another colleague gets the time off instead? A swap of shifts? In which case I would imagine it would be very gratefully received.

I just want to say that you do one of the most important jobs in the world.

Do it . There’s only so much mooching you can do , and I bet they’ll bite your hand off . Thank you for being there x

I would imagine they would be very greatful for your offer OP ..they really wouldnt think you were cheeky in the slightest.