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AIBU?

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Original poster

What to do about work :(

181 replies

Queenie6655 · 05/03/2021 18:58

Hello all

Just wondering really what to do
Work in a very pressurised job
Usually love it
We are very short staffed and it has been tough going

Well - I got covid 10 weeks ago
Slowly gaining energy
Mornings I tend to feel ok (some of the time)

Work are really short staffed and I said I would try my best to be back on Monday
My brain fog is really quite bad (zero concentration , some blurred vision)
My energy by afternoon is really limited

I feel so bad to let them down
And I worry that I should just be over this by now
So Monday do I
Ring gp and explain all this
Or
Try to get myself back to work and see how it is for a few weeks???

Any advice would be so so much appreciated xxxx

OP posts:
SplendidSuns1000 · 30/03/2021 19:06

It seems Long covid symptoms are very very similar to Chronic Fatigue/ME symptoms so I totally sympathise. Focus on yourself, take it easy. Don't push yourself to be better because you can't just pretend it all away. Don't feel you have to push yourself to keep your brain active, your body and mind need rest. Hope you start to feel better soon x

Original poster
Queenie6655 · 30/03/2021 19:24

@SplendidSuns1000 so very very true

Great advice here as always

Packing the guilt away and staying focused on my healing mentally and physically

OP posts:
RandomMess · 30/03/2021 19:31

Absolutely do not resign!!

Absolutely go back to GP and discuss with them that you are not improving much and work are causing you stress. Discuss having a much longer sick note and it is Long Covid & Work Related Stress. This should make them back the f*ck off.

You need to look after yourself Thanks

Original poster
Queenie6655 · 30/03/2021 20:53

Thank you

Dreading their reaction to this

But what can I do?

OP posts:
RandomMess · 30/03/2021 21:00

You need to stop caring what they think, how they react.

Email only for contact, it's not personal to you they are clearly clueless about line managing people!!!

Original poster
Queenie6655 · 30/03/2021 21:37

I know

Get well and then tackle work when the doctor is ok with me going back

Throat killing me now and no energy

OP posts:
ICouldHaveCheckedFirst · 31/03/2021 10:18

Your GP is on your side.
Occ H, in my experience as a manager, were pragmatic, and helped managers to manage their own expectations but I realise this may not be universal.
HR are there to support the organisation / managers. HR will try to protect managers from a claim of workplace stress.

I used to handle staff fit notes. If any came in with 'workplace stress' on them I had to alert the whole line of management to the top, and HR as well, right away.

You need to get yourself fit, whatever it takes. Work will survive. You have a shit manager. Look after yourself first.

Original poster
Queenie6655 · 31/03/2021 11:07

Great advice thanks so so much

Will be very careful to ensure I am def well enough rather than drag myself back to make them happy

Shame this has happened always loved this job

OP posts:
ByTheSea · 31/03/2021 11:27

I believe I had covid a year ago, went back to work after a week and never properly recovered and subsequently diagnosed with Graves' disease. I'm sitting here in tears as I try to focus, try to concentrate and just can't get my head around most of my work (stressful and heavy on thinking and writing complex documents) these days. Seeing the consultant in a couple of weeks but don't know if I can hold on as I'm getting really down about my inability to do the job I've done successfully for 25+ years.

Please, take the time to recover...

RandomMess · 31/03/2021 14:32

@ByTheSea ThanksThanksThanksThanks

I return to work soon following a stroke and I'm dreading it. I look "normal" but my concentration & memory are shot. DH has already asked me what happens if I can't manage my job as some days I struggle - by confidence is in tatters Sad

Original poster
Queenie6655 · 31/03/2021 15:22

Guys I'm so so sorry how awful

OP posts:
Original poster
Queenie6655 · 31/03/2021 15:25

@RandomMess what will help you?

Being up front before you go back ! ?
Discuss your worries?

I feel exactly the same

OP posts:
RandomMess · 31/03/2021 17:35

Well I have a good line manager which helps!! Not been hassled I have done 4 work related tasks since December. All 5 minute jobs each. All asked for in "would you feel able to sign off this document" something I completed before I was off type of thing.

We are both a bit sceptical that our OH is going to be a tick box exercise... the referral form was rather tick box. Put that a telephone consultation WOULD be a problem but attending a physical one wouldn't be. Guess what I've been offered 🤦🏼‍♀️

I know my concentration, memory, divided attention, speech and language don't work fully like they did. What I don't know is if I can do my job well enough with adjustments (not sure what they could be) to keep it.

It's just the unknown, I like certainty and planning and well life isn't like that at the moment.

Original poster
Queenie6655 · 31/03/2021 18:02

That is a worry no doubt

Gradual slow return
Then see if you need to take more time off?
It is so hard I agree

My line manager seems to have lost all sympathy for me
So we shall see

OP posts:
RandomMess · 31/03/2021 18:20

Harsh reality 4 weeks paid phased return.

ByTheSea · 31/03/2021 18:23

@RandomMess i hope it goes really well for you and would love to hear about the adjustments and if they help. I have a good line manager to but this is really dragging on.

@Queenie6655 really think you should take more time if you need and hopefully that'll do the trick. I hesitated to do this as on a big project that needs to finish, but I don't feel I've pulled my weight and feel really bad about it, even though no one is complaining.

Misty9 · 31/03/2021 18:31

@RandomMess have you had support from your post stroke or neurorehab team? Occupational therapy support can really help with making sure your employers do what they should.

RandomMess · 31/03/2021 18:38

Yes thank you I have. I am "doing all the right things".

Problem is I look "normal" speech when chatting "ok"
It's all the higher executive function stuff- just won't know until I try.

Won't be taking any meeting minutes 😂 someone else will have to though as I won't remember much of it afterwards!

Misty9 · 31/03/2021 18:39

@RandomMess

Yes thank you I have. I am "doing all the right things".

Problem is I look "normal" speech when chatting "ok"
It's all the higher executive function stuff- just won't know until I try.

Won't be taking any meeting minutes 😂 someone else will have to though as I won't remember much of it afterwards!

That's good you've got the right support. Good luck Flowers
Original poster
Queenie6655 · 31/03/2021 20:41

So what can I phased Return look like?
Who decides how many hours per day etc?
I'm worried that mine will be mismanaged

OP posts:
RandomMess · 31/03/2021 21:35

Is there a company policy on it?

Original poster
Queenie6655 · 31/03/2021 21:36

Funny enough no one has mentioned one

Need to look into it

OP posts:
RandomMess · 31/03/2021 21:52

Our HR policies are published on our internet, not easy to find or to understand tbh

Original poster
Queenie6655 · 31/03/2021 21:56

Ah I see ok
Need to do some research

You are all very helpful

Honestly would have dragged myself in like a fool had I not posted on here
Fear of being judged and being deemed unfit

Oh the irony

OP posts:
RandomMess · 31/03/2021 22:02

As a local authority I'm sure they will have a policy. May be under sick leave, other leave, additional leave, exceptional leave 🙄

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