Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is it bad to go out while off sick (not unwell)

31 replies

rb125 · 17/04/2021 20:17

I have a sick note the runs out at the start of May, I am off because I broke my elbow and had to have an operation on it not that I have flu or anything.

I am a bit sad as I’m missing out tonight as pubs are back open and my friends have all gone out. My parents are telling me that I could go out next weekend if my arms feeling less sore (I’m 18 btw, I’m posting here as I wasn’t too sure else to, and I’d seen some old threads on here about something similar), but I feel that’s a bit cheeky, as much as I really want to go I don’t want to take the piss.

Apart from my arm being sore and slight withdrawal symptoms from my Oramorph I feel fine.

My Dad is a manager and he said he would be okay with someone from his team going to the pub as long as they were sensible, but I’m unsure. My line manager is really lovely, so I don’t want to disappoint her haha.

I do feel like I’m being a bit childish though for getting upset.

What do you all think? Would it be cheeky of me to go or should I just suck it up for a couple more weeks lol?

OP posts:
JamesMiddletonsMarshmallows · 17/04/2021 20:18

Go for it!! It helps nobody's recovery to coop yourself up!

Imissthegym · 17/04/2021 20:19

Going to the pub, with other people to help you with doing stuff is very different to going to work, where presumably you’d be using your arm all day?

Just use your other arm to hold your drink! As a manager, I’d have no issue with this at all.

FlyingBurrito · 17/04/2021 20:20

This isn't any kind of HR advice but I would go out without a second thought. Are you worried because you are going out during working hours?

IoIdoIdoOoh · 17/04/2021 20:20

Presumably you're off sick because you wouldn't be able to do your work duties with the broken arm?
In that case then it would be fine to go out and do what you can do with your injury.

If you were signed off because of the pain and could have worked with the injury other than that then it would be cheeky to go out in my opinion.
Technically I don't think they could say anything though.

DiscoGlitterBall · 17/04/2021 20:21

You’re not sick, you’re unfit to work. It is totally reasonable to go out in this circumstance - it wouldn’t be if your sick (like with a cold or similar) and then go out.

HoneysuckIejasmine · 17/04/2021 20:21

Depends what your job is really. If it's something that requires two arms, then go.

If it's something that's no more strenuous than going to the pub, I'd be reluctant to be seen there despite it being actually ok.

However, I'm a former teacher so I'm conditioned to only take the day off if I'm actually on my death bed. But even then I'd set cover before croaking it.

SnackSizeRaisin · 17/04/2021 20:22

I would go out. If your work is similar to going to the pub then you ought to go back to work. If your work is not possible with a broken arm then stay off, but nothing wrong with doing other activities. Just don't get drunk and fall over!

MrsCrosbyNRTB · 17/04/2021 20:22

100% go out! You’re not “ill” as it were. We had a big work retirement do a few years ago (in those days when you could have parties......). Two members of staff on long term sick came - one had had surgery and one was having cancer treatment. We were just delighted to see them. No one batted an eyelid.

If you were pulling a sickie it’s totally different. (I do manage sickness in my team).

user1471453601 · 17/04/2021 20:24

When I was on long term sick (waiting for a final decision on what type of lung cancer I had, and then for an operation) not only did I go out, I went into work to say hello to my team who were understandably worried and fearing the worst. So was I got a time.

No one in my senior management team said a bad word. Most of them popped in to see me while I was there ( only 20 minutes or so).

Go out with your friends, it could be the pick me up you need

vroc81 · 17/04/2021 20:24

I’d be fine if I was your line manager and heard you’d been out for a couple.. I wouldn’t be fine with you getting so drunk you fell and broke the other arm....

Original poster
rb125 · 17/04/2021 20:25

It would only be on the weekends

OP posts:
Gemma2019 · 17/04/2021 20:27

It wouldn't bother me at all if any of my team at work went to the pub with a broken bone. It's totally acceptable.

Original poster
rb125 · 17/04/2021 20:29

I’m an apprentice business admin, so I need my arms for typing, I suggested working from home but manager said no as I have a hairline on my other elbow but that’s starting to feel fine now. Im just a bit reluctant as the saying goes ‘if you’re well enough to go to the pub you’re well enough to go to work’ lol

OP posts:
PaperMonster · 17/04/2021 20:31

Of course it’s alright to go out!

TheTurn0fTheScrew · 17/04/2021 20:33

I have been off sick for 5 weeks after surgery (returning Tuesday next week)
I can't do lots of things, but was instructed as part of my recovery to go for a walk every day, gradually increasing the distance. I do work very near to home, so there's a good chance someone's spotted me on my rehab jaunts. As far as I'm concerned I have a valid sicknote and so it's no-one's business what I do otherwise. Plus people only see a snapshot. For example, I took the kids into town on Thursday morning, but needed a sleep when I got back, and had to get them to carry the shopping because I couldn't.

Pupster21 · 17/04/2021 20:35

Of course not. Recovering from an operation or having a fracture doesn’t mean you have to miss out if your fit.

TheGriffle · 17/04/2021 20:35

I had an operation and was off work for nearly 2 months. I felt enormous guilt when I was ‘caught’ in Dunlem by a work colleague with my baby and mum. I have a desk job and the type of surgery I had meant sitting was the worst for healing and walking/moving about was the best thing so I was signed off. Still felt embarrassed and guilty that I had been spotted out and about though!

RolloverRollover · 17/04/2021 20:38

Go, perfectly acceptable.

At my work if someone is off with stress/depression we encourage them to go on holiday if they can.

Cuntryhouse · 17/04/2021 20:43

Go, but don't post on social media, people don't like that.

KoalaOok · 17/04/2021 20:47

@Cuntryhouse

Go, but don't post on social media, people don't like that.
Yeah you're absolutely fine to go out but if your colleagues follow you on SM I'd be careful what you post unless you have a thick skin as there's always someone that moans!
nocoolnamesleft · 17/04/2021 20:51

Think of gradually leaving the house to do a bit more as a form of rehabilitation, building up towards being fit to work.

ivfbeenbusy · 17/04/2021 20:52

My colleague was sacked (well made redundant but it was obvious why they were chosen!) for being signed off sick for an op and then seen
On the TV invading the pitch at a sports match 🤣🤦‍♀️

Recruit2020 · 17/04/2021 20:52

HR here. Go out I would have no issue just limit the social media as advised above someone will moan but they always do! I think its a credit your 18 and contentious. Be careful with the pain meds and alcohol but have fun

UrAWizHarry · 17/04/2021 21:01

Of course it's fine. Go and have fun.

memberofthewedding · 17/04/2021 21:01

People have been watching too many of those programs where someone who has put in an insurance claim for illness or disability is caught playing golf, lifting weights or scuba diving. These programs are meant to be sensational and unrealistic and they are!

When you are on extended sick leave there is a gradual process of recuperation. You dont break your arm and then suddenly wake up and bingo, its cured! Over the days of your recovery you have to push yourself to do a little more each day, and medical professionals will advise accordingly. Mental attitude and well being are important too. As one poster pointed out, having been seen "out" is only a snapshot of your day. You may be physically wiped out afterwards or had to take lots of painkillers to get through it. When you return to work it might be phased, with shorter hours or light duties for a couple of weeks.

I would enjoy your gradual return to normal working life without conscience. If you live in a big enough town the chances are that no one will see you or think the worse of you.