Sick days when self-employed

[WhenShallIShare]

Not entirely sure this is the right place to be putting this but would appreciate some advice from the MN…

I’m pregnant, have got a chest infection and am self-employed. I’ve been unwell for 4 days now but started antibiotics today (obv they won’t work if it’s viral). I’m trying to wonder whether I need to let families know whether I can work on Weds-Fri (it’s Monday today, I only work Weds-Fri as a self-employed tutor). Obviously if I don’t work I lose the money and will have to either make up all those lessons or take the cost off next term’s invoices. Sick pay obv does not exist for self-employed ppl 🤦‍♀️

I’ve been in bed 90% of the time the last 4 days and have since lost my voice so teaching is going to be interesting if I do attempt to still work.

What would you do?? Advice much appreciated!

You sound pretty sick. I think I'd decide tomorrow; and if you aren't significantly better, cancel the lessons.

I agree, decide tomorrow after starting antibiotics and having nights sleep.

I think a lot depends on the type of teaching you do and the relationship you have with your families. In your position I'd probably be giving the Wednesday families the heads up now that you might not be well enough and that if lessons went ahead they'd be online. If you're not set up for online tutoring then I'd contact all this week's families now to see what they would prefer to do, if you are feeling well enough by their lesson days. Have you had covid excluded? If you were teaching my child I'd want to know you'd had a test, I think.

(I teach violin and while I've reverted fully to face-to-face I've tried to be clear that any illness on either side = online lessons and we can switch at fairly short notice).

The lack of voice issue can sometimes be addressed creatively depending on subject area :)

Hope you feel better soon!

Depends who bad and if can pass it on. I'm self employed..if I'll you don't earn sadly. Go to bed now but maybe let the Wednesday parents know you are unwell. Hope you feeling better soon x

How not who in first line

Thanks yeah I have a good relationship with my families and taught them via zoom over the various lockdowns. And while we’re now fully face to face I do revert to zoom if/when someone is isolating.

As it is today (this eve) I can barely talk so good idea on seeing how things are tomorrow. I have a 3yr old too so that makes time for recovery/rest rather difficult! Although saying that, my husband is amazing and has taken over during the day so I can sleep.

Oh and yes I had a PCR on Friday when the coughing properly started and that was negative

Thanks @londonrach yeah it’s mainly my lost voice which is the problem as I definitely need that for teaching!