To want to take a sick day when I’m not sick

[Charlottestar]

I’m not sick but I AM very tired. Desperate for a day to myself …

would you

It's a mental health day. If you can use it to recharge it will improve your resilience to illnesses which which may force you out for longer. Do it.

Sometimes you desperately need a rest. I would, just don't make a habit of it

Mental health days are quite common in Europe -
You do it hun. Look after yourself - put in your oxygen mask - and take a nap in the afternoon. Feel NO guilt. You are worth it xx
I wish someone would have said this to me 30 years ago xx

Can you 'work to rule' for a week or two ? Start on time, stop on time, take a full hour for lunch and snooze in your car.

Explain to your boss, if they ask, that you are tired and using these tactics to ensure you don't go off sick. They should support you.

I would be pretty annoyed if a colleague of mine did this. I have just had legitimate sickness for most of last week and it was awful and stressful. Our company missed a load of deadlines because of my absence, and I have that guilt, even though I know I can't help having a gastro bug. Unplanned absences have a big knock on effect on everyone else. I really struggled having to balance looking after a preschooler whilst ill, with cooking / washing / general life etc. I'm currently catching up on the missed work on my weekend, whilst also looking after said preschooler. Everyone with small children is tired. But you manage it by going to bed early for a few nights not skipping out on your job!

YABU. I have several colleagues who can’t be arsed to turn up for work when it suits them and those of us who actually do are asked to work extra hours, etc.

Could it cause issues for other colleagues?

What help do you have at home?
Could you pay for childcare for just a few hours?
Where is the toddler's other parent?

One day off is not going to solve the fact you need to sort out some weekend rest going forward

How tired? I've gone into work and literally fallen asleep in a meeting. I'm not sure I was doing anyone any favours by dragging myself in that day. It's not impossible to be too tired to work.

I personally would never do this. If I phone in sick, the whole shift I short staffed and it really impacts my colleagues. There are certain people with a reputation in work for being workshop and always off sick- I would hate to be one of them!

Do it OP and don't feel one bit bad! You will be able to work better when you are well rested, and also tiredness could potentially lead to an accident or being rundown which would require more days off! Work is not everything. 1 day is not going to make the place fall down without you. It is important for your wellbeing (physical and mental).

Depends on the reason for tiredness I suppose. Mental health related - fine, take day off sick and YANB.

Lifestyle choices - YABU absolutely.

What’s your normal sickness levels like. How will it effect others.

DH is generally never off sick ever. He once hadn’t been off for 2 years and was just feeling really really tired. I told him to ring in, say he had a migraine and go to sleep. Pushing through probably would have made him more susceptible to getting something else.
You can be signed off sick for exhaustion. Problem is we don’t see it as acceptable for a day off work.

Hi Liz.

As someone with a number of chronic medical conditions, meaning I'd have been sacked years ago if I didn't regularly drag myself into work when in pain, or ill, the concept of fit people happily pulling a sickie is pretty vile.

No. But if this is down to you taking on too much that is not fair on your employer or colleagues. Maybe be honest and ask for a day off unpaid.

Does Dad have any involvement with them?

Mental health IS health. If you are mentally burnt out take the time off! I wish people would remember mental health is just as serious as a broken arm if not more so! Please take the time you need to feel ready to work or you will need a lot longer out x

Oh come on, so everyone saying no don't do it, while polishing their halos, have never pulled a sickie? Be serious!

It is one day. Your workplace will not imploded without you for a few days. How do they cope when you are on annual leave?

I work in a school - no annual leave as such.

No i have never thrown a sickie. Annual leave is planned for and rotas worked accordingly.

This is what annual leave is for. I'm honestly so sick of colleagues doing this just because they get full pay.

OP is a teacher... No annual leave

You work in a school - so are you off today and tomorrow?
Is there a father involved with the child?
If so the better option, which is more fair on your colleagues, is to get him to step up and let you sleep this weekend.
At the very least you have 2 night now where you can get a really early night.
Does your toddler sleep through?
If not, don’t be afraid to rely on TV for some downtime tomorrow if there’s no-one else to have your child.

Nope no father involvement - I never get a break and I am knackered, and a bit resentful yes, but in the meantime this is my life.

Just say you are feeling under the weather. Which you are. Exhaustion can lead to burn out so take that day off.