To phone in sick

[KrossKriss]

If you worked in a school as a midday supervisor and you had a weekend away booked to celebrate a milestone birthday, would you ever contemplate phoning in sick so that you could take advantage of having the full day away? This is what I’m trying to decide but I’m torn.

I’m going away with my dh husband tomorrow and the other day he suggested phoning in sick so that we could set off early morning once our youngest dc is at school (instead of 1.30pm) so that we can explore the area, go for lunch etc before checking into our accommodation at 3pm. At first i said no but I’m now debating.

For context I know I only work an hour or so each day but I am far from work shy, I work very hard, but I’m struggling and have been for the last year. I struggle with anxiety and in the last year I’ve been diagnosed with autism, as has my dd. I have also for the last 18 months been struggling with (early) perimenopause. I’m a shadow of my former self and this last year there have been times I haven’t recognised myself, it’s been horrendous. I’ve been a weeping, emotional,
sleep deprived mess which ultimately has impacted ok every aspect of my life.

Now I know I’m ranting and i expect I know what you’re thinking, that I’m rhyming off all of my ailments to justify me wanting a day off work, but it’s not as simple as that. The job itself isn’t great. I didn’t go into the job with my blinkers on and I was under no illusion that it would be easy but in the relatively short time I’ve been in the role my anxiety has got worse. I’ve experienced borderline work place bullying from two members of staff that i really should’ve reported but I’m to soft, and my work load is ridiculous due to the same members of staff repeatedly phoning in sick for weeks at a time. It’s a thankless undervalued job and I dread going in most days. If i was happy in my job and as treated fairly I wouldn’t even be considering phoning in sick when I’m not poorly but then my dh (who has a solid work ethic and has only had three days off sick in 21 years) says it’s up to me but if he were so unhappy in his job he wouldn’t care less and just take the day off. Thoughts?

I hear what you are saying and your justifications BUT don't do it. It's too short notice for them to get cover and you have already said you have to cover other people's sickness and are annoyed about that. Just go into work as normal and if you stay in the job, book time off in advance for any future adventures. Your Husband shouldn't be encouraging you to take this route, if your job is as bad as you say and is affecting your health visibly, he should be encouraging you to leave.

A teacher would categorically not give up their lunch to cover a staff member being off sick. I’m currently covering a staff member who phoned in sick the second day back after the Christmas holidays. We just have to suck it up and get on with it.

So you have no consideration for the people you work with who will have to cover for you
Vile

Yes I am odd. I’m autistic so I’m used to people thinking this.

How many hours a day and a week are you working?

Half of what you're saying isn't even relevant and whatever we say doesn't seem to be going in.

Just have the day off.

Given what you’ve said re the general culture I would call in sick, it’s an hour, you’ve covered for others before, they will cope.

But, you should really look for another job as it does sound that you’re not very happy there and life is too short.

Enjoy your weekend away X

I have been in pretty much the same situation as yourself. I left the job in the end as it just wasn't worth the stress and impact it was having on my life. Leaving that job was the best thing I ever did, I look back and wonder why I stayed so long.

As for calling in sick, definitely do it.

It might not be a teacher, but someone will have to cover your role if you skive off. Also if you're covering for another staff member then that means they need to find cover for both roles, so multiple staff could have their lunch cut short just so you can go on holiday a bit earlier in the day.

You work 5 hours a week and you're going to pull a sickie on one if those hours? Jesus wept.

I'll ask again. Why have you bothered to start this thread?

I would.

If its only an hour a day and you hate it so much I'd quit and find something else?

And no. Don't fake a sickie for a holiday.

By telling you that I’m autistic it isn’t so that I can justify my “poor behaviour”‘it’s simply for context. I honestly don’t know why I expected you to understand.

I don't think that should matter to you.

Same. Do it and then start thinking about giving up this job, unless dependent on money, that you’re not enjoying.

If you were long term sick then sure go on holiday. But 1 day so you can go on holiday is a bit wrong.

I genuinely haven’t made my mind up. If I was such a shitty person then I’d phone in sick without even giving it a second thought.

Just phone in, you don't have to say your sick. Tell them you are struggling at the minute and you are taking a care day.

Don't be a dick

Well given moist think YABU, what are your thoughts now?