Aibu to take sick leave?

[Fedup0815]

Would people judge me if I were to take sick leave (my employer has a generous package) in these circumstances? Or should I try to carry on working?

I have a child who was admitted to hospital about 10 days ago. We may be in months, I have to be here more or less round the clock. I can technically work remotely but I am so worried, tired and stressed that I am not with it, started making loads of mistakes (which can be fixed, I am not a neurosurgeon). Not to mention all the disruptions when nursers, doctors, therapists etc come and need to check it discuss things. I haven't slept properly since we landed here. I am totally run down. I have no support, and noone who can help out. Work said ok to work remotely out of the hospital for now but it's not working. A few people asked me why I don't get signed off but some friends said it would be a really shitty thing to do and it's not my employer's problem if I cannot sort childcare.

Would you judge someone going off sick? I work in a small team and me being off will impact the others (and I guess summer annual leave will be cancelled in part for my colleagues too).

For context, I have been here 10 years and only one sick leave (after major surgery) so I am not someone who stays at home for every sniffle.

I am just losing the plot as to what is sensible, reasonable and what isn't. And yes, I do care what people think about me too. Probs a little too much.

Yanbu - go off sick
yabu - keep working

Surely you can come to an arrangement with your employer?

Sounds like an unusual situation

This. Look after yourself and your children. Wishing for a speedy recovery.

I've been in a similar situation recently and I was just completely honest with my employer as to what I could and couldn't do. We discussed using some annual leave and doing reduced hours etc but then when my daughter got much more ill they just gave me 3 weeks off paid leave no questions asked. I would encourage you to talk to your manager or your HR and explain the situation. Emphasise that you don't want to be making mistakes and don't feel mentally well enough to work and get their guidance. It's likely they'll support you and if they can't then speak to your GP and asked to be signed off due to stress as it sounds like you are in a very stressful situation.

As a side note, some advice from having spent too much of the last year in hospitals with a little one... be kind to yourself, try and get even 5 minutes in fresh air everyday it really does help, if you've anyone who can bring you proper food do it (convenience food takes its toll) and try and switch off from the screens for a while each day (I had books, puzzles and knitting). Sending you all the best xxx

My old manager was not flexible with an employer who was dealing with a family member who required care.

That employer ended up going of sick for 6 weeks full pay.

I would absolutely get signed off with stress in your shoes - how you describe feeling and the symptoms of nausea etc. sound exactly like stress to me.