To worry to take more time off will put the final nail in my job?

[Hehimo]

Been off for two weeks following surgery which was just to take a sample to test. I was wiped out after it and felt exhausted. I don’t want to go back as I feel like everything is in chaos (two under 3) and now feel very stressed the house isn’t in order etc. I’m a lone parent. I’ve been at the company 2.5 years and never taken a sick day before. I feel I’m drowning and not sure what to say to gp to extend this or whether they would. Would this damage my job massively? Feel so awful

It’s sometimes more of an issue to go back too soon, and then end up off again or under performing than it is to stay off until definitely well enough to work again.

Ask GP for a review, they’re there to give a view as to whether you’re well enough to work.

One thing to consider is whether you’re giving yourself best chance to recover. Are children in childcare as much as they can be (eg you havent cancelled or picking up early because you’re off). Are you going light on other things. Would a phased return be worth considering.

Every job I've ever had counts 'instances' of absence ~ so it may well be better for your job to stay off, and then go back when you're better instead of going back and then having to take further time off.

Unless they're an awful employer, 2 weeks is not that much time off - especially post surgery! Again, in any job I've ever had, the maximum you might get (if you have a boss who's not understanding/a company clamping down on sickness policy) would be a written warning.

Do you have access to your absence policy? Maybe give that a read to reassure yourself of the 'worst case' scenario x