First day back after mat leave and I’m ill

[Candle81]

WIBU to do call in sick? I’m due back at work tomorrow after 10 months off. But yesterday morning I started being ill, I think I’ve caught something from my baby who always has some sort of bug.

High fever, aches, coughing, headache, upset stomach and completely lost my voice. If I’m not better tomorrow AIBU to call in sick? I’ve worked at my company for 7 years and barely had a sick day!

So did you take the advice given on the thread and speak to your manager today, rather than springing this on them tomorrow?

I spoke to the manager yesterday afternoon and have taken a sick day today, they’ve been really good about it to be honest. I am still running a fever today and have an awful cough. I was only meant to do 2 1/2 days this week on phased return so hoping I’ll be able to make the next day on Thursday.

I’d say log in and try to do your best. If you feel too ill, you wont have left home and you can always mention it during the day and leave.

if you had a long term illness, would you get sick pay? If you didn’t, would you go in? I’ve experienced this recently, so I know it’s tough to have go in work when you’re ill, but online is considerably easier than many public facing jobs.

I hate to break it you but this is your next 2 years or so. Never been so repetitively ill in my life than the nursery years.

So yes I would log on unless you’re literally vomiting!

I’m actually still awake and still poorly, but I saw a dr this afternoon who said I have a chest infection and have been put on antibiotics so it’s looking like I might have to take the entire first week back off, as sick leave!

I have been catching all sorts from my baby since he was born but I don’t remember feeling this ill, ever.

I get sick pay for 6 months which I’m hoping won’t be needed! But no considering how awful I’m currently feeling I wouldn’t go in even if I wasn’t being paid. I’ve got used to not having as much money as I’ve just survived several months on statutory maternity pay!

OP what rotten luck to feel like this on your first day back. I hope you feel better. Timing wise is crap but can’t be helped. Much better to take the time off sick for a day or two and then go back to work fully better and rested. Don’t listen to everyone telling you to work…and yes I agree WFH is real work whether you’re ill or not. Get well soon and good luck for when you make it back x

Get well soon, Op. Sounds as though you really are far too unwell to work.

I know exactly how you feel as I'd have terrible guilt and a sense of obligation in this situation too. When I started a new job a few years ago (pre wfh being a thing) I was really poorly with a sickness bug- I dragged myself in and tried to hide it but in the end fainted at my desk and created much more of a drama! Given you've worked there for 7 years I would phone them and explain how unwell you are and that you appreciate how bad timing it is. If you're not usually off they'll understand it's genuine and hopefully you can then get some guilt free rest.hope you feel better soon.

If you are unwell call in sick. This attitude of you have to bend over backwards for your workplace even when your dying, literally in some case! It doesn't sit right with me. They'd replace you in a day if they needed to. Phone in and get back to bed. Work will still be there tomorrow

Morning. Sorry that you are poorly.

You've been off 10 months. Another week isn't going to make much difference to the business but it will to you. If you don't rest and recover you will be starting your return to work on the back foot and may pick up every bug going.

I've spent far too many days pushing through at work when I should have been at home. I'm now older and my body is paying the price. Don't do what I did. Honestly.

Tell them you are too ill to work, that you will start again next week.