Drained | Mumsnet

jb2106 · 2025-07-17T03:13:44+00:00

Is it okay if I put in a sick note for 1 week i work full time single parent - child turns 2 in September finding it hard to get all ducks in a row, house work bills, working, loving and spending time with my child, literally doing everything. Im drained work will only allow 2 days WFH per week I feel like my heads so full … im not sure what to do! Any advise be so greatful

ByQuaintAzureWasp · 17/07/2025 04:19

Share the load if you can. Go for a walk, get some fresh air.

theduchessoftintagel · 17/07/2025 04:23

You don't need mumsnet's permission, it's your job - but 100% if you need some time to reset. I wouldn't do it if you've had time off sick before that could cause a management issue, but it's up to you.

Yellowbirdcage · 17/07/2025 04:39

We don’t know enough to say whether this is a good idea but sounds as though you are certainly stressed.
Would a week off honestly make the difference? So you even have the energy and head space to ‘catch up’ in one week?
If I was your manager I would be referring you to the employee help service and maybe suggesting you see your GP as you may need some longer term help.
It is relentless isn’t it? It does get easier- at least I can assure you of that.

Bjorkdidit · 17/07/2025 05:50

Surely this is what annual leave is for?

Most people struggle juggling all their commitments to various degrees, this isn't sickness, it's life.

You need to look at what changes you can make to make things easier to manage, eg compressed hours or part time which, depending on your tax rate, might not lead to as big a reduction in income as you fear.

Also are you claiming help with the cost of childcare and is your DCs father paying maintenance? Does he have DC at all, which would give you a break.

40weeksmummy · 17/07/2025 07:02

You have every single right to do it.
Mental wellbeing is very important and even few days can do a big difference.
I remember myself being totally knackered. I called in sick for 3 days. Deep cleaned my house and batch cooked few meals. Took my child to park , had a coffee with friend. I was like a new person after it. Worth it!
Someone said about annual leave- it's not that easy, my ex workplace was always understaffed and you could dream about few days holidays with short notice.

TwoFeralKids · 17/07/2025 07:29

40weeksmummy · 17/07/2025 07:02

You have every single right to do it.
Mental wellbeing is very important and even few days can do a big difference.
I remember myself being totally knackered. I called in sick for 3 days. Deep cleaned my house and batch cooked few meals. Took my child to park , had a coffee with friend. I was like a new person after it. Worth it!
Someone said about annual leave- it's not that easy, my ex workplace was always understaffed and you could dream about few days holidays with short notice.

You deep cleaned your house whilst being knackered??

TwoPointOh · 17/07/2025 07:31

40weeksmummy · 17/07/2025 07:02

You have every single right to do it.
Mental wellbeing is very important and even few days can do a big difference.
I remember myself being totally knackered. I called in sick for 3 days. Deep cleaned my house and batch cooked few meals. Took my child to park , had a coffee with friend. I was like a new person after it. Worth it!
Someone said about annual leave- it's not that easy, my ex workplace was always understaffed and you could dream about few days holidays with short notice.

Taking time off from your job isn’t without consequences though so you have to think of that too.

Colinisatwat · 17/07/2025 07:37

I did this recently.
My mum is ill with a long term condition (recently diagnosed).
My teenage / young adult kids had very significant things going on.
My partner needed minor surgery. An accumulation of other minor things had such an impact on me and I was totally overwhelmed.

I ended up having 2 weeks off sick and was able to totally reset. Yes I did clean my house, spent time with kids, sorted some appointments for my mum, had a massage, met a friend for lunch.

I went back to (my very stressful) work feeling much more in control and able to cope with things. It was so much needed for my mental health.

RentalWoesNotFun · 17/07/2025 08:14

You couod do that or take a/l.
But what happens in a few weeks when it all catches up with you again and you feel the same?
Can you get some help or make some changes?

Augustus40 · 27/07/2025 06:29

A bit late to this thread but did you take time off in the end?

Make sure you put little one in childcare any days off you take so you can get adequate uninterrupted me time to get on and rest as well as catching up with chores etc. Unless you have planned some quality time together of course.

Do your family help in any way? Does the ex see your toddler? Can they help more eg weekends?