Why do I feel so guilty about leaving work early... when I'm not well? 23 weeks...leading on from other post on leaving dates :-)

[Jackaroo]

It's so daft. We've had a hell of a 12 months (immigrated, moved 3 times, lost my dad), my 3 yr old DS is extremely lively 5 days a week (I work 2 days a week), I have very low blood pressure, and teh doctor has said he isn't happy for me to drive unless I'm feeling well (spend a lot of the time feeling light-headed and woozy)... and so I've left, more or less today, having got a good replacement for the next couple of weeks before a full replacement can start (I'll go back in to train her)...

I was very nervous driving in rush hour, esp., with DS in the back, mornings are the worst......... but despite having worked many extra hours since christmas, paying for extra childcare to do so, being only casually employed (so no sick/maternity leave here) etc, etc., my boss seems incapable of showing any concern. I don't want thanks, but she's being so ungracious I'm feeling really upset now. I know she's got her hands full, she's unhappy blah blah blah.. but dammit, I just wanted one "we'll miss you" or "do let me knwo how you get on..."

Am I just whinging?

Maybe ignore me, I'm writing this so I don't write to her!!!

poor you! no, you are not just whinging, but some people are just made that way (as in, not very gracious or concerned).
Try not to let it get to you, and DO NOT feel guilty - esp if it is part time work, with no benefits.
Just take it easy from now on - sounds a nightmare with the low BP.
enjoy the rest of your pregnancy!

Your boss is a complete cow, eradicate her from your thoughts. Oh and why are you going to go in to train your replacement? Let your boss deal with it.

people like that will never be grateful or appreciate you. There's nothing you can do to change this woman. You sound very conscientious and a good employee, and you have real health problems, so this is totally not your fault.. I would advise you to just gently start looking for another job for after mat leave where you are appreciated properly. Oh and no training the replacement unless you are paid for your time and your childcare.

What does she want you to do? Kill another road user, or heaven forbid another pregnant woman wobbling about on a bike... ie me?? Seriously if the doctor is worried about you driving he's not just worried for you, you pose a genuine risk to others, there's no way you should have to drive work just to make some mardy selfish cow less unhappy.

Sorry I lost my mum in a car crash as a kid and it makes me cross when people feel they should/ought/or want to drive when they know they shouldn't. It really ruins lives.

Oooh god, sorry for being shouty btw. That's for your boss, very definitely not you.... unless you've been woozy in a massive 4X4, my ultimate nightmare scenario!!

Seriously giving up work sounds like a totally responsible thing to do. It's just not as convenient for your boss so she's being a cow.

oOH, thank you SO much, you all make me feel so much better - righteously indignant now - not wimpy and miserable!!

Poppet, I'm so sorry about your mum. Rest assured, I have never felt as if I couldn't cope when driving (certainly would drive like that) just a bit numb; more worried that I wouldn't have the right reaction times if a stupid 4x4 driver cut me up (Sydney pastime it seems). I suspect the way one feels after a glass of wine, but I've never driven with any alcohol at all so wouldn't know....

She's not a cow really, just very absorbed byt eh fact that she shouldn't have taken this job, and can't cope.. and so just sees everything in terms of how it will impact on her. lol, now I sound like an apologist for her!

Anyway, you've made me feel a whole lot better.

J