Holiday whilst off work

[Becuriousnotjudgemental1980]

I’m off work on long term sick. I had a breakdown after my mum passed away. Things are getting better and I’m hoping to get back to work in the next few months
We had had a UK break booked for the end of August booked for ages and booked whilst I was at work. Said to DH I didn’t think I should go as a) I’m off sick and b) I’m just starting to get on top of things. I said he should just take the kids. He said I’m allowed to have a life and it’s no one’s business what I I do while I’m off sick. I don’t really know?? What do you guys think?

Was having a similar conversation with a friend this week. His psychiatrist even wrote that it would be good for him as part of his recovery before he would go and take his holiday. A lot of it is fear of judgement and work ‘catching’ him and getting in trouble. Please take the holiday

Sorry to read of your loss. Having the option to come home and not posting on social media seems sensible.

Do not tell work. Just do not post your holiday pictures on social media! HR need to know nothing!

I’m sorry to hear about your mum.

I was off on long term sickness and my manager checked in one day to ask how I was doing. She wanted to know if I was having any fun, not to be nosey but she reminded me that I was off sick for a reason, that I needed to find some joy again. I told her I was worried about going out incase someone spotted me but she said it was no-ones business.

Go on the holiday, take time to rest and relax somewhere else.

Yes it’s fine to go. Take care. 💐

OP offered for her husband and children to still go.
OP, definitely go if you think it would benefit you. You probably do need a change of scene.

When I was off work, my GP specifically advised me to spend the time doing things that made me happy as it was the only way I’d get better. She was right.

In my country, the law says you can't travel abroad while you're on sick leave. Because the assumption is that if you're too sick to work, you're too sick for overseas holidays. But I don't think there's an issue with travelling within the country.

I don't know what the law says where you live, though.

Post your pics if you want.
HR cant say a word.

You absolutely can go. You’re off work due to mental health not a contagious disease that may render you needing to be away from others.

This got people disciplined and sacked when I worked for the shittest ever NHS Trust.

That was quick. 🙄

But I do think you should go if you want to.

Agree with your last bit.

Ridiculous.

I was managing teams of people for 20 odd years before I retired, I’d be insisting you take the holiday, it’s probably a much needed break and will help support your recovery … I’m sure your GP would tell you the same from a wellness and health perspective too

Go away OP, surely it will only help your mental health? As an employer, I would absolutely support this for anyone I work with

OP, I was off sick after multiple pregnancy losses and a couple of other stresses and my manager told me off for considering not going on holiday! I went and it was 100% the right thing to do!

I did actually think I shouldn’t go. Husband all prepared to take kids on his own. Still undecided. Thanks though 👍🏻

Thanks everyone. I’m crap at making decisions in this state so I’ll probably change my mind 45 more times. Thank you for all your kind words. Hopefully I’ll feel able to go and it’ll help.

Please go on holiday and I hope you feel better soon x

You would only be wrong to go if you had specifically told work that you couldn't work because of something that would also mean you couldn't go on holiday. "I can't come to work because I can only just about get to the loo from bed" well clearly you can get a lot further than the loo if you can go on holiday. Otherwise holiday and work are completely different and it's 100% FINE if you can do one and not the other!

Go. When I was a manager and someone was off with stress / breakdown I always suggested taking a holiday.

I made the mistake of mentioning it to a ‘friend’ who said oh so my taxes are paying for you to go on holiday whilst you’re off sick. That must be nice. Erm.. as last I checked I am still paying my own taxes?? Have had a job since I was 15! We aren’t friends anymore. Why are people like that. Also it just made no sense!

As long as uts not detrimental to your recovery then its not a problem....going on a walking holiday when you are off with a knee problem is completely different to a family holiday when off with MH issues.
Dp took me abroad for a week in the sun whilst recovering from shoulder surgery...doing nothing except some light swimming in the pool really helped my recovery.

In My job you would be allowed to go but would be expected to use your annual leave allowance not sick leave. It would still count as one period of sick leave though.

This makes it fair as you still accrue annual leave while on sick leave.

I’d be happy to do this if they asked and I end up going. Especially as I’m hoping to get back to work soon as well.