Do I go on sick leave? Or am I being dramatic?

[21butterflies]

Hi,

Ive posted in AIBU but thought this may be a better place.

So I work in education as a therapist. My work is busy as I work in different schools each day and have to see students back to back. I have limited time to do other admin and I’m always relying on the school for wifi/printing and it can be exhausting. I do often work outside of my hours.

It’s got to the point where I think I’m suffering from burnout and dread going into work every day to the point that I cry and panic.
I’ve been on the hunt for a new job.

I’ve always had back problems but has got significantly worse in the last week. I can function but it’s agony most of the day. I went to a chiropractor last night and they said I have upper rib dysfunction and I had to have x rays.

They have to give me the result tomorrow morning so I need more time off work (had to have an hour off today for mental health appointment).

I’m feeling so down due to my back and burnout to the point where it’s affecting my social life and my relationship with DP (constantly down on him and depressed).

Is it dramatic to take sick leave? I feel like I should be lucky having a secure 8-4 job. I just hate the impact it’s having on my relationship too and generally I feel pretty low, avoiding talking to other staff and sitting staring at the wall at work.

I can’t take annual leave as I work term times only.

What would you guys do?

I'd take sick leave. Look for another job and make sure you get well.

There's NOTHING more important than your health.

100% you need to take sick leave ASAP. Burnout is very real, I would take at the very least a month off from now

I have an interview lined up next week. I just don’t know if I’m being silly or dramatic as it’s not an awful job, just relying on the schools is tricky and it’s also really lonely as I don’t work in a team as such.

How would I go about taking sick leave? I haven’t yet said about tomorrow mornings appointment to my boss :/

It’s also spilling into my social life where I can’t be bothered to go anything - I also have the most supportive DP ever but I know I’m putting a lot of stress and depression on him too and he said he feels tired :(

Your job is affecting your health. I think you should take some sick leave to regain your strength.
Have you spoken to your line manager? Are they aware how stressed and stretched you are?

The alternative is to speak to your manager and see if they can make any changes. If you can imagine changes that you think would help.

Otherwise, sick then new job. It sounds like you have a decent skill set to pick up something new. Good luck!

Thank you. Still umming and ahhing:(

What's your worry about taking sick leave?

Hello
I could have written your post..I also work across different schools and authorities albeit in a different role, for the last 12 months (was in one school for many years before that).
I have gradually found this way of working very hard, and have finally came to the point I can’t go on. You are perfectly within your right to take sick leave if you feel like this-it being a term time 8-4 job makes the impact on your health no less stressful.
I have started applying for other jobs (some totally different to the role I do now) which has made me feel a little better, but I am also considering taking sick leave if I don’t get something soon as it is affecting my health so much.
Feel free to pm me if you want to chat further confidentially. You are not alone x

I find MN very difficult on threads like this because most people advise going off sick. As an employer, I will always do my utmost to accomodate anyone who is struggling with their mental or physical health but find it really frustrating when they go and get signed off sick rather than confront the issue.

And it may affect your employment record if you're looking to change jobs.

Is there anyone you can reach out to and say "I need help"?

@BoodleBug51

I find MN very difficult on threads like this because most people advise going off sick. As an employer, I will always do my utmost to accomodate anyone who is struggling with their mental or physical health but find it really frustrating when they go and get signed off sick rather than confront the issue.

And it may affect your employment record if you're looking to change jobs.

Is there anyone you can reach out to and say "I need help"?

That’s because most employers don’t actually care about their employees other than as a resource.

How did your interview go?

If I was your manager I would be supportive of your plight and encourage you to take a few days off to see to your back and get a bit of space. I'd offer the employee support programme and would then check in on Thurs/Fri with the hope that you would be back on Monday for a conversation about what needs to change

What is your manager / employer like?