Do you feel guilty calling in sick at work?

Question

Todays my third day calling in sick because I’ve come down with an awful cold.

A few years ago I really learned the hard way that your health comes first but I can’t help feeling guilty taking time off work 😭.

KostasKouvalis · Accepted Answer

My first season I didn't use any sick days, but my other seasons I did. I did at first, like I genuinely thought the place wouldn't function without me, but after a while I realized that no one else cares about their co-workers or the customers, so why should I? And I was like, other people are using THEIRS, why shouldn't I use mine? I used a few to go on road trips or stay home when I didn't feel like going to work. But most of the time I was genuinely sick.

I also used to feel guilty about taking a vacation during peak season, but then I was like, "You know what, other people are doing it, so why shouldn't I?"

Doesn't matter anymore, 'cuz I no longer work there

Saiesh30 · Accepted Answer

I get that. Even if I'm sick I feel guilty for taking a leave.
I guess it's understandable that people might feel guilty about calling in sick, especially if they have important tasks to complete or if their absence affects their colleagues. Like you said you learner the lesson the hard way, it's important to prioritize your health when you're genuinely unwell. What good is the money if you're gonna spend it on getting back healthy haha

Dinklex3 · Accepted Answer

Nope. Boo-hoo. I stopped caring when I realized they don’t care about me. My first clinic used to make people feel guilty for having appointments and getting sick. I stopped feeling guilty and prioritized my health.

Take care of yourself! Hope you feel better ❤️

LaurenM1997 · Accepted Answer

Hope you feel better soon sending you a hug 🤗 ❤️

DrPepper12 · Answer

Not anymore. Im a teacher and I used to feel bad about it. I now even give my own biological kids "mental health" days where they can skip school that day. If adults have tough days, they can too.

As a teacher I preached to colleagues that it's called a school BREAK for a reason. Stop assigning work over the break and leave them the fuck alone.

Static_In_The_Attic · Answer

From time to time we all get sick or some of us get sick of work & some of us just need a few mental health days. As for me I never feel guilty about calling in sick because when it comes to sick time & with my employer sick time is earned & if they have a problem with me using earned time I can refer them to my local union.

I have 642 hours of sick time & when I’m sick, I’m sick & I take off when I’m sick.

Chazmatazz269 · Answer

Never. I feel guilty going to work sick, knowing ever else will end up sick because of me. It absolutely blows my mind that covid didn’t teach us that ONE important lesson. Employers still badger their employees about taking time off for being sick. Employers that do that should be fined, a full day’s profit for every day they force an employee to work sick.

mistermike · Answer

Yes because i rarely do. Last summer i called off 2 days because i felt like i had a cold for like 2 weeks and then it turned into a full-blown sinus infection. It felt like i was running a low-grade fever for a few days and i just felt so weak i probably should have went to the doctor earlier but i didn't.

Mr_twoface · Answer

Firstly, hope you get well soon! Sending positive vibes!  Secondly, I feel equally bad that I don't get paid the first day and that my colleagues have to take over my workload until I recover.

FunkyMonkee · Answer

Not if I'm really sick. If I have other reasons to cut from work, I'll let them know ahead of time so they can arrange to let me have the time off, as needed.

jshm2 · Answer

Here in the UK we do not have "sick days". You can be off for a month if it's what is required. Even have someone who has been off for a year as she recovers from surgery.

Twalli · Answer

You are taking time off so you can be more productive when there

blueonblack22 · Answer

I got a salary job. So the work has to get done regardless if I take a sick day or not.

Awesomesauce2005 · Answer

Yes, because i got sick someone else has to pick up my slack. I really dont like it call in so sometimes i go to work anyway and try to hide being sick.

exitseven · Answer

I worked for the state and got a lot of sick time. I never had a problem calling in sick if it was a nice day and I wanted to go to the beach. I was careful to not take Fridays and Mondays off that much.

Friendlybro79 · Answer

After 20 years at the same job no. I have called out prob 5 days some of which I had to go to a hospital.

sheikalana · Answer

No, I only report sick when I'm genuinely sick and never felt guilty about.

Alex-Snow · Answer

Not at all... if u are sick u are sick and ur coworkers do not want to get sick from you

avery58 · Answer

I don't feel guilty at all. It's not an every week or every other week thing and I hated my last job

Luckycharms12 · Answer

Yap I do. Work in healthcare services always really busy and under staffed issues. So feel really bad calling in sick

OtterMan68 · Answer

no. I earned those sick days, and if I'm sick and can't work, I use them

IslaTheWitch · Answer

no, there are other companies, if this doesn't understand that health comes first...

AngryCarl · Answer

Yes, even if I'm half dead I still feel guilty calling in sick.

KrakenAttackin · Answer

Yeah, I always feel work will think I am slacking even when I am very ill.

Anonymous · Answer

Nope. Your employer is not your friend. You are not part of a team. They would slit your throat in a heartbeat if it meant more money for the company.

Anonymous · Answer

You probably aren’t a innocent woman are you

Jennz6 · Answer

I can’t call in sick

NathanDavis · Answer

no... I'm sick

jahaims · Answer

Why would I feel guilty about that

Celticwolf78 · Answer

Make sure to have a doctors excuse

Darkest-Knight · Answer

Don't feel guilty at all.

eagle1951 · Answer

never did

Do you feel guilty calling in sick at work?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said