Should I call out of work tomorrow due to being very sick with a cold even though I will be penalized for it?

Question

We have this rule at my job that you must give 48 hour notice before you can take off work but I'm feeling really sick. Have never called out before since I have been working there but at the same time I don't want to lose any of my PTO because I had planned a 2 week vacation in November and I don't want to be penalized because it would mean I won't get my $900 incentive.

So I'm kind of leaning towards still going and suck it up. But I feel so awful right now.

jazzy34 · Accepted Answer

You’re sick. Take care of YOU. Don’t worry about the consequences of calling out. You sound like me. I HATE calling out of work. When I’m sick, however, I focus on getting better. Not what my managers are going to say. Back in January, I ended up being out for four days. I had a HORRIBLE cold. In all honesty, I think it was the flu because I was feverish. Anyway, if you’re that worried about the consequences, get seen by your doctor so that you can at least get a doctor’s note. With that, I’m sure your boss will excuse the absence. Plus, if you’re a reliable employee who shows up every day, don’t worry too much about it. Most importantly, get well soon, stay hydrated, and get as much rest as possible. 😊

sage2021 · Accepted Answer

Sis,

Buy a box of Theraflu packets and put it in a cup, add hot water and drink it before you go to work. It's like hot lemonade. But you have to keep stirring in because all the medicine sinks to the bottom of the cup.
I swear by this stuff. It makes you feel good enough to make it through the day at work.
I used to give it to other employees when they had a bad cold/flu and it worked for them as well.
This should solve your problem about not wanting to go to work because you're sick. Hopefully..❣️

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

You call out. I get you’re concerned about your incentive, PTO, etc, but things happen. It would make no sense to go to work, which could possibly cause other workers to get sick. Now not only are you out of work but so are other employees which is going to cost the company more financially. Also if you go to work it could mean one more day longer that you’re sick as opposed to staying home that day when it’s barely coming on to get rest. I don’t see how a company can require you to give 48 hours notice that you’re going to be sick a head of time. To me that just makes it easier for an employee to call in ahead of time to say I’m “sick” just to take time off.

HawkPerception · Accepted Answer

I'm usually a believer of if you feel like not going to work, then you shouldn't, but based on what you've said, I think you should still go. You'll regret not going later if you end up making that decision.

Advisor Smith · Accepted Answer

Your health should be your priority. Working while seriously ill can impact your recovery and potentially spread illness to colleagues. As you've shown reliability in the past, consider communicating with your employer about your situation. Explain your history of not calling out and your current condition. They might accommodate your request, especially considering your commitment to work. Health and safety are paramount; be clear and honest in your communication. Recovery is key for future performance and well-being.

OneViewpoint · Answer

Stupid fucking office policy. Go in and hug/kiss everyone. Lick all the coffee cups. Get the entire workforce sick. Tell your boss it was because of his stupid $900 incentive. Thanks for the cash moron.

ohsheeT · Answer

You work on Sunday. Or wait. Tomorrow. Is Monday lol I think. Lol im not sure when you asked this question .. ok time out I have sat here for 10 min trying to find the words to answer your question. I mean I have the answer. But the reason for the answer is a really good reason. But saying it out loud. Is good is bold and is real but OK im just going to say sometimes we need to do things like that lol

TrimmedTip · Answer

Go to work sick, and you risk spreading germs, feeling worse, and being less productive. Your health — and your coworkers’ — matters more than a policy that doesn’t account for sudden illness.

Call out. Explain it’s short notice due to illness. Most reasonable employers respect that. If they penalize you for being genuinely sick, it might be time to question if that job values you enough.

Rest up. Your vacation and health are worth protecting. 💙🤒

Clear_Skies10 · Answer

48 hour notice before you can take off work? People get sick and won't know 2 days in advance, lol. That's crazy.

WhitneySnow · Answer

I think you should take off. Explain that you’ve never called in sick before and ask them not to penalize you.

DryGermanGuy · Answer

I don’t get it. You are sick, so use a sickday, not a PTO day. Or at least, work from home?

mysteriousNicholas · Answer

I don't want to provide advice, I just want to state my sympathy 😋

exitseven · Answer

How can you know 48 hours in advance that you are going to be sick? If it is just a cold you might as well suck it up and go in. Pick a nice day to bang in sick and just go to the beach.

AviatorTom · Answer

Most employers don't want their sick employees at work. It risks getting others sick. If you're sick, let your employer know and take a sick day.

NordicInScandinavia · Answer

Not that I'll never face that dilemma but I'd probably show up and get everyone else sick just to spite a work place like that.

Dongie · Answer

Go! Let them know though. Let them see how unfair a 48 hour advance notice is.

Bklynbadboy12 · Answer

So they dont expect an emergency to happen this is real life and in real life shit happens. What the penalty if you dont show up

Shiprex · Answer

Get some rest since it's Sunday and have a warm sweet drink before bed then wake up full of the spirit of life.

Anonymous · Answer

We don't allow sick people around where I work and they will send you home. They won't penalize you for being sick though, that's ridiculous and probably illegal.

Staximus · Answer

You do not have to give 48 hours notice to take sick time off. It's illegal in the US to require an employee to do that. You can call an attorney.

dudeinohio · Answer

You could always go in and go home sick after a while.

Xawyx-2 · Answer

Yes you should, you need to rest and heal yourself, besides, you could infect other people if you go to work.

Sal_Monella · Answer

If you feel unable to work, yes. But if you talk to then, remind them that you could infect others and affect their work.

nawtee_me · Answer

It is a tough call but sucking it up will help in the long run. You can do it, I have faith in you….

RedInnocent69 · Answer

If it’s legit, you shouldn’t risk exposing your co-workers

Miristheiss · Answer

A cold?  A cold? Wow.

Slim57 · Answer

Me and my girlfriend had to do the same yesterday even though we didn't want to if we could help it

Jennz6 · Answer

Don’t spread it to other people

Flower7 · Answer

Sounds like you made a good decision.

eagle1951 · Answer

yeah

Should I call out of work tomorrow due to being very sick with a cold even though I will be penalized for it?

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