Don't Feel Guilty For Taking Care of Yourself

[teawrecks]

It's a common feeling. You're sick, anywhere from coughing and sneezing with a sore throat to running to the bathroom every half hour because your stomach is extra sensitive.

You know you won't be a productive member of society, and you don't want to get anyone else sick. So you call off of work.

And you feel anxious. Ten-fold if it's on a Friday or Monday and you know the "playing hooky" assumption levels are high.

You are legitimately sick, you know you risk the health of others if you go into the office, but you still have that feeling of uncertainty in your gut.

"Maybe I should just go... avoid annoying the boss. Keep the peace."

Wrong.

Do not get out of bed, do not put pants on, do not pass go and collect $200.

You wrap that blanket even more tightly around you, you slide your phone off your bedside table, and you dial that office number.

You take responsibility for your health and tell them you won't be coming in that day.

"I'm sick"

"I have a stomach bug"

"It feels like the flu...but I will see you tomorrow, hopefully."

They may be temporarily annoyed, but when they realize that you're saving them at least one day of exposure to your newfound germs, they'll be thankful.

As someone with anxiety and constant stomach issues who used to deal with a boss threatening her job, I know how terrifying even THINKING about calling off can be.

But you are an adult. You were adult enough to secure employment, you are adult enough to cash a paycheck every pay period.

Be adult enough to take care of yourself and your health above worrying about the attitude you may or may not receive when you return to the office tomorrow.

Sincerely,

the girl laying in bed dealing with leftover anxiety from having just called off of work for the day.

[akadatank44]

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Once I start to even feel sick I stay home. Like I woke up with a sore throat and body aches on Monday morning and progressed into congestion I called in sick. Its now a day later and I'm almost back to normal. Once you feel sick it's important to stop it in its track and staying home sleeping is the best medicine. When you sleep your body releases proteins that fight against infections. When you go to work when your sick all you are doing is making that cold last longer and giving it to other people.

[Adigelunar]

thats good

[Saoirse_Nua]

Great point - I hate those heroes who go to work with something contagious and infect the whole building
Get better soon - You sound like a conscientious girl and your bosses will know that so wrap up well, look after yourself
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[bloodmountain1990]

Great take. It should really be common sense that people who are sick shouldn't come into work, especially with the flu or something contagious.

One of my friends had the flu the other day and his work still made him come in. It's like alright but don't complain if you or the rest of the employees get sick.

[Cccgala]

I agree because "health is wealth", they say.
I hope you'll get well as soon as possible.

[Skadouchebag]

I just got out of the hospital after week-and-a-half treatment for an exploding appendix. I got right back into things and focused on catching up.

[Anonymous]

Nah. I'm not a woman so I won't get away with that.

[HookedOnSalt]

Lol. Why are you still anxious?

[MissSakura]

excellent