Phoning in sick
Does anyone else find phoning in sick quite an ordeal?
I have to do this tomorrow, and I am dreading it. I don't like making phone calls in the first place, but I also feel a great sense of guilt and unease, even though I am genuinely ill and need the time off (and, incidentally, have not had any time off sick since March). I think part of what I fear is that my boss will think I am not genuine, though I don't have any real grounds for this fear.
One job I had was a lot easier in this respect, as it was acceptable to call in early and leave a message on the machine. But it is a requirement of my current work that you report sickness directly to the manager. And she always asks exactly what is wrong with you. Being quizzed like this about my symptoms makes me feel very nervous. While I tell her what's wrong I keep thinking how unconvincing I must sound.
I also feel a more specific guilt because of the nature of my work as a one-to-one support worker. I know it is very destabilizing for my supportee when I am off sick, particularly as it is often not possible to arrange cover immediately, and she can miss out on activities as a result. Still, I am only human. I also know from experience that working through significant illness is not a very good idea in this job. If I am below par and unable to give off such good vibes as usual, she picks up on this and tends to become more demanding, which in turn makes me more exhausted and unable to keep up a buoyant, cheerful demeanour. And what I fear most is becoming irritable with her, because that could really get me into trouble. (Part of my unofficial job description is to "never let a trace of irritation enter my voice". It's quite a heavy burden at times.)
So, all in all, I know that taking a few days off is the best course of action. But I still dread making that phone call in the morning.
I have to do this tomorrow, and I am dreading it. I don't like making phone calls in the first place, but I also feel a great sense of guilt and unease, even though I am genuinely ill and need the time off (and, incidentally, have not had any time off sick since March). I think part of what I fear is that my boss will think I am not genuine, though I don't have any real grounds for this fear.
One job I had was a lot easier in this respect, as it was acceptable to call in early and leave a message on the machine. But it is a requirement of my current work that you report sickness directly to the manager. And she always asks exactly what is wrong with you. Being quizzed like this about my symptoms makes me feel very nervous. While I tell her what's wrong I keep thinking how unconvincing I must sound.
I also feel a more specific guilt because of the nature of my work as a one-to-one support worker. I know it is very destabilizing for my supportee when I am off sick, particularly as it is often not possible to arrange cover immediately, and she can miss out on activities as a result. Still, I am only human. I also know from experience that working through significant illness is not a very good idea in this job. If I am below par and unable to give off such good vibes as usual, she picks up on this and tends to become more demanding, which in turn makes me more exhausted and unable to keep up a buoyant, cheerful demeanour. And what I fear most is becoming irritable with her, because that could really get me into trouble. (Part of my unofficial job description is to "never let a trace of irritation enter my voice". It's quite a heavy burden at times.)
So, all in all, I know that taking a few days off is the best course of action. But I still dread making that phone call in the morning.