I simply was never ill enough to go off sick. And I never feigned illness to avoid going to work. It helped that I always enjoyed my work and had no impulse to "throw a sickie" as most people do from time to time.
Which probably made me a tiresome goody-goody who embarrassed the genuinely sick and made them look as if they were faking it.
There are people out there who take pride in turning up at work even if they're at death's door, but I wouldn't have gone that far myself. Why flog yourself for the sake of appearances?
My lack of sick leave doesn't mean I'm in favour of tight restrictions on sick leave. People can't help falling ill. Allowance should obviously be made for major illness, especially serious female illnesses like endometriosis and fibromyalgia, or for severe period pain. Too often women are expected to just "put up with a bit of pain".
And of course companies should provide for sick leave. The increasing tendency for some firms to deny holiday leave or sick pay is outrageous.
I probably wouldn't get sick as much as I do if my grandson wasn't picking up every germ and virus from other kids at school and bringing back home to everyone. lol
ReplyDeleteMary: I hadn't thought of that. Jenny and I don't have any children so we avoid that particular hazard.
DeleteOne of my pet peeves during my working years was people who wouldn't call in sick when they were contagious so everyone else in the office got sick, too.
ReplyDeleteLinda
Linda: Yes, that used to annoy me as well. Luckily I never caught anything too nasty.
DeleteI didn't get sick often, but it did happen. I agree, the attitude of just put on a brave front and show up just makes others ill.
ReplyDeleteSandra: It's very selfish to let others get infected with whatever germs you happen to be carrying around.
Deletewell nick, if I'm sick or feeling unwell with flu, I call in and stay at home. I don't see why I should become a hercules of the workplace and I think it's an unhealthy culture when a big deal is made of it. Obviously excluding taking the biscuit.
ReplyDeleteLiam.
Liam: Good for you. As you say, why play Hercules and risk infecting everyone else?
DeleteNick, I have a quite good health and was never really sick. Just now I have big eye problems and wait for a corneal transplant before getting completely blind.The waiting list is long .
ReplyDeleteHannah
Hannah: Gosh, I'm sorry to hear about your cornea problem. I hope you don't have to wait too long for a transplant. So Germany, like the UK, also has an under-performing health service?
DeleteNick, no as I am in Berlin the Charité hospital is one of the best you can find in Europe. As the corneal transplant
ReplyDeletecomes from donors who before their death agreed to donate. So as there not sufficient donors the waiting list is long.aslor kidneys or heaä It takes between 6 months and 1 year with a little luck.And the surgeon (a professor woman) is internationally known as one of the best specialists for corneal transplant worldwide. A very nice person who listen to the question and answering in taking time. For this I'm happy. Saîd hopes that after my view is correct so that I can read again. He is anit fed up in re
Hannah: Yes, I gathered you had to wait for someone to donate a cornea, which could take a while. Glad to know the surgeon has such a good reputation. I hope you will be able to read easily again. Not being able to read must be quite depressing.
DeleteOh Nick it's messed up when taping. Really sorry.
ReplyDeleteHannah
Hannah, no worries!
DeleteNick, Saïd reads the newspapers and in the evening the book I chose. He is a bit fed my poor husband. I loved to read and write so I have a big hope that these transplants will give me back a good view. Fingers crossed. Thanks for your nice words.
DeleteHannah
Hannah: Yes, I hope the operation enables you to read again. At least you can be read to. Fed? Do you mean fed up?
Delete